Transport options in Lake Taupo
Located as it is in the centre of the North Island, Lake Taupo couldn't be easier
to find. Many travellers choose to use Lake Taupo as a base for explorations of
the surrounding regions. Other centres - such as Rotorua, Hawke's Bay, Tongariro
National Park and Waitomo - are only a day trip away.
Getting in and out of Lake Taupo
By Car
The district's two main settlements, Taupo and Turangi, are both located on State Highway 1, which links Auckland with Wellington. Auckland is only 3 hours 30 minutes drive to the north and Wellington a leisurely 4 hours 30 minutes to the south. State Highway 5 - the Thermal Explorer Highway - is a popular visitor route that runs from Hawke's Bay (1 hour 30 minutes drive to the south-east) to Rotorua (1 hour drive to the north-east). A bonus for drivers is that all parking within Lake Taupo district is free.
By Bus
Both Taupo and Turangi are easily accessible by scheduled coach. Whether you are coming from (or going to) Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, Hawke's Bay or the Bay of Plenty there will be several coach services available daily.
By Air
Lake Taupo's airport is located 8 km south of the Taupo town centre. There are several direct flights daily to Auckland and Wellington (less than an hour's flight time) with connections to the South Island. Charter services are also readily available. Taupo airport the place to find tandem skydiving and scenic flights.
By Train
One of New Zealand's most spectacular train rides travels from Auckland to Wellington, passing through the ski towns of Ohakune and National Park, where you can disembark to take a bus to Turangi and on to Taupo.
Getting around Lake Taupo
Travelling by car is a great way to explore the Lake Taupo region. If you don't want to drive, there are scheduled bus services between Taupo and Turangi and a minibus service links many of the tourist attractions around Taupo township and the Wairakei Park area.
Three must-do one day tourist drives are:
- The Western Bays Highway, which takes you through the heartland of the North Island, where traffic is light and the communities small and friendly. It's the perfect way to circle Lake Taupo visiting the Puruora Forest Park on the way.
- The Volcanic Loop, which circles Tongariro National Park from Turangi. It's one of the most scenic highways you'll ever travel with spectacular views of the volcanoes.
- The Wairakei Park Tourist Drive, which passes many of Taupo's top attractions including Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids.
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