Explore Taupo

The Lake Motel provides ideal central Taupo accommodation for year round sporting, outdoor, adventure and cultural activities.

On the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, in the heart of the North Island, lies the 25,000 strong township of Taupo. Taupo is surrounded by beautiful forests, rivers, National Park and mountains with snowy peaks in the winter.

Taupo is a hub for exciting events and activities all year round, while it’s location provides great access to popular NZ destinations including the Hawkes Bay, Coromandel, Auckland, Wellington and Bay of Plenty.

Approximately a three hour drive from Auckland and a four hour drive from Wellington, its central North Island location makes it easy to justify day trips to the Hawkes Bay region or the many lakes of Rotorua to the north.

Lake Taupo also lies north of the Tongariro National Park. The mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro are but a 60 minute drive from Taupo, making the town a great winter destination for tourists.

In the winter, Mt. Ruapehu boasts a thriving ski culture, while in the summer, the Tongariro national park offers a wide variety of walking tracks and mountain huts for tourists to visit.

In summer, Lake Taupo attracts thousands of tourists to its shores, to holiday on the Lake, and to experience the rich dining culture of the Taupo township. Rain or shine, Taupo is a town that you do not want to miss.

Below are just some of the activities you can enjoy which are easily accessible from The Lake Motel.

Quick Guide

Our short guide on falling in love with Taupo, finding things to do around the lake town, and making the most of your stay with us here in the heart of New Zealand.

The Lake Motel - Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo

Only a 5minute walk from The Lake Motel. Swim, fish for trout, para sail or kayak on the clear waters of Lake Taupo.

The Lake Motel - Golf Taupo

Golf Taupo

A top international golf course is 10 minutes drive away and several smaller courses lie close by. Take some time out on the green.

The Lake Motel - Cycle Taupo

Cycle Taupo

We have two bicycles (with helmets) available for guest use to see Taupo and surrounding areas on it’s many cycle tracks.

The Lake Motel - Adventure Taupo

Adventure Taupo

Try a bungy jump, a skydive, jet boat ride, hot air balloon ride, 4×4 motorbiking or mountain biking nearby at Taupos’ Adventure spots.

The Lake Motel - Walk Taupo

Walk Taupo

A range of walks and hikes from the Tongariro Crossing (the best one day walk in NZ) to a 1 hour walk around the “craters of the Moon”.

The Lake Motel - Daytrip Taupo

Daytrip Taupo

Take a day trip or two to the Hawkes Bay wine region (Napier, Havelock North or Hastings), the Waitomo glow-worm caves or Rotorua.

The lake motel - Ski&Snow

Ski & Snow Taupo

An hour and a half away are NZ’s largest ski fields Whakapapa and Turoa. Ski or snowboard in winter, hike in summer.

The Lake Motel - Local Attractions

Local Attractions

New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction Huka Falls is just 10 minutes drive away with gentle walks and jet boating also nearby.

The Lake Motel - Wine & Food

Wine & Food Taupo

Taupo offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants, bars and relaxed dining options to meet, eat and drink at throughout the day and night.