Kia ora! Hello!

So you have a trip to Aotearoa New Zealand planned or are day dreaming about heading there? Make sure you do a stop in Taupo along the way! I’ve curated this list to save you time on your trip, good luck and enjoy.

Some of my recommendations:

1. Huka Falls - The Waikato River is the longest within the country and the only one that runs North. It is also the home of 11 power plants and provides power to 65% of the North Island. The Huka Falls has multiple walks (short and long - catering for all) to enjoy, and is incredibly beautiful due to the colouring of the water and the river turning turbulent at the falls, with an 11metre drop.

2. Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa - 3 geothermal hot pools ranging in temperatures, and the best part is it is adults only! Check out grabone website for one of the deals that seems to always be running, allows you to pay only half price. Have been here several times now and a trip to Taupo isn’t complete without stopping in for a hot soak.

3. Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings - There are multiple companies on TripAdvisor offering sailing, kayaking or water ski trips out to this beautiful carving. We took a sailing option that was roughly 2hours return in September when it was a little chilly and the water was rough when you got near the carvings, it isn’t for those that get seasick! If that is the case, ensure you go out on a calmer day!

4. Waterfront - I love the waterfront for the views, food options and the multiple sculptures. On a nice clear day you can see on the other side of the lake the mountains covered with snow. Heaps of restaurants with indoor/outdoor flow, making them really nice spots to stop for a bite and drink for a couple hours. Over the last couple years they have made some changes to the waterfront by removing the parking along the first street and turning it into a great spot to walk through and stop to look at the view or the multiple sculptures that have been installed.

5. Desert Road - 1hour drive south of Taupo is the Desert Road which I personally find really beautiful. Again, you can see the mountains covered in snow, the red dirt throughout the area and the rugged hills with some great spots to stop and take pictures.

   Haere rā! Goodbye!