Guidebook for Waitahanui
Parks & Nature
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This is the major waterfall on the Waikato River and New Zealand's most visited attraction.
205 locals recommend
Huka Falls station
This is the major waterfall on the Waikato River and New Zealand's most visited attraction.
35ha reserve combining alpine and native plants and flowering shrubs with lots of little paths that children love to explore Gates open daily.
24 locals recommend
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Shepherd Road35ha reserve combining alpine and native plants and flowering shrubs with lots of little paths that children love to explore Gates open daily.
The giant Mine Bay Māori rock carving of Ngātoroirangi on Lake Taupō has been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Māori artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupō, the carving has become one of the North Island’s biggest tourist attractions. Why not take a sunset cruise out to the carvings?
30 locals recommend
Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
Mine BayThe giant Mine Bay Māori rock carving of Ngātoroirangi on Lake Taupō has been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Māori artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupō, the carving has become one of the North Island’s biggest tourist attractions. Why not take a sunset cruise out to the carvings?
Follow Acacia Bay Rd to the road end carpark. Begin on the Rangatira Point Track. Turn right at the first junction. An easy graded track runs through the bush beside the lake around to Whakamoenga Point. Good views across the lake from many points along the walkway. Takes about an hour. The Rangatira and Whakamoenga Point tracks can be walked together (2.5 hrs return)
Whakamoenga Point
Whakamoenga PointFollow Acacia Bay Rd to the road end carpark. Begin on the Rangatira Point Track. Turn right at the first junction. An easy graded track runs through the bush beside the lake around to Whakamoenga Point. Good views across the lake from many points along the walkway. Takes about an hour. The Rangatira and Whakamoenga Point tracks can be walked together (2.5 hrs return)
Check out www.visitruapehu.com for great walks around the Tongariro National Park.
67 locals recommend
Mount Ruapehu
Check out www.visitruapehu.com for great walks around the Tongariro National Park.
Essentials
PAK'nSAVE
131 Ruapehu StLiquid Self Service Laundromats
15 Oruanui StTaupo Hospital
38 Kōtare StTaupo Medical Centre
117 Te Heuheu StTaupo Medical Centre
117 Te Heuheu StFood Scene
The Brantry Restaurant
45 Rifle Range RdNice and consistently good food.
Plateau Bar + Eatery
64 Tūwharetoa StAnother good restaurant with consistently good food.
MALABAR Nepalese & Indian Cuisine
40 Tūwharetoa StGood Indian restaurant. Not too expensive.
The place to be seen on a Friday night. Good food but we have found sometimes not consistently good, but worth a try and it is also a bar.
100 locals recommend
Vine Eatery & Bar
37 Tūwharetoa StThe place to be seen on a Friday night. Good food but we have found sometimes not consistently good, but worth a try and it is also a bar.
Nice small Thai restaurant. Inexpensive and good food.
18 locals recommend
@Siam Thai Street Food Cafe
22 Te Heuheu StNice small Thai restaurant. Inexpensive and good food.
Creel Lodge
183 Taupahi RdVery pretty drive to Turangi from Taupo and a cute cafe/gift shop.
The Storehouse
14 Runanga StGreat place, good vibes.
Body Fuel Cafe
67 Tongariro StGreat option of Vegetarian, Vegan and Paleo food.
The Bistro
17 Tamamutu StDixie Browns
38 Roberts StIncredible India Restaurant & Bar
19 Pāora Hapi StWe think this is the best Indian in town
Everything Else
A huge hyrdo-electric power station and dam. Gates o pen and water released daily at 10 am, 12, and 4 pm. Signposted off SH5, Stay out of the rapids - DO NOT ENTER, SWIM OR KAYAK IN THIS AREA.
36 locals recommend
Aratiatia Dam
155 Rapids RdA huge hyrdo-electric power station and dam. Gates o pen and water released daily at 10 am, 12, and 4 pm. Signposted off SH5, Stay out of the rapids - DO NOT ENTER, SWIM OR KAYAK IN THIS AREA.
Taupo Skatepark
Tauhara RoadIdeal for children.
Taupo Mini Golf
11 Northcroft StGreat mini golf
Hole in One Taupo
61 Lake TerraceTry your hand at getting a "hole in one" on the lake.
Wairakei Terraces
671 State Hwy 1Thermal hot pools for adults only.
Entertainment & Activities
Free entry to the trout centre. Visitor centre/freshwater aquarium entry $15 for adults but accompanied children free. open daily from 10am to 3 pm.
32 locals recommend
Tongariro National Trout Centre
257 State Hwy 1Free entry to the trout centre. Visitor centre/freshwater aquarium entry $15 for adults but accompanied children free. open daily from 10am to 3 pm.
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
76 Napier-Taupo RoadThermal hot pools - slides for the children
The Landing Lake Taupo
650 Lake TerraceLots to do for families, includes mini golf
Arts & Culture
Taupo Museum
4 Story Pl