At a Glance
- Visited – last time April 2025. Been several times.
- Location: Central North Island, 3.5 hours from Auckland, about 1 hour from Rotorua
- Best time to visit: Year-round, though summer (Dec-Feb) is best for the lake and winter (Jun-Aug) for Tongariro skiing
- How long to stay: 2 days for Taupo, plus a day if doing the Tongariro Crossing
- Best for: Families who enjoy lake activities, geothermal walks and, in winter, skiing
- Budget (family of 4): Moderate, many of Taupo’s best spots (Huka Falls, Hot Water Beach) are free, paid attractions aren’t as expensive as places like Queenstown or Rotorua. Ski passes can add up. But it’s like anywhere, if you spend on activities all day, every day, it will add up but general day to day, Taupo is one of the lesser expensive places.
- Getting there: Fly into Auckland, then drive or take a short domestic flight to Taupo
- Getting around: A car is needed to get between attractions
- Best area to stay: Central Taupo for the lakefront and walkability
- Family friendly rating: 9/10, easy lake days and heaps of activities or for those with older kids, tag on the Tongariro Crossing
Quick Picks
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Lake Taupo stretches 46mk from north to south, almost slap bang in the middle of the north island, making it an easy stop off for any itinerary around the north island. The township of the same name is a buzz of activity year-round with heaps of activities to keep the kids occupied. Ever looming in the distance is Mount Ruapehu, snow-capped long after winter’s finished, dominating Tongariro National Park.
That’s Taupo and Tongariro for you. A vast lake sitting on top of a supervolcano, paired with New Zealand’s most dramatic volcanic national park, about three-hours drive from Auckland.
We’ve stopped here many times before and it’s always one of the highlights of any roadtrip for the whole family.
This is our honest guide to Taupo with kids.
In This Article:
- What is Taupo like for families?
- When to visit Taupo with kids
- Getting to Taupo
- Getting around Taupo with kids
- Where to stay in Taupo with kids
- Where to eat in Taupo with kids
- Things to do in Taupo with kids
- Things to do in Tongariro National Park and Ruapehu with kids
- Costs and budget
- Is Taupo worth it for families?
- Frequently asked questions
What is Taupo Like for Families?
Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand – a caldera lake sitting on top of one of the world’s most active supervolcanoes. The surrounding region combines stunning lake scenery with the dramatic volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park, including the mighty Mount Ruapehu.
A beautiful base for several days – Lake Taupo is home to just 30,000 people but swells in Summer as locals and tourists alike come to take part in its many activities. Located in the centre of the North Island, it’s likely you will pass through no matter which route you’re taking.
From lake activities, farms, interactive science centres, natural sights, playgrounds and natural hot pools, there’s heaps to keep the kids occupied.
Home to three active volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) and Ruapehu – the national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes.
When to Visit Taupo with Kids
Summer (December to February) – Lake Season
Warm enough to swim at Taupo’s beaches and Hot Water Beach, but also the busiest and priciest time, especially over school holidays.
Autumn (March to May) – Quieter and Mild
Still pleasant for lake walks and Craters of the Moon, noticeably quieter than summer. Starting to get chilly come May.
Winter (June to August) – Ski Season at Ruapehu
Too cold for the lake, but this is when Whakapapa and Turoa open for skiing and snowboarding, and Tokaanu/Turangi hot pools are especially good after a day on the snow. Lake Taupo still has a buzz about it but just much more low-key.
Spring (September to November) – Shoulder Season
Mild and quiet, Taupo is starting to come back to life and busy again by November. November is a reasonable time for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing before the summer crowds, though check conditions as snow can linger in Spring.
Getting to Taupo
By Car
From Auckland: Taupo is about a 3.5-hour drive (272km via State Highway 1).
Taupo and Rotorua are 1 hour apart by car, an easy add-on to combine both in one trip.
Turangi and the northern entrances to Tongariro National Park are about an hour south of Taupo; Whakapapa (for Ruapehu skiing) is a further 15 to 20 minutes on from Turangi.
Taupo has a small regional airport with domestic flights from Auckland, worth checking if you’d rather not drive the whole way with young kids.
Getting Around Taupo with Kids
A car is needed for this region. Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon are both just 5 to 10 minutes from Taupo town centre, Lilliput Farm is about 15 minutes out on State Highway 1, and Tongariro National Park is close to an hour further south via Turangi. Central Taupo itself is easily walkable once you’re settled.
Book your Taupo car here
There are heaps of tour options around Taupo – search and book here
Where to Stay in Taupo with Kids
Heaps of places in town, ranging from cheap motel-style accommodation to lakeside luxury, Taupo has many options.
Camping is good here, and De Bretts Spa Resort is well known for its hot pools and a wide range of accommodation options. It comes highly recommended as a place to stay for families.
If looking for somewhere a little out of town – quieter and cheaper – Kinlock, just 15 minutes’ drive away, is a lovely, sleepy village, a world away from the tourist crowds of Taupo. Located on the lake, it has a great playground and a handful of cafes. Plenty of places to stay.
Book your Taupo accommodation here
Where to Eat in Taupo with Kids
The Hub Café
On Huka Falls Road just near the falls, this is a spacious café which you can’t miss, as it has a massive helicopter stood on the front garden, which on it’s own is great fun for the kids to explore.
The food is excellent – well catered for kids with a good menu and plenty of space for kids to play out the front, by the helicopter, plus drawing / crayons etc. One of our favourite spots.
Two Mile Bay Sailing Club – Good for Parents
Awesome bar/cafe by the lake edge on the far side – Two Mile Bay Sailing Club – a good spot for parents to eat and drink, and there’s a little bit of beach next to it for kids to play. Beautiful sunsets from here.
Town Centre / Lakeside
The strip of bars and restaurants along Roberts Street are the best spot – with lake views and a buzz of activity – Dixie Browns is a good spot here with a wide range of food and good kids options.
Further along Lake Terrace, the road that hugs the lake, there are several places to eat. Jolly Good Fellows is a British style pub and does great food with outside seating with lake views.
Things to Do in Taupo with Kids
1. The Lake – Beaches & Water Activities
The lake – beaches, water activities, and boat or kayak tours out to the Mine Bay Maori rock carvings.
Lake Taupo has several sandy spots close to town for swimming and paddling for younger kids, and a number of operators run boat cruises, kayak tours and jet ski hire from the town wharf for older kids.
The most popular trip is out to the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings, only accessible by water – a huge Maori carving cut into the cliff face in the 1970s and 80s, and a great half-day outing with kids. We’ve never done this trip as it’s just not something our kids would likely be into but we know from others that it’s a fascinating trip – very calm and educational.
Book a lake tour here
2. Huka Falls
Huka falls – incredible falls with great walks around for young kids, and if in season, pick free blackberries.
Around 5 minutes’ drive from town, this is where the full force of the Waikato River is squeezed through a narrow rock chasm, turning a brilliant turquoise blue as it thunders through. There’s a short, flat walkway right along the edge, easy for young legs, and a footbridge over the top for the classic photo. Jet boat and cruise trips from town also pass right by the base of the falls. Free entry and an easy trip for kids of all ages.
3. Craters of the Moon Walk
Craters of the moon walk – a long geothermal boardwalk walkway which is great for kids to burn off energy – not hugely impressive but still a good bit of fun for them to see some steaming vents and craters. It’s about a ten minute drive from town.
The full loop takes 45 to 60 minutes; entry is around $10 for adults, $4 for kids aged 5 to 15, with a family pass around $20 (2026). There’s a decent gift shop at the end too.
4. Hot Water Beach (Taharepa)
Hot Water Beach / Taharepa Hot Water Baths – hot water spots for free, right on the beach of the lake.
Along the Great Lake Pathway on the eastern side of town, within walking distance from town – natural hot water bubbles up through the sand at the lake edge, free to visit and a fun novelty for kids to dig their own hot pool right on the beach. There are changing facilities there. We’ve never seen it busy but maybe we’ve been lucky because there’s not much space so you may need to wait your turn on a busy day.
5. Taupo Mini Golf
Taupo mini golf – always fun for the kids, on the lakefront.
Right in town on the lakefront, a solid rainy-day or “we need to get the kids out for an hour” afternoon.
6. Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge
Hole in one golf challenge – awesome fun whether you play golf or not.
Hit golf balls out onto a floating pontoon on the lake itself for a shot at winning cash and prizes. It’s been running since 1993 and is a a fun stop for kids and adults alike – no golfing experience required – although you need a half decent swing to be able to get close to the pontoon, but our kids just love trying to whack a ball into a lake. For the adults, it’s a bit more serious – there’s always that thought of – “maybe, just maybe…”
7. Mind Junction Activity Park
Mind Junction: Flight Simulator, Giant Maze, Mini Golf, Lego Display, Shooting Simulator, Discovery Centre (science that blows your mind) – this place is epic, come rain or shine – but might be good to keep up your sleeve for a rainy day.
A good with a mix of activities for the kids under one roof. Individual activities run roughly $8 to $40; a VIP pass covering the Lego display, maze, mini golf and Discovery Centre is around $35 for kids and $40 for adults (2026) – the flight simulator and shooting simulator are extra. All totally worth it in our experience – great spot to spend a few hours.
8. Lilliput Farm – Fun and Animal Park
Lilliput Farm – Donkeys, goats, sheep, deer, alpaca, pigs, birds, rabbits, lizards, ponies, emus and more.
About 15 minutes out of town off State Highway 1. A hands-on petting farm where you can feed most of the animals, plus a playground with slides, swings and a trampoline – good for a couple of hours with younger kids.
Things to Do in Tongariro National Park and Ruapehu with Kids
Tongariro National Park is located on the other side of the lake and contains several of the countries most stunning volcanos. On a clear day you can see Mount Ruapehu standing majestically in the centre of the park. It’s about an hour from Taupo. Turangi is a small town located on the other side of the lake from Taupo about 45 minutes away and is the best place for facilities.
1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is New Zealand’s most famous day walk – 19.4km across volcanic terrain past emerald lakes and craters. Spectacular but very challenging. I’ve done it twice and it is absolutely exhausting – but totally worth it. The hardest part in my opinion is the walk downhill at the end – all the good stuff has been seen and it’s a pounding route back down.
I’ve not taken our kids yet as it’s too challenging for them. I have seen kids of around 10 years old doing it but personally I’d say that’s a push, I’d say 12+ would be more comfortable. It takes about 6-7 hours at a decent pace, 7-9 hours at a slower pace. Do your own research before venturing out with kids on this one. But if you’re in NZ just once and your older kids love a hike, this is your one shot at something truly incredible. Check conditions before going.
Book your half day shuttle to the crossing here
2. Family-Friendly Walks
Drafted, worth adjusting if you’ve done these yourselves:
If the full Crossing is too much for younger kids, the park has several shorter, well-formed walks that give a taste of the same volcanic scenery. Taranaki Falls is an easy 2-hour loop from Whakapapa Village past a 20-metre waterfall, and Tawhai Falls (used as ‘Gollum’s Pool’ in Lord of the Rings) is a flat 20-minute return walk from the road. The Whakapapa Village visitor centre is worth a stop too, with displays on the park’s volcanic history and current track and weather conditions.
3. Turangi Hot Pools (Tokaanu Thermal Pools)
Top tip – a great place to recover from sore muscles after the Crossing is at Turangi hot pools. Here they have a larger pool area or private pools. They’re a little dated but still, who cares, when all you need is a good soak to recover from your massive hike.
Officially Tokaanu Thermal Pools, just outside Turangi. Public pool entry is around $8 for adults and $6 for kids, with private mineral pools from about $12 for adults and $8 for kids (2026).
4. Ruapehu Ski Fields
If you happen to be on the North Island in Winter and enjoy Skiing / Snowboarding, Whakapapa and Turoa on Mount Ruapehu are the North Island’s main ski fields – good for families who want to ski without making the journey to the South Island. Ski season runs June to October depending on snowfall.
We are not big skiers (yet), having only had a few lessons but have been to Happy Valley at Whakapapa, which is the beginners practice area, with the kids. It’s a good set up, great for newbies, great for kids – has all the gear you need, and a decent café. Weekends are pretty busy though, so if you can avoid school holidays and weekends, you’ll have a bit more space.
Costs and Budget for Taupo with Kids
- Craters of the Moon: $10 adults / $4 kids (5–15) / family pass around $20 (2026)
- Tokaanu Thermal Pools: public pool $8 adults / $6 kids; private pools from $12 adults / $8 kids (2026)
- Mind Junction: individual activities $8–$40; VIP pass (Lego, maze, mini golf, Discovery Centre) around $35 kids / $40 adults (2026)
Ski field lift passes and gear hire at Whakapapa add up quickly for a family, so It’s worth checking current season pricing before you go. Several of the best things here are free or low-cost: Huka Falls, Hot Water Beach are free and the Hole in One Challenge’s is cheap, but also addictive, or you can just stand and watch others for free.
Is Taupo Worth It for Families?
Absolutely. Few places in New Zealand pack this much variety into one stop, a supervolcano lake with beaches and free hot pools on one side, and one of the country’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes on the other.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing might be out of reach for younger kids, but there’s still plenty to do as a family, and it’s a great one to keep in your back pocket for when they’re old enough to tackle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taupo good for families with young children?
Yes, Huka Falls, Hot Water Beach and Craters of the Moon are all manageable with young kids, and Lilliput Farm and Mind Junction are aimed squarely at families. Any young budding golfers will love the golf options.
How many days do you need in Taupo and Tongariro with kids?
Around 2-3 days total works well, 2 for Taupo itself, plus a day around Turangi and Tongariro if combining.
Is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing suitable for kids?
It’s a very tough, serious 19.4km walk, so I would wait until kids are around 12 before attempting it, though shorter walks like Taranaki Falls give younger kids a taste of the same scenery.
Do you need a car in Taupo and Tongariro?
Yes. A car is essential to get between the lake, the falls, other attractions and the national park.
What is the best time to visit Taupo with kids?
Summer (December to February) is best for the lake and beaches; winter (June to August) if you want to ski at Ruapehu, but months like November, March-April are still very enjoyable and the weather very good during the day, just can be chillier at night.
Is Mount Ruapehu good for beginner skiers?
Yes, Happy Valley at Whakapapa is a dedicated beginners’ area with its own gentle lifts, rental and ski school – a good first ski trip for kids. We are beginners and had a great time.
Have you been to Taupo or Tongariro with kids? Drop a comment below.
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