Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Taupo?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 striking 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Taupo?

For many visitors, three days in Taupo would be just the right amount of time to take in the scenery of the town and surrounding mountains. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to three days in the striking town to check out the amazing snow skiing and terrific hiking. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here, especially for families, couples, and backpackers.

How to spend 3 days 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.

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.

Known for it's hiking, Taupo sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.

Taupo is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

A few tour suggestions include:

Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo ($88)
Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride from Taupo ($87)

Is 4 days enough time in Taupo?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Taupo has to offer such as the scenic town and gorgeous mountains. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the snow skiing, the hiking, the cuisine, and the small town charm at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, especially for families, couples, and backpackers. You can also take a day trip to nearby mountain towns if you're looking to explore further around the area.

Tupou Bay, New Zealand

How to spend 4 days in Taupo

Having 4 days in Taupo will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

The small-town atmosphere of Taupo is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a lakefront town with bustling markets and an active outdoor scene. During the summer visitors flock to the lake and water activities and in the winter there is skiing in the area.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Taupo.

Is 5 days enough time in Taupo?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Taupo, including the town and mountains. You'll be able to move at your own pace, relax at your hotel or nearby restaurants and parks. You could also use Taupo as a base for exploring the surrounding mountain areas. Take the extra time to hit the ski slopes, discover the nearby hiking trails, taste delicious cuisine, and soak up the small town charm over multiple days. Also, explore some of the smaller nearby mountain towns on day trips.

How to spend 5 days in Taupo

With 5 days in Taupo, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

Shopping in Taupo is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

More Info

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