Top choice in Taupo
Ten kilometres south of Taupō, these five 1920s-style beach shacks are beautifully modern inside and ideally positioned for swimming, fishing and superb sunsets. Pick of the bunch are the two absolute-lakefront units (rooms 3 and 4), but all have lake access, sociable communal areas and free use of rowboats, SUPs and kayaks. All units have kitchenettes, or you can fire up the shared barbecues.
Fishing-rod hire is also available (half/full day $20/30).
9.58 MILES
The Waikato, New Zealand’s longest river, squeezes through a narrow chasm at Huka Falls, making the dramatic 11m drop into a surging crystal-blue…
21.97 MILES
Tucked away from other more popular thermal fields, Orakei Korako is (since the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces, at least) arguably NZ's most…
6.98 MILES
This small but fascinating museum has an excellent Māori gallery and quirky displays, which include a 1960s caravan set up as if the occupants have just…
5.3 MILES
Accessible only by boat or kayak, these 14m-high carvings were etched into the cliffs near Mine Bay by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the…
12.22 MILES
Two kilometres off SH5, this gorge was a spectacular part of the Waikato River until a hydroelectric dam was plonked across the waterway, shutting off the…
9.92 MILES
This geothermal area sprang to life when hydroelectric tinkering around the power station in 1958 caused water levels to fall. The pressure shifted,…
Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
11.87 MILES
This thermal walk (1.8km) on a secluded property explores the steaming banks of the Wairakei Stream and the deep pit of the Witches Cauldron. Kids will…
Tongariro National Trout Centre
21.49 MILES
Around 4km south of Tūrangi, this DOC-managed trout centre has a hatchery, an underwater viewing chamber, a museum with polished educational displays, a…
5.3 MILES
Accessible only by boat or kayak, these 14m-high carvings were etched into the cliffs near Mine Bay by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the…
6.11 MILES
At the end of the long town beach are patches of warm water right in front of a car park. It’s no Coromandel, but have a dig and you might find some…
6.98 MILES
This small but fascinating museum has an excellent Māori gallery and quirky displays, which include a 1960s caravan set up as if the occupants have just…
9.58 MILES
The Waikato, New Zealand’s longest river, squeezes through a narrow chasm at Huka Falls, making the dramatic 11m drop into a surging crystal-blue…
9.64 MILES
Excellent spot to view spectacular Huka Falls. From the car park, cross the bridge and turn left.
9.92 MILES
This geothermal area sprang to life when hydroelectric tinkering around the power station in 1958 caused water levels to fall. The pressure shifted,…
7. Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
11.87 MILES
This thermal walk (1.8km) on a secluded property explores the steaming banks of the Wairakei Stream and the deep pit of the Witches Cauldron. Kids will…
12.22 MILES
Two kilometres off SH5, this gorge was a spectacular part of the Waikato River until a hydroelectric dam was plonked across the waterway, shutting off the…