Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Taupo?

Q: Is one day enough time in Taupo?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the stunning town of Taupo, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the snow skiing, the hiking, the cuisine, and the small town charm. You'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around two to three days for their visit to the mountains here. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Taupo?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Taupo, New Zealand? Most people spend two to three days in Taupo during their visit. After all, the stunning town will let you hit the ski slopes, discover the nearby hiking trails, taste delicious cuisine, and soak up the small town charm.

Taupo is a town in the middle of New Zealand's North Island. It is surrounded by stunning natural areas that are amazing to explore. There are also water activities, adventures for thrill seekers, and countless activities on the lake. During the winter months you can enjoy skiing.

Do you have one or two days to visit Taupo? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Taupo?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the stunning town of Taupo, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the snow skiing, the hiking, the cuisine, and the small town charm. You'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around two to three days for their visit to the mountains here. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Taupo

The winter season revolves around snow skiing, so it's highly recommended to spend at least one day on the slopes. 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.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. 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.

Public transit in Taupo is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. 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.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Taupo?

The town of Taupo boasts plenty of sights and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. So with a weekend, you'll probably feel rushed to experience the ambiance of the town as well as the surrounding vistas and hiking trails. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the stunning town has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have two to three days to fully enjoy the activities in the area. If you have a weekend or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

Tupou Bay, New Zealand

How to spend 2 days in Taupo

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Taupo will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

Don't miss the Craters of the Moon reserve during your trip to Taupo, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. 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.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Taupo, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.