2025 Taupo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

While traveling to Wellington, we make a stop at the Huka Falls (Huka Falls Walkway) Tauhara, Taupo 3378, New Zealand Then headed to Taupo City Walk For the adventurous traveller, please do the dive 😬 9,000 feet (2743 meters) from above Lake Taupo - $199, 12,000ft jump ($279), 15,000ft jump ($359) – need to book  Solo Bungy Jump – Adult - $180  Solo Bungy Jump – Child - $130  Tandem Bungy Jump 1A1C - $310  Tongariro White Water 9am or 2pm – Adult $149, Child (below 18) $119 Remember to take picture at the Lake TaoPo view, #love TaoPo #celebratewithtrip

Lake Taupo is located in the center of New Zealand's North Island. I went there when the weather was bad, so it was a bit disappointing, but I was able to feel a peaceful and fulfilling atmosphere.

Located on the way from Lake Taupo to Rotorua, this valley is home to animals such as alpacas, peacocks, and goats. The 30-minute hot spring valley walking trail offers amazing views. However, the road leading to the parking lot is unpaved, so be careful!

Craters of The Moon is a geothermal walkway located in Taupo. The landscape of the place resembles the moon and that’s how it got it’s name! Experience the natural thermal activity of Taupo like bubbling craters, colourful soils and steam vents through a 45 minute walk. The walk is easy with well-formed pathways and elevated viewing platforms. Feeling like as if you have stepped into another world at this park, it is definitely an unforgettable experience for both young and old! Address: 171 Karapiti Road, Taupō Town, New Zealand. Price: Adult - $8, Child(5-15 years old) - $4 Children under 5 years can enter for free. #momentssg #newzealand #unforgettableexperiences

Huka Falls is located in Taupo, New Zealand. This is a large blue waterfall with an average volume of water falling of 200,000 liters per second. It originates from the Waitako River, which flows from Lake Taupo. The word “Huka” in Maori means “foam”, which comes from the white foam from the waterfall. Nature is truly magnificent. #Waiting for the day to travel

Just a 5-minute drive north of Taupō, Huka Falls is one of New Zealand’s most visited natural attractions—thanks to its raw, unfiltered power and vibrant, mineral-blue water . As the Waikato River narrows from roughly 100 m to just 15 m, it channels over 220,000 litres of water per second through the gorge before plunging ~11 m into the riverbed below—enough flow to fill an Olympic-size pool in just 11 seconds . The waterfall’s signature turquoise hue arises from mineral-rich waters and airborne bubbles—brightened by sunlight for a spectacular visual effect . You’ll feel it in your chest before you see it—the thunderous roar, the mist on your face, the unforgettable sight of roaring blue water . Viewing is easy: park at the Huka Falls carpark, cross the bridge, and take a short 5–10 minute return walk to the viewing platforms . For an adrenaline boost, try the Huka Falls Jet boat or river cruise—zip through the gorge at 80 km/h, swirl around, and get drenched by the spray from the base of the falls . Add to that a stroll or bike ride along the Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls Walk, picnicking by the river, or visiting nearby Huka Prawn Park, and you’ll easily fill half a day exploring the area . Why Visit Huka Falls? No entry fee and very accessible from Taupō Dramatic, thunderous waterfall with brilliant water color Optional thrill boat rides for adventure-seekers Scenic walks and nearby attractions for a full‑day itinerary Whether you're in it for epic scenery, cultural geology, or heart‑racing views, Huka Falls delivers. Grab your camera—you won’t regret it! 📸✨ --- 🔖 Hashtags for Trip.com: #HukaFalls #Taupō #WaikatoRiver #NewZealandNature #JetBoatAdventure #TravelNZ #LoveTaupō #NaturePhotography #AdventureTravel #ExploreNZ

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort 💡 Tips

📅 Itinerary Day1： Day2: Day3: 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Tips #travel

📍 Location McDonald’s Taupō is located in the center of Taupō Town, at 48 Roberts Street, Taupō 3330, just a 1-minute walk from the shore of Lake Taupō. The location is very easy to find! ⸻ 🚗 Transportation • Walking from the shore of Lake Taupō: only 2 minutes! It is in the main street area by the lake, and you will see the huge red and yellow sign. • Driving: Search "McDonald’s Taupō" on Google Maps, and there are free parking spaces on site. • It is also very close to walk from various places in the city center, and the scope of Taupō Town is not large. ⸻ 📝 Personal experience This McDonald’s is not because of the special food (still the familiar taste), but its appearance and dining area are super! Super! Cool! The biggest highlight is: you can directly walk into a real DC-3 old plane to eat ✈️ Yes, it looks like an airplane display parked next to McDonald's, but it's actually a seating area! It is completely free for customers to eat in, and the interior retains the feeling of the cockpit, windows and cabin aisle. I went in and ordered a cheeseburger meal, then climbed the stairs in the plane, sat by the window in the cabin, watched the tourists outside taking photos and checking in, and thought while eating, "This is really New Zealand." The exterior of the plane is well maintained, and the red and white paint is very retro. Whether it is adults or children, they will immediately "wow~" when they see it. And the dining crowd will not be too crowded, and you don't have to wait for a long time to get a seat on the plane. #7月好去处2025 #新西兰景点 #北岛景点

#summervacay No alarms today. Just the sun peeking through the window and the promise of a day with no rush. 1️⃣ Start slow with a lakeside brunch in Taupō Stir cafe — think fluffy pancakes, flat white, and that crisp New Zealand air. ☕🥞 2️⃣ Then it’s off to Huka Falls, where 220,000 liters of turquoise water thunder past every second. The sound, the mist, the power — it’s nature’s version of a standing ovation. 💧🌈 3️⃣ Next, wander through the Craters of the Moon, a surreal geothermal valley of steaming earth, bubbling mud, and lunar-like landscapes. Feels like walking on another planet… one with a heartbeat. 🌋🚶♀️ 4️⃣ And to end it all? Find a quiet spot by the lake or a hilltop — and watch the sun melt into golden light. No edits needed. Just gratitude. #TaupoSlowTravel #HukaFallsMagic #CratersOfTheMoonNZ #GoldenHourGlow #NewZealandBrunchVibes #NatureMeetsLuxury #GeothermalWonder #WanderSlowly #MindfulTravelMoments #NZDreamDay

#summervacay North Island, New Zealand, is home to some truly iconic landmarks. Explore the grand architecture of the historic National Bank of New Zealand and the elegant charm of St. James Theatre. Don’t miss the vibrant Yellow Shopping Arcade, a quirky spot full of character. And for a dose of nature’s power, head to Huka Falls, where thundering waters create a spectacular sight. A mix of culture, history, and natural wonder!

📍 Location Lake Taupō is located in the central part of New Zealand's North Island. It is the largest lake in New Zealand, larger than Singapore. It is actually a huge crater lake formed by the eruption of a super volcano. ⸻ 🚗 Transportation • From Rotorua: Drive for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, go straight along SH5, the scenery is quite beautiful. • From Hamilton: Drive for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, take SH1 all the way south. • From Auckland: The journey is about 3.5 to 4 hours, self-driving is the best, and there are InterCity buses to the center of Taupō town. ⸻ 📝 Personal experience My first impression of Lake Taupō is that it is "the upgraded version of Sun Moon Lake in New Zealand". Not only is the lake large, but the overall atmosphere is vast and healing. The small town of Taupō by the lake is very leisurely, and walking along the lakeside is a pleasure. From a distance, you can see the wide lake and the snow-capped mountains in the distance (especially in winter, you can see the white-capped peaks of the Tongariro Mountains). The picture is as beautiful as a computer desktop. I was in a daze on the bench by the lake that day. Occasionally, a small boat passed by the lake, and I saw someone parachuting and landing on the grass next to it, which looked like a scene in a resort. If you don’t take the exciting route, it is also recommended to take a lake cruise. Some boats will even take you to see the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, which is a secret place that can only be seen by boat. #July Good Place 2025 #New Zealand Attractions #North Island Attractions

📍 Location Huka Falls is located in the Taupō region in the central part of New Zealand's North Island, about a 5–10 minute drive from Taupō city center. It is one of New Zealand's most spectacular and powerful waterfalls. ⸻ 🚗 Transportation • From Taupō city center: Driving takes about 5–10 minutes, with clear signage leading the way. The park offers free parking. • From Rotorua: Driving takes about 1 hour via SH5 highway towards Taupō. Near the city, follow the signs to Huka Falls Road. • Recommended walking route: If you're near Lake Taupō, you can walk from the Spa Park trailhead to Huka Falls in about 1 hour. This is a popular hiking option. ⸻ 📝 Personal Experience Huka Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural sights I’ve seen on the North Island. It’s not the typical waterfall that cascades from a great height; instead, it’s a concentrated explosion of the Waikato River through a narrow gorge. The sheer volume of water, its rapid flow, and the collision of water creating pure blue and white foam are incredibly powerful. Standing on the bridge, watching the mighty flow feels like witnessing nature’s fury and a live symphony performance. The blue hue is so dreamy, like a shining gemstone, yet the thunderous sound instills a sense of awe. Although you might not stay long (around 30 minutes to an hour), it’s a place where you’ll take plenty of photos and is perfect for a Taupō day trip itinerary. If you have extra time, consider joining the jet boat experience to view Huka Falls from below. It’s a completely different kind of thrill.

If you think that only the Hobbit Village or the glowworm caves are worth staying in the North Island of New Zealand, then you must not have been to Lake Taupō. This seemingly quiet town, however, slowly conquers people with two completely different rhythms during the day and at night - there is no excessive noise of sightseeing, only nature and time, flowing quietly. ☀️ Lake Taupō in the daytime is a moving landscape painting The mist on the lakeside in the morning has not yet dissipated, and a few wild ducks are walking slowly on the water plants, and the water surface ripples gently. The ducks here are not afraid of people at all, and sometimes they will even take the initiative to approach you, curiously tilting their heads and staring at you. 📍One of the most recommended check-in spots is the Lake Taupō Hole-in-One Challenge by the lake. For just a few New Zealand dollars, you can swing and challenge the target green floating on the lake. Even if you miss, it doesn't affect your happiness at all: the blue sky, the lake, and the flying white ball are the most healing scenery. Walking along the lakeside, you will pass through several small parks with golden fallen leaves. In autumn and winter, it feels like a fairy tale, and it is good to take pictures in all seasons. 🌌 Lake Taupo at night is a window opened by the universe for you When the sky gradually darkens and the tourists disperse, the lake is as quiet as an ink-colored canvas. Don't rush back to the room at this time - look up and you will see the stars of the entire southern hemisphere. If you are lucky enough (clear weather and low light pollution), you can even see the clear Southern Cross hanging horizontally above your head. You can capture the stars with the night shooting mode of your mobile phone, and a tripod + slow shutter speed can capture the entire galaxy. 📍Recommended location: Lakefront Reserve lawn area or Lake Terrace. You can see the super clear starry sky without going far. This is also one of the most charming places in Taupo - the starry sky is right in front of you, but it is always awe-inspiring. #TaupoLakeDayandNight #NewZealandLakeScenery #SouthernCrossStarSky #DuckPhotoSpot #GolfLakeCheckIn #NewZealandMust-visitAttractions #LakeTaupo #StarrySkyPhotographyLocation #NewZealandFreeTravel #SlowTravelScenery

In addition to the sunset, Lake Taupo during the day is even clearer and more healing! The sun shines on the lake, glowing with creamy blue light, and the air is full of a rhythm of "slowing down". 📷✨ 💙How to take a lake view like a postcard? Stand on the wooden boardwalk by the lake or on the rocks on the lakeshore, take a low-angle portrait + the milky blue lake behind + the distant mountains on the opposite bank Occasionally there are ducks paddling through the lake, and there is no need for filters at all, just like a natural filter! 🍂Where is the golden park hidden? Just within a 5-minute walk from the lake, there is a small park surrounded by bald cypress and maple trees, each of which is just the right yellow~ ✔️ The grass is dry and very suitable for picnics/sitting ✔️ The ground is covered with fallen leaves, it feels like walking into a fairy tale book ✔️ It is super suitable for wearing headphones + daydreaming + writing postcards + taking natural outfits 🧘♀️Why recommend this place? No tickets required, few people and quiet🆓 The park is just a stone's throw away from the lake view, so you can take photos of both styles by walking over👍🏻 When the weather is good, you can sit and stare for the whole afternoon without getting bored😍 Suitable for solo relaxation, taking photos with girlfriends, and dating #Lake Taupo #New Zealand North Island #Picnic by the Lake #Golden Fallen Leaves #Autumn Travel Inspiration #Beautiful Lake View Photos #New Zealand Town #Literary and Artistic Place to Relax #Natural Style Attractions #Sunshine Slow Life

If you travel to Taupo, you must stop by to see this unique McDonald's - because you can really walk into a retired plane and eat a burger! ➕The iconic check-in at Lake Taupo next door is completed in one go! ! ! 📸Highlights for exterior photography: ✅ A real plane is parked at the door of the store, with the nose and propellers completely preserved ✅ There is a red and yellow check-in wall next to the plane, which perfectly integrates McDonald's elements ✅ Recommended shooting angle: Stand in front of the nose of the plane + blue sky background, no matter how you shoot, it looks like a movie scene 🍔 Dining experience in the plane cabin: There are red seats + round windows in the plane, which are very nostalgic The space is not large, but the atmosphere is very good, a bit like an old-fashioned first-class cabin Children will be super happy to come, and adults will also be unable to help taking pictures! 🛣️Recommended itinerary (super convenient): 1️⃣ Take a walk by Lake Taupo in the morning, watch black swans + take pictures of the lake 2️⃣ Come here for McDonald's at noon + take pictures of the plane 3️⃣ Go to Huka Falls or Red Spring Trail in the afternoon A whole day is just right, healing and fun! 🎒Practical information: 📍The location is in the city of Taupo, convenient for walking or driving 🕐 There are not many seats on the plane, it is recommended to avoid the peak at noon 📸 Remember to walk a little further when taking pictures, and take pictures of the whole plane + sky together, the best photos! 🧡Come to New Zealand, not just take pictures of natural scenery Even eating McDonald's can become a journey ✈️🍟 This one is really worth your special detour to experience it! #TaupoMcDonalds #AirplaneRestaurant #NewZealandCheckIn #LakeTaupoTourism #SpecialRestaurant #McDonaldsCheckInPoint #DailyTravel #NewZealandFreeTravel #TaupoFoodRecommendation #FunExperience

Just a 10-minute drive north of Taupo 🙊 lies a natural wonder that will leave you speechless—Huka Falls 😻 This is not a "snap a photo and leave" kind of spot; it's an experience that will overwhelm your senses with visual and auditory impact! 💙 Why is this place worth visiting? ⭐ Stunning blue torrents: 220,000 liters of water gush through a narrow gorge every second, creating a deafening roar. ⭐ The waterfall doesn't just fall—it explodes: Water is compressed from a 100-meter-wide river channel into a mere 15 meters, delivering an incredibly powerful burst. ⭐ Unbelievably blue: The water's color—a mix of milky blue and glacier blue—is so vivid it doesn't need any photo editing. It's picture-perfect as is! 🚶 How to explore it best? The parking lot is just a 2–3 minute walk from the falls—super easy! You can stroll along the trail to enjoy different vantage points of the waterfall. 📸 Photography tips The middle section of the main bridge offers the best view for capturing the waterfall's frontal spray. From the side of the bridge, you can shoot downward to capture the rolling water and compressed rapids for a dramatic effect. On a clear day, the contrast of blue, white, and green is stunning—wear light-colored clothing to complement the natural tones. 🧭 Pre-visit reminders 1. No tickets required; open year-round (weather permitting). 2. Visit in the morning or evening for fewer crowds. 3. If you have extra time, consider extending your trip with the Huka Trails for a light hike to the hot spring river area—it’s worth it!

📍At the most beautiful lake in the North Island, Lake Taupō, at dusk, everything is quiet, gentle and poetic. 🦢Sunset highlights + duck elements 📍Taupō is one of the most unexpected places in my trip to New Zealand There is no commercial crowding, nor any specially designed installation art But just by the lake in the evening, watching a group of ducks leisurely paddle across the water, The sunset sprinkled on the lake, shining with golden light, and the whole world was quiet. 💡Highlight summary: ✅ Best viewing point: Lakefront Boardwalk ✅ Photo angle: sitting on a wooden chair by the lake + sunset light hitting your face + wild ducks passing by ✅ Filming time: 40 minutes before sunset ~ 15 minutes after sunset ✅ Dressing suggestions: White or light-colored clothes, paired with blue, orange and yellow gradient sky, super white! 🎒I arranged it like this: 🕘 Go to the lakeside around 4:30 pm and find a place with a wide view to sit down 🦆 Drink coffee while watching ducks slowly float out of the water 📸 When the sunset begins, you can also take textured photos with your mobile phone, no filter is needed at all 🌕 The lake is quieter after sunset, and the lights are turned on, which is very gentle and romantic ✨Tips: 📌 It is recommended to bring your own drinks and thin jackets, as the wind is quite strong in the evening 📌 Ducks will approach but it is not recommended to feed them, respect the local wild rules 📌 Bring a tripod or a friend to help you take the photo, the silhouette effect is really amazing! 🧡This place is really suitable for one person to settle down, and it is also suitable for two people to watch the world turn golden quietly. There is no special arrangement, but the lake surface that day will make you remember it for a lifetime🥹 #LakeTaupo #Taupo Lake Sunset #New Zealand Free Travel #Taupo Lake Duck #North Island Sunset #Lake Thames #Lakeside Dusk #New Zealand Photo Spot #Taupo Niche Attractions #Taupo Night Color #Taupo Vlog #Deer Scene Sunset #Taupo Boating #BlackSwans #Taupo Seabirds #TaupoSunset #Dusk Walk #New Zealand Lake View #Travel Poetry

Craters of the Moon, a super-super-niche attraction in the North Island 📍Location: 10 minutes drive north of Taupō, on Karapiti Road Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk; many Taiwanese websites call it 🎯"Moon Park" Moon Crater 🕒Opening information & tickets 🕤 Open all year round (except Christmas), last admission on the day 4:00 PM, weekdays 9:30–17:00 Tickets: Adults NZD10/Children (5–15 years old) NZD5/Under 5 years old free 🔥Walk into the "Moon Landscape" This is a 45-minute (main line) + 20-minute (up to the observation deck) boardwalk circular trail Steaming mud pits, •steam vents, •sulphur-colored sparse land Slates and plank roads protect the surface, and are also convenient for middle-aged and elderly tourists and strollers to enter. The steam surges and suddenly scatters to form a "foggy moon" feeling The viewing platform along the way can overlook the large steam vents, making you feel like you are on an alien planet 📸Photography Tips The light in the morning or evening is the most alien, and the steam is like floating on the moon The extension of the plank road is taken from the angle of steam filtering, which is very cinematic The viewing platform can take a bird's-eye view of the steam in the pits, which is magnificent and mysterious Remember to keep a distance and pay attention to safety when taking a close-up of the mud pit 🚗Transportation & Itinerary Suggestions 🛣 It is only a 10-minute drive from Taupo, and the road signs are clear It is recommended to combine the trail with Huka Falls or Taupō Lakeside for a half-day tour You can drive by yourself or sign up for a geothermal + waterfall one-day tour This place is not like the South Island lunar landform written about in tourism, but it is a real North Island version of the lunar trail. Walking into the "Moon Crater Trail", you will feel the heat and steam on the surface, like walking on another planet, which is a great experience for geothermal science. It is not a dream, nor a movie, but it can give you a shock of facing the earth's core. Ps: Remember to go up the mountain and look at the distance, it is really beautiful! (Pictures 12-17) #North Island Moon Park #CratersOfTheMoon #Taupo Attractions #New Zealand Geothermal #Moon Landscape #GeothermalWalk #Taupo Day Tour #New Zealand Hidden Attractions #Moon Trail #New Zealand Natural Wonders #Mud Pit #New Zealand Free Travel #Traveler Niche #Taupo Travel #New Zealand Adventure #Geothermal Landscape #Moon Adventure #New Zealand Photo Spot #Half-Day Tour Recommendation #Earth Core Collision

📍Huka Falls is one of New Zealand’s most visited natural attractions, located just north of Taupo on the Waikato River 🌊 Known for its striking turquoise water and powerful flow, over 220,000 litres of water per second surge through a narrow 20-meter gorge, creating an impressive waterfall you can feel and hear before you see. Visitors can enjoy easy, flat walking tracks with several viewing platforms for different angles of the falls, and the Spa Park to Huka Falls trail takes about 1 hour one way for those who want a scenic riverside walk. 🆓 Parking and clear signage. ✅ Jet boat tours are available if you want a thrilling close-up perspective of the falls. ✅ Best visited on a sunny day to see the vibrant blue water. 📌 Highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers looking to capture one of New Zealand’s most iconic waterfall scenes while enjoying an easy outdoor activity near Taupo. ##summervacay #newzealand #newzealandtrip #newzealandnature #travel #familytravel #thingstodo #taupo #hukafalls #taupovibes #jetboat #nature

Still here and still cool

🐏 First, check in with the giant sheep and sheepdog buildings, so cute! 📸 It feels like walking into a fairy tale world! 🍔 The coolest McDonald's in the world? ✅✅ Eat in a real old-fashioned airplane✈️, eat fries while imagining that you are flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters ~ This is what Mc airplane meals taste like! 🍟☁️ 🌊 Another baptism of nature - Huka Falls 💦 The blue river water rushes like a beast, refreshing your blue imagination in a second, and the air is filled with a refreshing feeling ✨ 🌲🚶The whole journey is like shuttling between reality and fantasy, from surreal landmark buildings to pure natural scenery, every stop is a surprise! #NewZealandTrip #TaupoVibes #GiantAnimalArchitecture #HukaFalls #TravelMagic #TripMoment #NewZealandissogoodtotakephotos📷🧢 #McDonaldislove #Showyourself #Showyourworld

Visited the stunning Huka Falls near Taupo and was blown away by the raw power and vibrant turquoise water! 💙 The roar of 220,000 litres of water per second thundering through the narrow gorge is something you have to see—and hear—to believe. Easy to access, great photo spots, and a peaceful riverside walk nearby. A must-stop on any North Island road trip! 📸🚗 #HukaFalls #NewZealandNature#hukafalls #travel #taupo湖 #TaupoTrip

We had an unforgettable boat trip on Lake Taupō to see the stunning Māori rock carving of Ngātoroirangi. The whole experience was peaceful, culturally enriching, and visually breathtaking. The carving itself is truly impressive—towering over the water, carved directly into a cliff face, and surrounded by the deep blues and greens of the lake and forest. Seeing it up close gave us a sense of deep respect for the Māori culture and its storytelling through art. Our guide explained the significance of Ngātoroirangi, a powerful priest and navigator, which added a meaningful context to what we were seeing. The boat ride was smooth and relaxing, with beautiful views all around. We even had time to enjoy the calmness of the lake. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Taupō area—it’s a perfect mix of nature, culture, and serenity. #travel #newzealand #thingstodo #citydaytours #boat #carving #maori

#summervacay Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, is a summer haven for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. Located in the center of the North Island, this massive volcanic crater lake offers activities like skydiving, sailing, and kayaking. Huka Falls, a powerful waterfall just north of the lake, is a must-see natural attraction. For those who prefer a slower pace, the lake's clear waters and surrounding trails offer excellent fishing, biking, and hiking opportunities. Taupo town itself is friendly and full of cafés, shops, and thermal spas. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just a peaceful lakeside retreat, Lake Taupo delivers.

The McDonald’s in Taupō isn’t just a place to grab a quick bite—it’s a quirky, unforgettable experience. What sets it apart from any other McDonald’s in the world is the fully restored 20-seater DC-3 airplane parked right next to the main restaurant building. This iconic aircraft is open to the public, and customers are welcome to climb aboard and enjoy their meal inside the plane’s cabin. The interior has been converted into a unique dining area, complete with tables and original cockpit views, offering a fun and nostalgic atmosphere. The DC-3 was originally built in the 1940s and served both commercial and cargo functions before retiring to its final home in Taupō. Over the years, it’s become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who want to eat in what is often called “the world’s coolest McDonald’s.” Beyond the plane, the restaurant itself is spacious, clean, and offers beautiful views of Lake Taupō. It’s a great stop on a road trip through the central North Island, combining fast food convenience with one-of-a-kind charm. Whether you’re a McDonald’s fan or simply curious about this aviation-themed twist, it’s definitely worth a visit!

#OverseasTravelTactics Taupo and Tongariro, located in the center of New Zealand's North Island, are a treasure trove of magnificent nature and geothermal activities. Despite the weather, we enjoyed a variety of scenery and experiences during our 4-night, 5-day trip. Day 1: Arrival in Taupo and a stroll around the lake After arriving in Taupo by bus from Wellington, we checked into our accommodation and then strolled around the city. Lake Taupo, the city's symbol, was beautiful against the clear skies. On the way, we stopped at a unique McDonald's restaurant with an airplane on display and took a photo of the popular theme. There were also plenty of local supermarkets and souvenir shops, and we spent a relaxing afternoon. Day 2: Abandoned Tongariro due to bad weather → Changed to visiting hot springs and geothermal energy Originally, we had planned to do the "Tongariro Alpine Crossing" on this day, but it was canceled due to strong winds and fog in the mountainous area. Instead, we visited the geothermal area "Craters of the Moon" to see the mysterious steam and hot spring land, sampled Manuka honey at "Honey Hive", and experienced the overwhelming amount of water at "Huka Falls". We were very satisfied with the unplanned sightseeing. Day 3 | Finally to Tongariro! Pilgrimage to the filming locations and a tough mountain climbing experience Finally, we went to the long-awaited "Tongariro Alpine Crossing". This trail, famous as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings, is a treasure trove of spectacular views such as volcanoes, lava, craters, and emerald lakes... but due to bad weather, the visibility was completely white. Nevertheless, we covered the entire route of about 20 km, including the Red Crater at an altitude of 1,886 m. It was about 6 hours one way, and the sense of accomplishment of walking the road with its many ups and downs was great, but to be honest, it was quite hard. It was unfortunate that the weather was not good, but we still got the satisfaction of the pilgrimage. Day 4 | Down with muscle pain... Complete rest at the hotel Due to the fatigue and muscle pain from the previous day's climb, I could barely move that day. I spent the day relaxing at the hotel drinking hot tea and trying to recover my strength. Days like this are also part of the trip. Day 5 | Moving to Auckland and wrapping up the trip I checked out early in the morning and headed to Auckland by bus. It was a 5-day nature trip filled with experiences and impressions. Spot information ・Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Convenient access with a tour with transfer from National Park Village or Taupo. Advance reservations and weather check required. ・Huka Falls: 10 minutes by car from Taupo city. Parking and observation deck available. ・Honey Hive: A popular store with a wide selection of manuka honey products. Tastings are also available. ・Craters of the Moon: Entrance fee required. The natural smoke from geothermal energy is fantastic. #New Zealand trip #Tongariro Crossing #Lake Taupo #Geothermal area #Huka Falls #Lord of the Rings pilgrimage #Muscle pain guaranteed #A spectacular trip to the great outdoors

｜Suggested Itinerary｜ Start your day in Taupo with a morning stroll and a visit to the iconic Huka Falls. It's best to head out early to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning sunlight reflecting on the water's surface, creating stunning layers of color. If the weather permits, you can also explore nearby attractions such as Craters of the Moon geothermal area or the free Spa Thermal Park hot springs, and then return to the city for a lakeside breakfast to complete your morning. ｜Transportation｜ Huka Falls is only about a 10-minute drive from Taupo city center, making it very convenient for self-driving. Simply set "Huka Falls Car Park" on Google Maps. There is free parking available on-site, or you can take a leisurely walk from Spa Park along the Waikato River (about a 1-hour walk), perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed stroll and photography. If you're not driving, Taupo offers options such as tourist buses, bike rentals, or some sightseeing packages that include transportation to Huka Falls. ｜Recommendation｜ The water at Huka Falls originates from Lake Taupo, where the rushing river is squeezed into a narrow channel, creating a powerful surge that forms a stunning blue-green waterfall resembling a gemstone. The colors of the falls change constantly depending on the time and angle of the light, making it feel like you can never take enough photos. Be sure to walk to the bridge closest to the falls, where you can truly feel the "power of nature." If you're a fan of spectacular natural landscapes, Huka Falls is a must-visit destination on your North Island itinerary!