Taupo is a stunning town known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're skiing on the slopes, eating the delicious cuisine, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Taupo that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Taupo?
You should plan to spend around $128 (NZ$216) per day on your vacation in Taupo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $41 (NZ$69) on meals
- $25 (NZ$42) on local transportation
- $124 (NZ$209) on hotels
A one week trip to Taupo for two people costs, on average, $1,791 (NZ$3,024). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$896
NZ$1,512
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,791
NZ$3,024
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One Month
Per person
$3,838
NZ$6,480
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,791
NZ$3,024
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,583
NZ$6,048
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One Month
For a couple
$7,677
NZ$12,960
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Taupo cost?
A one week trip to Taupo usually costs around $896 (NZ$1,512) for one person and $1,791 (NZ$3,024) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Taupo on average costs around $1,791 (NZ$3,024) for one person and $3,583 (NZ$6,048) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Taupo will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Taupo on average costs around $3,838 (NZ$6,480) for one person and $7,677 (NZ$12,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Taupo expensive to visit?
Taupo is a popular town among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Taupo can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $55 (NZ$93) per day, mid-range travelers spend $128 (NZ$216) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $257 (NZ$434) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Taupo.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Taupo is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Wellington or Queenstown.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Taupo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Taupo?
The average Taupo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Taupo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Taupo cost?
Taupo on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$28
(NZ$47)
|
$62
(NZ$105)
|
$105
(NZ$177)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$10
(NZ$16)
|
$25
(NZ$42)
|
$65
(NZ$110)
|
|
Food 2
|
$17
(NZ$28)
|
$41
(NZ$69)
|
$94
(NZ$158)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$14
(NZ$24)
|
$34
(NZ$58)
|
$75
(NZ$127)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
(NZ$5-14)
|
$7-20
(NZ$11-33)
|
$15-46
(NZ$26-77)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Taupo. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $55 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Taupo features plenty of hostels, including Finlay Jacks Backpackers and Haka House Taupo. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. For visitors to Taupo, food is often a highlight, but budget travelers frequently choose street food or cook in their hostels, which may limit their experience of the local culinary delights.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Taupo will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $128 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Taupo. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. The Reef Resort - Heritage Collection is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Alpine Lake Motor Lodge is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Taupo here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $257 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the town, prepare for a pricier experience.
Accommodation Budget in Taupo
The hotel prices in Taupo might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $122, but during peak summer or winter season, expect to pay around $228. Prices vary from $64 to $616, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Taupo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $124 (NZ$209). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $62 (NZ$105) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Taupo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Taupo include:
- Boulevard Waters Motor Lodge starting at $133
- The Reef Resort - Heritage Collection starting at $143
- Alpine Lake Motor Lodge starting at $88
- Gables Lakefront Motel starting at $117
- Cascades Lakefront Motel starting at $113
Taupo's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the town, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.
Taupo is known as a family-friendly town, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.
By skipping summer or winter and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
As ski season arrives, be prepared for price increases, so make sure to book in advance. Popular spots with easy access to the slopes can fill up quickly and may cost more.
Transportation Budget in Taupo
Public transit in Taupo is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
In certain neighborhoods, Taupo is walkable, making it simple to explore the attractions. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $25 (NZ$42) per person, per day, on local transportation in Taupo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Taupo is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$25
NZ$42
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- From Shuttle Transfer for Tongariro Alpine Crossing for $76 details
- Private Transfer to Tongariro Alpine Crossing From Auckland for $327 details
How much does it cost to go to Taupo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Taupo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Taupo
Food in Taupo is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Taupo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Taupo is $41 (NZ$69) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$41
NZ$69
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Taupo is around $41 (NZ$69) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $94. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Taupo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $16
- Dinner: $12 to $28
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Taupo, and its surrounding towns have a reputation for great fishing. In fact, Turangi, a town south of Taupo, has distinguished itself as the trout capital of the world. Hence, seafood is a must while visiting Taupo. The Lazy Trout cafe is a known favorite that serves freshly prepared seafood and has a stunning view of the lake. It is located on the first floor of the Wellesley Hotel.
Make sure you try some Taupo Beef, which is in very high demand throughout Taupo. The farmers have won awards for their grass-fed, free-range beef as well as their efforts to protect the water quality of Lake Taupo. The beef is all over local restaurants and hotels in the area.
Try some of New Zealand's famous Manuka Honey for free! The Huka Honey Hive offers free tastings of honey as well as liqueurs and fruit wines.
When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Taupo
The reason people visit Taupo is clear, as it offers skiing, family-friendly activities, romance, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Taupo typically cost an average of $34 (NZ$58) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$34
NZ$58
There are too many scenic spots in Taupo to name, but here are a few of the main sights to see while visiting. The Huka Falls are absolutely incredible; they are about a kilometer from Taupo and can be reached by bus. The falls transport water from Lake Taupo into the Waikato River (New Zealand's longest river). There is a bridge above the falls for close up viewing of the powerful water plummeting down into a pool that is 11 meters below.
In Mine Bay of Lake Taupo, there are rock carvings of the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori's. The carvings can only be reached by kayak or boat, which makes it all the more exciting to see.
There are quite a few geothermal pools throughout New Zealand, but one of the most impressive is just outside Taupo, called Craters of the Moon.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a fraction of one of New Zealand's Great Walks called the Tongariro Northern Circuit. This day hike takes you over the terrain of Mount Tongariro, which is an active volcano with many craters. The hike is about 12 miles round trip and is worth every step for what you will find at the summit. Once at the summit, you will be able to look out to a number of crystal blue lakes, which have the unique color due to minerals from surrounding rock.
Immerse yourself in New Zealand culture by visiting a replica Maori village. It is called Wairakei Terraces and is just north of Taupo. You will witness and even be a part of a traditional Maori introduction ceremony where your host will evaluate the nature of your visit. You may find it slightly frightening at times as a warrior approaches you with his most threatening facial features and primal cries. There are also natural hot thermal pools here that you might want to visit after the thrilling cultural experience in the Maori village.
Jet boats are a huge attraction in Taupo, and in many other parts of New Zealand. The jet boat in Taupo takes you along rivers lined with lush forests and eventually takes you right up to the base of the Huka Falls that were mentioned above. This is a thrilling high-speed activity with 360-degree spins incorporated as well.
The Spa Park Hot Pools are free to the public to soak in. There is a walking path in the park, and the pools get hotter and hotter the further up you go. Just remember to respect this natural beauty and bring everything out that you brought in.
Skiing:
One of the top reasons people visit Taupo is for its amazing skiing and snowboarding. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.
Hiking:
Hiking in and around Taupo is absolutely fantastic. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.
A nice way to explore destinations in Taupo is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvelous Circus for $22 details
- Escape Room Experience Taupo - Cabin in the Woods for $22 details
- Great Lake Trail Lake Taupo 2-Day Mountain Biking Tour for $95 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Taupo, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
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Bungy Jumping
NZ$255
-
Jet Boating
NZ$95
Nightlife Budget in Taupo
While Taupo features some nightlife activities, it doesn't reach the excitement levels of other, more renowned destinations. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $13 (NZ$22) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Taupo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
NZ$22
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Taupo, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Travel cost data last updated: Feb 9, 2024
Traveling in Taupo
Tupou Bay, New Zealand
Taupo is a town located in the center of the North Island, situated on the shores of Lake Taupo, which is New Zealand's largest lake. It is also the caldera of the Taupo Volcano. It has a population of 23,700 people and is visited by many people interested in fishing, boating, and other water activities. There are many hiking and biking trails that take you around the water as well.
Neighborhoods & Around
The Tongariro River is nearby Taupo, and should definitely be visited on your trip in New Zealand. You can raft, fish, hike, and much more. The famous Tongariro Crossing track is well worth hiking, read on for more information on this track.
Turangi is a town on the west bank of the river and is known to the Kiwi's (New Zealander's call themselves Kiwi's FYI) as the trout fishing capital of the world.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.