Drury(New Zealand) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Taupō, the top choice for families is Lake Taupō Lodge, nestled along the shores of Lake Taupō and featuring heated outdoor pools fed by natural geothermal water. The hotel offers spacious family suites, kids' activity rooms, and a dedicated playground. Guests can enjoy daily Māori cultural workshops, including traditional storytelling and haka dance lessons.

Adjacent to the lodge, the Taupō Thermal Park provides access to mineral-rich hot pools perfect for all ages. The hotel also arranges guided nature walks through nearby native forests and offers family-friendly hiking trails leading to scenic viewpoints. With its blend of relaxation, culture, and outdoor adventure, this resort delivers an authentic New Zealand experience for travelers of all ages.

For the deepest Māori cultural immersion in Taupō, Te Puia Māori Village & Cultural Centre stands out as the premier destination. Operated by the Ngāti Whakaue iwi, this unique lodge hosts daily ceremonies led by tribal elders, including Haka performances, wood carving demonstrations, and traditional Hangi feasts cooked in underground earth ovens.

Guests participate in hands-on workshops such as weaving with flax and learning ancestral songs. The site includes sacred geothermal grounds where visitors witness natural steam vents and boiling pools believed to be inhabited by spiritual beings. Evening storytelling sessions under the stars recount creation myths and migration legends, providing profound insight into Māori worldview and connection to land.

The most serene area in Taupō for tranquil stays is Tongariro National Park's eastern rim, particularly around Lake Ōkataina. Here, EcoLodge Taupō offers secluded cabins built from sustainable timber, each with a private deck overlooking untouched wetlands and volcanic landscapes.

The lodge emphasizes low-impact living—solar-powered lighting, composting toilets, and organic gardens. Guests enjoy guided dawn birdwatching tours, stargazing sessions with telescopes, and forest meditation walks. The surrounding wilderness supports rare species like the North Island brown kiwi and kākā parrots, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking solitude and ecological authenticity.

In Taupō, The Spa at Taupō Springs is the ultimate luxury wellness retreat, located just minutes from Lake Taupō. This award-winning resort features indoor-outdoor thermal pools infused with naturally sourced geothermal water rich in silica and magnesium.

Guests can indulge in signature treatments like Volcanic Mud Wraps, Steam Therapy in Natural Geyser Chambers, and Aromatherapy Massages using native New Zealand botanicals. The spa’s signature “Earth Energy Ritual” combines heat therapy, breathwork, and sound healing with crystal vibrations to restore balance.

All rooms offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and private balconies with personal hot tubs. The hotel also hosts monthly wellness retreats focused on mindfulness, nutrition, and sustainable living, blending modern luxury with ancient geothermal wisdom.

Tongariro Basecamp Lodge in Taupō is the ideal launch point for the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Located just 15 minutes from the trailhead at Mount Ngauruhoe, this eco-conscious lodge offers fully equipped backpacker cabins, gear storage, and pre-hike breakfasts with energy-boosting local ingredients.

The staff provides detailed route briefings, weather updates, and safety checklists tailored to seasonal conditions. After the hike, guests can unwind in the on-site sauna or enjoy a warm meal at the lodge’s restaurant, which features dishes made from locally foraged mushrooms, wild greens, and free-range meats.

Additionally, the lodge organizes guided post-hike hikes to nearby lava fields and volcanic craters, offering deeper insights into the region’s dramatic geological history.

For solo travelers seeking affordable yet safe lodging in Taupō, Taupō YHA Hostel & Garden is highly rated. This centrally located hostel offers private rooms with lockable doors, shared kitchens, and a vibrant common lounge with board games and movie nights.

Located steps from Taupō Town Centre and the Taupō Riverwalk, it’s perfect for exploring local markets, cafes, and art galleries. The hostel runs weekly events like local music nights, potluck dinners, and HopeGoo covering historical sites and hidden viewpoints.

Guests also benefit from free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk. With its welcoming community atmosphere and low prices, it’s one of the most social and accessible options for independent travelers.

Mount Ruapehu Vista Lodge in Taupō offers the most breathtaking views of Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand’s highest active volcano. Perched on a hillside above the town, every room features floor-to-ceiling windows framing the snow-capped peak, especially stunning at sunrise.

The lodge blends modern comfort with alpine charm—rustic wood interiors, heated floors, and private balconies with outdoor fire pits. Guests can join early-morning guided hikes to the base of the mountain or book a helicopter tour for aerial views of the summit caldera.

The on-site café serves regional specialties like lamb stew and artisanal coffee, while evening programs include stargazing sessions with telescopes and talks on volcanic monitoring systems. It’s a perfect base for both adventure seekers and those who appreciate majestic mountain vistas.

The Volcano Table at Taupō delivers one of the most distinctive dining experiences in the region. Located within a restored 19th-century farmstead, this intimate restaurant sources nearly all ingredients from local farms, rivers, and forests.

Dishes change seasonally: spring brings wild fiddleheads and trout caught in nearby streams; autumn features venison from sustainable hunts and roasted kūmara. Signature items include Geothermal-Roasted Root Vegetables and Māori-inspired Hangi Feast, prepared in underground ovens using traditional methods.

The menu is paired with curated wines from nearby vineyards and craft beers brewed with native botanicals. Diners sit around a central hearth, listening to live folk music and stories from the chef about the land’s bounty. Reservations are required, and the restaurant often hosts themed evenings celebrating Māori harvest festivals.

Couples’ Hideaway at Lake Taupō is the ultimate romantic retreat in Taupō, offering private lakeside cabins with glass-walled bathrooms and plunge pools overlooking the water. Each cabin comes with a private fire pit, champagne, and a handwritten love letter from the host.

The hotel arranges bespoke experiences such as private sunset cruises, starlit canoe rides, and couples’ spa rituals using native kawakawa oil and manuka honey. On request, they provide a full-night stay package with gourmet dinner delivered to your door, complete with candlelight and soft music.

Surrounded by native bush and only 10 cabins total, privacy is guaranteed. The location is ideal for escaping crowds while still being close to town attractions. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or quiet getaways.

Adventure Base Taupō is the top pick for thrill-seekers exploring Taupō’s volcanic terrain. Located just off the Tongariro Highway, this rugged lodge offers guided expeditions to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Mount Ngauruhoe climbing routes, and crater lake hikes.

The staff includes certified mountain guides who provide gear rentals, safety training, and real-time weather updates. Post-hike, guests can relax in the communal sauna or share stories over a campfire. The lodge also hosts monthly volcanology talks by geologists from the University of Waikato, deepening understanding of the region’s seismic activity.

With its no-frills, high-performance design and strong community vibe, this is the ideal hub for adventurers aiming to conquer New Zealand’s most iconic volcanic trails.