Top 10 Romantic Things To Do In Taupo, New Zealand - Updated 2024

romantic things to do in taupo
Gabriel
Gabriel 
Updated
| 5 min read

Taupo is a fascinating place to spend a vacation. With so many natural features that will take your breath away, this town is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Lake Taupo stands in the center of it all. It connects the coastal waters and the inland with every natural wonder imaginable. Birdsongs dot centuries-old forests while thousands of trout swim through its rivers. While most of these are aimed at all types of tourists, some of these are especially dedicated to couples for a romantic holiday. So gather yourselves, book your tickets and accommodations, and read our list of the top romantic things to do in Taupo, New Zealand.

1. Experience the healing capabilities of Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs (from USD 14.0)

Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs sits right in the center of one of New Zealand’s most active thermal areas. Here, you will find natural hot springs that can invigorate your mind and body. It has Onekeneke, a geothermal spring known for its recuperative aspects and medicinal elements. These volcanic waters will touch and seep into your bodies and extend its healing capabilities. For safety reasons, these waters are tempered to a manageable temperature range between 100.4 to 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 41 degrees Celsius). These are all distributed in several outdoor and indoor pools, and a splash pad for children.

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General Entry to Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort Water Park

Duration: 1 day

87 reviews

2. Take to the skies with Taupo Tandem Skydiving (from USD 197.75)

romantic things to do in taupo | take to the skies with taupo tandem skydiving

Tandem skydiving is one of the most exhilarating activities you can do as a couple. You and your partner will have your expert guide riding behind you on this one-of-a-kind adventure. If you think Taupo’s sites are something to look at on the ground, wait until you see these from up above! Jumps start at a height of 9000 feet (2700 meters). At these heights, you will be able to see Taupo’s famous natural wonders like volcanoes, coastal sceneries, lakes, rivers, and more. All guides are professionally trained and will keep you safe from harm. Gear up, jump and have a blast with the one you love.

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Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo

Duration: 3.0 hour

135 reviews

3. Explore Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon
Source: Photo by user Brian used under CC BY 2.0

Craters of the Moon is for couples of all ages. This is one of Taupo’s famous thermal regions that was discovered in the ’50s. This was by accident and happened only when a power station deepened the levels of underground water. So, when hot water was taken from the underground, the water that was left had temperatures rising to uncontrolled levels. This produced an immense amount of steam that found its way to fissures in the land at Craters of the Moon. Today, it has become a famous destination that involves a 45-minute walk through its vents and pathways. A viewing stand allows you to take in the view of the whole area.

Craters of the Moon

Address: 171 Karapiti Road, Taupo 3377, New Zealand

Website: Craters of the Moon

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

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4. Go kayaking on Lake Taupo and admire the natural beauty (from USD 52.0)

Sail Barbary takes you on an environment-friendly cruise while you take in the scenic spots of Taupo. Set sail on Lake Taupo and enjoy everything it has to offer. There is so much natural beauty to see in this area. The first thing you will notice is the crystal blue waters of the lake. Then comes the coastline with its cliffs and hills jutting upward. The cliffs have natural and man-made formations, one of which is the famed Maori Rock Carving. Aside from the sites, you get to learn about the region’s history and people’s cultural practices. It does not get any better than this.

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Kayak the Waikato River Taupo

Duration: 2 hours

19 reviews

5. Take an exhilarating jet ride on the Huka Falls (from USD 81.79)

Feeding on the waters of Lake Taupo, the Waikato River snakes its way to the northern part of Taupo. Its passages average about 100 meters (328 feet) in width. However, it narrows into a ravine which causes its waters to rumble wildly. It then drops 11 meters (36 feet) down where violent waves crash into a pool. A footbridge crosses over this part of the river and provides you and your partner with a panoramic view of the waterfalls. Another view deck sits a short distance from here and gives you a wide view of the pool below. This is one amazing site.

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Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

Duration: 30 Min Duration

84 reviews

6. Admire the stunning flora at Waipahihi Botanical Reserve

New Zealand Pigeon
Source: Photo by Flickr user Brendan Purdy used under CC BY 2.0

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve is one of the most romantic places Taupo has to offer. This makes it the perfect destination for you and your partner. Enjoy taking in the beautiful flora by hiking on pathways laid out with flowers and plants that will captivate you. There are four pathways you can choose from. Each one has a defined theme to it. Any path you choose guarantees your happiness because these are filled with beautiful sites. You can have a romantic meal in one of the picnic areas in the reserve. Some of these provide scenic vantages while others are located under trees.

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve

Address: Hyde Avenue, Waipahihi, Taupo 3330, New Zealand

Website: Waipahihi Botanical Reserve

Opening hours: 8am - 7:30pm (daily)

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7. Relax at Otumuheke Spa Park


Otumuheke Spa Park provides you and your partner with a beautiful reason to bond with each other. The park has a hot stream that flows toward the Waikato River. The hottest portion is the one nearest to the stream. But when you swim away, the water becomes cooler. You can swim around to find the best water temperature for you. The most important part of your stay is that you get to experience the healing characteristics of the water. Mini pool formations are found throughout the spa park. These are meant for you to dip in and immerse in its medicinal value.

Otumuheke Spa Park

Address: Tauhara, Taupo 3377, New Zealand

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8. Embark on a scenic Maori Rock Carving cruise (from USD 30.0)

The Maori Rock Carving is located in one of the cliffs around Lake Taupo. It is specifically situated in Mine Bay and has been hailed as one of the country’s most prominent and alluring modern artwork from the Maori people. Done on the side of a cliff, the beautiful artwork is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Visitors cannot help but marvel at the 14-meter (46-foot) high attraction. The carving can only be reached by setting foot on a cruise, sailing a boat, or rowing a kayak. This makes the structure look more amazing on your approach. This is one attraction you will surely be amazed by.

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Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

435 reviews

9. View the exhibits at Taupo Museum

Taupo Museum, New Zealand 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michal Klajban used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Taupo Museum exhibits everything about Taupo. It has Mauri treasures that date back centuries. A Kiwiana caravan is on full display. There is information on the importance of the Timber industry to Taupo. The beautiful Tongariro Alpine Crossing is displayed in a virtual tour form. Interesting information regarding the three volcanoes in Taupo is offered to everyone. The museum also has two art galleries where modern contemporary works of art by New Zealand artists are displayed and sold. If you want to know everything about Taupo, this is the place to go to. You and your partner can spend loving strolls while enjoying the exhibit.

Taupo Museum

Address: 4 Story Place, Taupo 3330, New Zealand

Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)

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10. Hike from Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls

Spa Thermal Park - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AwOiSoAk KaOsIoWa used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Spa Thermal Park is the perfect jump-off point on your way to Huka Falls. You get to invigorate and energize your body and mind by taking a dip in its warm waters. When you are done with that, you get on the hiking trail that leads to Huka Falls. As you curve around the river, you will see one majestic view after another. You get to see the greenest plants and the tallest trees. Clear waters from pools and lagoons are yours for the taking. You and your partner have the option of starting the hike from Huka Falls to Spa Thermal Park.

Spa Thermal Park

Address: County Avenue, Tauhara, Taupo 3378, New Zealand

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

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The perfect romantic getaway

Be a witness to the alluring gorgeousness of Taupo as you go on a romantic escapade throughout the town. These activities are meant to bring you closer to each other. With beautiful sites to offer, Taupo is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Introducing Gabriel, affectionately known as Gabby, a dedicated enthusiast of writing, travel, and gastronomy. With these three passions as guiding stars, life takes on new heights of fulfillment....Read more

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