The best hotels in Taupo
New Zealand's adventure capital sits on a volcanic lake the size of Singapore. We reviewed 150+ Taupo accommodation options. These 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Taupo
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
All Seasons Holiday Park Taupo
Lakefront, Taupo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Hot Springs, Taupo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Bayview Wairakei Resort Taupo
Wairakei Tourist Park, Wairakei
Free cancellation & Pay later
Acacia Cliffs Lodge
Acacia Bay, Taupo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort
Spa Road, Taupo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Huka Lodge Annexe at Suncourt Hotel
Town Centre, Taupo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa
Wairakei Valley, Wairakei
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All Seasons Holiday Park Taupo | Lakefront, Taupo | $45–80/night | 7.6/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort | Hot Springs, Taupo | $75–110/night | 8.1/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Bayview Wairakei Resort Taupo | Wairakei Tourist Park, Wairakei | $110–175/night | 8.3/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Acacia Cliffs Lodge | Acacia Bay, Taupo | $130–190/night | 8.7/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 5 | The Reef Resort | Lakefront, Taupo | $140–200/night | 8.5/10 | Best Location |
| 6 | Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort | Spa Road, Taupo | $105–160/night | 8/10 | Family Friendly |
| 7 | Huka Lodge Annexe at Suncourt Hotel | Town Centre, Taupo | $120–175/night | 7.9/10 | Business Pick |
| 8 | Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa | Wairakei Valley, Wairakei | $160–230/night | 8.6/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 9 | Huka Lodge | Huka Falls, Taupo | $950–1 400/night | 9.6/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Hilton Lake Taupo | Lakefront, Taupo | $280–420/night | 9.1/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
All Seasons Holiday Park Taupo
This holiday park sits close to the northern shore of Lake Taupo, giving budget travellers easy access to the water without paying premium rates. Cabins and powered sites are well maintained and the shared facilities are kept clean. The location on Centennial Drive puts you within walking distance of the town centre. It works well for backpackers and families on tight budgets. Do not expect luxury, but the value for money is hard to beat in this town.
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Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Sitting on Napier-Taupo Road just outside the town centre, DeBretts is built around natural hot spring pools that are the real reason to stay here. The motel-style rooms are modest and nothing special on their own, but access to the thermal pools around the clock changes the whole picture. Families tend to love the waterslides and shallow kids pools. The on-site cafe is convenient though not exceptional. For the price and the geothermal experience combined, this place punches well above its weight.
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Bayview Wairakei Resort Taupo
Set on Wairakei Road about eight kilometres north of Taupo town, this large resort property is surrounded by geothermal steam vents and native bush. Rooms are spacious and the resort layout feels like a proper escape from town. The golf course on site is a genuine drawcard for visitors coming specifically to play. The restaurant delivers solid New Zealand cuisine with local produce featured prominently. It suits couples and golf travellers more than city-focused tourists who want to walk everywhere.
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Acacia Cliffs Lodge
Acacia Cliffs Lodge sits above Acacia Bay on the western side of Lake Taupo, away from the main tourist strip. The views across the lake to the volcanic plateau are genuinely impressive, especially from the upper deck rooms. It is a smaller property so service feels personal and attentive. The drive into town takes about ten minutes which suits guests who prefer quiet surroundings over walkability. Breakfast is included and well prepared with local ingredients.
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The Reef Resort
The Reef Resort is positioned directly on the lakefront along Lake Terrace, one of the most desirable strips in Taupo. Apartments are self-contained with full kitchens, making this a strong choice for families or longer stays. The lake views from the front-facing apartments are excellent and worth paying extra for. Town centre restaurants and cafes are a short flat walk away. The building is not new but rooms are well maintained and practical.
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Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort
Located on Centennial Drive near the Waikato River outlet, this holiday park offers cabin accommodation alongside powered sites. The playground and pool area keep children entertained while parents use the well-equipped kitchen facilities. Cabins range from basic to more comfortable self-contained units with the better options sitting in the mid-range bracket. The riverside setting gives the property a pleasant natural feel. Staff are friendly and local knowledge on fishing and activities is freely shared.
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Huka Lodge Annexe at Suncourt Hotel
Suncourt Hotel on Northcroft Street is one of the larger conventional hotels in central Taupo, catering well to conference and business travellers. The rooms are clean and functional with reliable wifi and proper work desks. The central location means everything in town is walkable including the lakefront promenade. The on-site restaurant is competent and convenient for late arrivals. It lacks character compared to boutique options but delivers consistency that repeat visitors appreciate.
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Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa
Sitting alongside the silica terraces on Wairakei Road, this property combines accommodation with access to one of the more atmospheric thermal spa experiences in the central North Island. The rooms are well appointed and the surrounding landscape is unlike anything in the mainstream town. Couples visiting for the thermal pools and the unique geothermal scenery tend to rate it highly. The drive to Taupo town centre is short but the property feels completely removed from it. Spa treatments are available on site and worth booking in advance.
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Huka Lodge
Huka Lodge on Huka Falls Road is widely regarded as one of the finest lodge properties in New Zealand and its reputation is fully deserved. The property sits beside the Waikato River a few kilometres upstream from the famous Huka Falls, surrounded by immaculate gardens and native trees. Each suite is individually furnished to a very high standard with exceptional attention to detail. The lodge includes all meals, activities and drinks in the rate, creating a genuinely all-inclusive experience. Guests include visiting heads of state and the service standard reflects that history.
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Hilton Lake Taupo
The Hilton Lake Taupo occupies a historic building on Napier Road right at the edge of Lake Taupo, blending original colonial architecture with modern amenities. The lake-facing rooms offer some of the most direct water views available in any hotel in town. The restaurant and bar area are popular with locals as well as guests, which keeps the atmosphere lively. The heated outdoor pool with lake views is a genuine highlight regardless of the season. Service standards are consistently high and the location for exploring both town and lake activities is excellent.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Taupo
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Huka Falls to Wairakei: The Northern Loop
Every visitor to Taupo should do the Huka Falls loop. Start at the falls car park (free), watch 220,000 liters per second explode through a 15-meter-wide gorge in electric blue water. Then walk the Huka Falls Track north along the Waikato River for 30 minutes to the Wairakei area.
Craters of the Moon geothermal park ($12 entry) sits 1km off the main road and takes 45 minutes to walk the boardwalk loop. Steam vents, mud pools, and native birds. Better than Rotorua's equivalent and a quarter of the price.
Wairakei Terraces is 5 minutes further north: silica terraces formed by geothermal runoff, hot pools, and a replica Maori village. Half-day combines nicely with a Huka Falls jetboat ($95, departs Taupo) that takes you under the falls from below.
Trout Fishing: Taupo's Other Identity
Lake Taupo has the world's most productive rainbow trout fishery outside Alaska. The Tongariro River, 50km south in Turangi, hosts the winter run that draws fly fishing pilgrims from New Zealand and abroad. Season runs year-round but peak trophy fishing is May-August.
A fishing license is mandatory ($20/day or $100/year from sporting goods stores or online). Hire a registered guide for the Tongariro River ($150-250 half-day): they carry the net, know the pools, and most provide gear. Self-guided lake trolling from $30 daily boat hire at the Taupo Marina.
No license required for guided trips under a licensed guide. The Suncourt Hotel in Taupo and most Turangi guesthouses know every fishing guide and can book you same-day.
Choosing Between Town and Wairakei
Taupo town center is for people who want restaurants and lake access on foot. The main strip has 15+ restaurants within 10 minutes walk of every lakefront hotel. Huka Falls is a 10-minute drive. For a 2-3 night trip covering Huka Falls, the lake, and some adventure activities, the town center position is right.
Wairakei is for people prioritizing geothermal spa and resort amenities. Bayview Wairakei has pools, a golf course, and the spa within the grounds. Driving into Taupo for dinner is 15 minutes. If you're coming for a quiet retreat rather than activities, Wairakei has the better setup.
Both areas require a car. The town center just means the car sits parked while you walk to dinner. Wairakei means using it every time you leave the resort.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Practical Logistics
The Crossing is 1 hour 10 minutes from Taupo by car (85km south on SH1 toward Turangi, then west on SH47). Shuttles depart Taupo at 6:30-8:30am, return from Ketetahi end from 2pm. Book shuttles the day before minimum: Paradise Shuttles ($35) and Mountain Safety shuttles both fill fast in summer.
Stay in Turangi (50km south of Taupo) the night before if you're taking the early shuttle. Budget motels in Turangi from $70, breakfast at The Sporting Life at 6am. The extra 50km saved on the morning of the hike is worth the marginal accommodation cost.
What to bring: 3 liters water (no reliable water source), waterproofs even on sunny forecasts, sunscreen, spikes if there's snow (hire at Taupo outdoor shops for $15). Start before 8am to avoid the afternoon crowd and wind on the summit. The summit (Red Crater, 1886m) is exposed and cold even in summer.
Budget Taupo: Getting the Most for Less
All Seasons Holiday Park and Taupo Top 10 are the budget leaders. Powered campervan sites from $45, basic cabins from $75. Both are on the lake's edge south of town with direct beach access. Taupo Top 10 has a pool, playground, and kitchen facilities that make it genuinely comfortable on a budget.
Huka Falls, the foreshore walkway, and Spa Thermal Park (free hot pools in the middle of town, heated by geothermal springs) cost nothing. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay require either a kayak ($30/hr hire) or a scenic boat tour ($35).
Supermarkets: Countdown in the town center has good deli and prepared food. A packed lunch for the Tongariro Crossing saves $15-20 vs. the cafe at the Ketetahi end.
The Free Spa Pool: Taupo's Secret
Spa Thermal Park, at the end of County Avenue next to the Waikato River, is completely free. Geothermal hot water pours directly into pools at the river's edge. Mix of hot channels and cooler river inflow creates a temperature-adjustable natural soak. Sunrise and evening are the times locals go.
The setup is basic: changing rooms, no towel hire, no facilities beyond the pools themselves. Bring your own towel. Arrive early on summer weekends as it fills. A 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the main lakefront hotels.
This beats any paid hot pool for the experience of soaking in naturally heated water next to a river. The rocks are rough underfoot so bring water shoes.
Taupo's best neighborhoods
Taupo sits at the northern end of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and one of the most active supervolcanic calderas on Earth. The town center is compact and walkable. Wairakei, 10km north, is the geothermal spa and golf resort corridor. Turangi, 50km south, serves anglers and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead.
Taupo Town Center & Lakefront 5 vetted hotels Walkable, restaurants on the doorstep, lake swimming and boat access.
Walkable, restaurants on the doorstep, lake swimming and boat access.
The main hotel strip runs along Lake Terrace and Tongariro Street facing the lake. Hilton Lake Taupo is the premium option here, right on the water with pool and spa. The Reef Resort and Acacia Cliffs Lodge sit just above the lake with views from private decks. From any of these you can walk to the marina, restaurants, and the free Spa Thermal Park in under 20 minutes.
The town is compact: one main street, a few side streets with cafes and gear shops, a foreshore walkway. Not glamorous but functional and well-positioned for activities. Bungy base, skydive check-in, and boat tours all operate from the lakefront.
Downside: summer weekends bring crowds. The main beach area near the Taupo Events Centre is busy from 10am. The quieter bay at Two Mile Bay (15 min walk south) is better for swimming.
Wairakei Resort Corridor 3 vetted hotels Geothermal spa country, quieter than town, 10 min drive to Taupo.
Geothermal spa country, quieter than town, 10 min drive to Taupo.
Wairakei is 10km north of Taupo on SH1. This is where Bayview Wairakei Resort and Wairakei Terraces operate, along with the Wairakei International Golf Course. The landscape is open farmland punctuated by steam vents from the geothermal fields below.
Huka Lodge sits at the entry point of Wairakei, on the Waikato River above Huka Falls. It's surrounded by 17 acres of riverside gardens and positioned 1km from the falls themselves. Guests have direct access via the Huka Falls Track walking trail.
Staying here means committing to either the resort's own restaurant or a drive to Taupo for dinner. There are no local restaurants or shops in Wairakei itself.
Turangi & Tongariro Crossing Base 1 vetted hotel Trout fishing capital, Tongariro Crossing gateway, 50km south of Taupo.
Trout fishing capital, Tongariro Crossing gateway, 50km south of Taupo.
Turangi is 50km south of Taupo on the Tongariro River. Primarily a fishing village, it serves the winter trout run that draws anglers from May-August. The town is small: one main street, a few motels, a supermarket.
For the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Turangi cuts 50km off the morning commute to the trailhead. Budget guesthouses from $70 make this a practical choice. The Tongariro River has brown and rainbow trout fishing year-round.
Not a destination in itself. Spend a night here en route to or from the Crossing, then move on. Tongariro National Park's Department of Conservation visitor center is 20 minutes west at Whakapapa Village.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Taupo.
romantic
Huka Lodge on the Waikato River is the most romantic property in New Zealand. Twenty secluded suites, gourmet dining, no phones in rooms. For a more affordable romantic option: Acacia Cliffs Lodge with private decks overlooking the lake at $130-180 per night.
family
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort is the family winner: geothermal pools, water slides, playground, and powered campervan sites for families with RVs. Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort has a proper pool and kitchen facilities. Both are on the lake, under $150 per family unit.
budget
Taupo Top 10 and All Seasons Holiday Park offer cabins from $75 on the lake. Add free Spa Thermal Park soaks, Huka Falls walks (free), and packed lunches from Countdown. A complete Taupo trip including the Tongariro Crossing shuttle can run $200-250 per person for 3 nights.
beach
Lake Taupo is swimmable November-March (18-22C surface temp). Two Mile Bay has the best calm water and a playground. Acacia Bay is shallower and warmer, good for young children. The lake is pumice-bottomed in places, wear water shoes. Mountain backdrop makes for dramatic scenery from the water.
culture
The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay (accessible by kayak or boat tour) are a significant cultural site: a 10-meter carved face etched into a lakeside cliff in 1979 by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell. Combine with the Wairakei Terraces replica Maori village for context on traditional geothermal use.
foodie
Brantry Restaurant on Gascoigne Street is Taupo's finest: local venison, lamb, and freshwater fish on a menu that changes with the seasons. Booking essential. For a casual version of NZ's farm-to-table produce, Plateau Bar and Eatery on Tongariro Street does lunch and dinner without the reservation requirement.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Taupo
When to visit Taupo and what to pay.
Summer (Dec-Feb)
School holidays and Christmas period bring Taupo to capacity. Lakefront hotels book out in December and January. The lake is warm enough for swimming, all activities operate daily, and Huka Falls jetboat runs multiple times a day. Book everything 4-6 weeks ahead. Prices are 40% higher than shoulder season.
Autumn (Mar-May)
Best combination of good weather and lower prices. March-April is ideal Tongariro Crossing weather: stable conditions, lower crowds than summer. Lake temperatures are still swimmable in March. Fishing season is good. Hotels drop 25-30% from summer rates.
Winter (Jun-Aug)
Cold but the volcanic landscape takes on a different quality with snow on Tongariro. Whakapapa Ski Area (45 minutes from Turangi) runs July-October. The Tongariro Crossing is only safe for experienced winter hikers in these months. Geothermal hot pools are far more appealing in cold weather. Lowest hotel prices of the year.
Spring (Sep-Nov)
Weather is unpredictable. Some weeks are stunning, others wet. October is the transition month: ski season ending on the mountains, summer warming starting on the lake. The Crossing opens for regular hikers from October once snow clears. Prices are competitive and accommodation is available without advance booking.
Booking Tips for Taupo
Insider tips for booking hotels in Taupo.
Book adventure activities before arrival
Taupo Bungy, skydive companies, and Tongariro Crossing shuttles all have online booking. In summer, these fill 2-3 days ahead. Booking the morning you arrive regularly results in disappointment. Weather cancellations do happen, but companies rebook same-day without penalty if conditions improve.
Free hot pools beat paid options
Spa Thermal Park at the end of County Avenue is completely free, geothermally heated, and located on the Waikato River. Go at sunrise (5am in summer) or 8pm when the weekend crowds thin. Taupo DeBretts charges $25 for adults. The free pools offer a comparable natural soak for zero cost.
Rent a kayak, don't pay for a boat tour
Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay are accessible by kayak ($30/hr hire at the Taupo Marina). A boat tour to the same destination costs $45-55. The kayak option takes 45 minutes each way and lets you set your own pace. Conditions are calm in the mornings, choppier after 2pm.
Get the Taupo fishing license before arriving
Fishing licenses for Lake Taupo and the Tongariro River cost $20/day or $100 annually. Buy online at fishandgame.org.nz before you arrive. Walk-in licenses are available at the iSite visitor center but there's often a queue in peak season. Without a license, the $500 fine from conservation officers negates any savings.
Weather at the Tongariro Crossing changes hourly
Check MetService NZ (metservice.com) for Tongariro-specific forecasts, not the Taupo town forecast. The 1900m summit can be 15 degrees colder with strong wind even on a warm valley day. The crossing regularly gets postponed mid-week when forecasts look fine on Sunday. Pack rain gear regardless.
Drive the east lake road to Hatepe
Most tourists drive the main highway. The eastern lake road through Waitahanui to Hatepe is less traveled, with better lake views, less traffic, and a few small fishing villages. Adds 20 minutes to a Taupo-Turangi drive. The Waitahanui Stream mouth is a famous fly fishing spot and worth a 10-minute stop.
Hotels in Taupo — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Taupo.
What is the best area to stay in Taupo?
The Taupo town center lakefront is the most convenient: restaurants, boat launches, and the bungy base are all walkable. Wairakei, 10km north, has the upscale resorts and geothermal spas but requires a car for everything. For the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, stay in Turangi (50km south, $60-90/night budget lodges) the night before your hike.
How much does a hotel in Taupo cost per night?
Holiday parks with powered sites start at $45. Standard motels on the lake run $80-140. Mid-range resorts like Bayview Wairakei or The Reef Resort average $110-190. Hilton Lake Taupo is $280-380. Huka Lodge, New Zealand's most awarded property, runs $950-1,800 for an all-inclusive lodge experience. Budget backpackers near town start at $35.
Do you need a car to stay in Taupo?
Yes. There is no reliable public transport in Taupo. A rental car is essential for reaching the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (1 hour drive), Huka Falls (10 minutes), Craters of the Moon (10 minutes), and the Wairakei geothermal area. Book a rental from Christchurch or Auckland airport or through InterCity shuttle for the Tongariro Crossing shuttle ($35 return).
When is the best time to visit Taupo?
November to April is the sweet spot. Summer (December-February) is warm at 22-28C, the lake is swimmable, and all activities run. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is safest October-May. Winter (June-August) sees 8-12C, occasional snow on the Tongariro mountains, and shoulder prices. Ski season at Whakapapa (45 minutes from Turangi) runs July-October.
Is Huka Lodge worth the price?
If you can afford $950+ per night, yes. Huka Lodge has hosted Queen Elizabeth II and multiple heads of state. Twenty riverside suites on the Waikato River, 10 minutes from Huka Falls. All-inclusive: gourmet meals, wine, and activities. The cheaper alternative for similar grounds access: Suncourt Hotel (a Huka Lodge annexe property) at $120-160 per night, no meals included.
What is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and how do I book it?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is rated New Zealand's best single-day hike: 19.4km across active volcanic terrain with emerald crater lakes and red lava fields. Takes 6-8 hours, no loop (shuttle required). Book the Tongariro Crossing Shuttles ($35 return) from Taupo or Turangi at least 3 days ahead in summer. Start before 8am. Weather cancels it regularly. Track has no shelter.
Can you swim in Lake Taupo?
Yes, the lake is swimmable from November to March when surface temperatures reach 18-22C. Main Taupo Beach is free and patrolled in summer. Two Mile Bay is less crowded with a playground. Acacia Bay on the west shore is warmer and shallower. The lake is fed by geothermal springs in places, creating warm patches. Wear shoes: the pumice lake bottom can be sharp.
What are the best free things to do in Taupo?
Huka Falls (10 minutes from town) is free: the most visited natural attraction in NZ, 220,000 liters per second through a narrow gorge. The Taupo foreshore walkway is free and takes 30 minutes lakeside. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay are accessible by kayak or boat (tours from $35). Craters of the Moon geothermal park charges $12 entry.
Which Taupo hotel has the best geothermal spa?
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort is the clear winner for geothermal spa access: natural hot pools on-site, slides, private thermal pools from $25 per session. Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa is quieter, set among silica terraces with more traditional thermal pool settings. Most mid-range hotels can book guests into these as day visitors.
Are there good restaurants near Taupo hotels?
The lake strip has 15+ restaurants within walking distance of most town-center hotels. Brantry is the best fine dining (booking essential). Plateau Bar and Eatery does good brunch. The Bistro is the reliable mid-range. For fish and chips: Taupo Fish Supply on the main street, $12-18 a box, take it to the lake. Wairakei resort area is self-contained with hotel dining only.
What adventure activities are available near Taupo hotels?
Taupo Bungy is $165 for the cliff-edge swing above the Waikato River, 10 minutes from town. Skydiving starts at $199 for 9,000ft (lake views on the way down). Trout fishing guide trips on the Waikato River cost $150-250 for half a day. Lake kayak hire runs $20-30 per hour. White water rafting on the Tongariro River (Grade 5) is $120-150, departs from Turangi.
Is Taupo good for families with young children?
Yes, well set up for families. Taupo DeBretts has slides and shallow pools for kids. Two Mile Bay has a good playground. The lake beach at Acacia Bay is safe for young swimmers. Craters of the Moon geothermal park has boardwalks suitable for strollers. Prawn Park (yes, a freshwater prawn fishing attraction) near Wairakei entertains children for $20-30 per hour.