• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
VJ Cooks
  • Home
  • A-Z Recipes
  • Shop
  • About
  • Blog
  • Dinners
  • Baking
  • Desserts
  • Gluten Free
  • Salads
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Dinners
  • Baking
  • Top 10 Recipes Free Ebook
  • Everyday Favourites Cookbook
  • Join The Membership
  • Shop
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Explore

    Taupo - My Favourite Free Activities

    Published: Sep 16, 2020 by Vanya Insull

    There are so many awesome places to visit for free in Taupo. These are our favourite things to do with friends from out of town.

    I always get asked about my favourite things to do in Taupo. So I thought it was about time I put up a post with some free activities that my kids and I love doing. These are the ones we always recommend and where I take my friends and family when they visit from out of town. Even though we are locals we love doing them over and over again.
    Happy exploring, VJ x 


    The #LOVETAUPO sign

    Love Taupo sign

    Located right on the lakefront outside the busy hub of eateries sits the #LOVETAUPO sign. This is an awesome place to take a photo with your friends and family to prove you were here! On a clear Winter's day you can see the snow capped mountains across the lake. Magic!

    Huka Falls

    Huka Falls

    The thundering water of the Huka Falls really is impressive. From the main car park, walk across the first bridge to see the mighty Waikato rushing and bubbling under you.

    Huka Falls Huka Falls

    Once you've got a good picture here (you may have to wait your turn if there are a lot of people about) take the track down to the left. From the elevated viewing platform you will see the waterfalls crash down in the river below.

    Aratiatia Dam

    Aratiatia Dam

    Another awesome natural attraction in our region is the Aratiatia Dam. Kids (big and small!) love to watch the dam fill up, then get released into the narrow gorge. Definitely worth the drive! The release times are: Summer (October to March) - 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and Winter (April to September) - 10am, 12pm, 2pm.

    Weekend Markets 

    Taupo Market

    Taupo Markets Market Central

    The original Taupo Market has become a firm favourite with many local residents and businesses alike. Not to mention a must-do for visitors to the region. Having moved from its previous site on Redoubt Street, the markets are now a weekly event at the Nukuhau Shops. Open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

    Above images from @taupomarket Instagram

    Market Central

    Market Central Market Central

    We also love visiting Market Central in the weekends. Born out of a desire to support local business, Market Central stalls are a mix of local organic produce sold directly by the growers as well as local makers and hospitality. A live band and face painting add to the fun. Open every Sunday from 9am - 1pm. Located at Northcroft Reserve (Between Minigolf and The Firestation)

    Above images from @marketcentraltaupo Instagram

    Mountain Biking

    Mountain biking

    One of the reasons we moved to Taupo was for the lifestyle and mountain biking is an awesome part of that. It's been so fun teaching my kids how to ride and watching them get more confident. We often ride along the Lion's Walk and Craters MTB Park. (Day pass needed for Craters MTB Park). 

    Mountain biking mountain biking

    Spa Park

    Spa park

    Image courtesy of Love Taupo

    There is so much to do at Spa Park. From bike riding, to playgrounds, to dog walks and the free thermal hot springs, there is something for everyone. Before you reach the main car park, you'll see a BMX track and pump track for younger kids. Near the car park is a play area including a little velodrome as well as an awesome flying fox! Take the path down to the river's edge to enjoy the amazing and free Otumuheke Stream hot pools. This path is part of the walkway to Huka Falls and there are also lots of mountain bike tracks. 

    Spa Park

    Graffiti in town

    graffiato

    Image courtesy of Love Taupo

    Taupo is home to New Zealand's first street art festival Graffiato, which runs annually throughout the town centre. Tucked away in Taupo's alleyways you will find over 85 murals from some of New Zealand's most established street artists. The map on their website will show you where each of the artworks are located. Or have fun discovering them yourself. 

    graffiato graffiato


    TAUPO WALKS

     

    For more places to visit in Taupo, be sure to check out my blog post
    Taupo - My Favourite Walks

     


    Taupo activities - Places to visit with kids - New zealand - free

    Pin20
    Share40
    60 Shares

    More Explore

    • Taupo - My Favourite Paid Activities
    • Taupo - My favourite Walks

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    WELCOME

    Thanks for visiting VJ cooks!

    I hope you enjoy my website and find some inspiring recipes and ideas. I’m Vanya and I live in beautiful Taupo, New Zealand with my husband, two sons and Golden Retriever.
    I love cooking, baking, sharing recipes and of course eating.

    Follow Me

    For exclusive new recipes

    Search the website

    Want to learn about freezing meals?

    Popular Posts

    Magic slice an easy recipe by VJ cooks

    Magic Slice

    Sliced gingerbread loaf on a wooden board.

    Gingerbread Loaf

    Tuscan chicken

    Tuscan Chicken Thighs

    teriyaki chicken bowls

    Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

    Baking Recipes

    VJ cooks Date loaf

    Nana's Date Loaf

    The best cookie recipes

    vj cooks lumberjack cake with coconut topping

    Lumberjack cake

    Vj cooks perky nana slice

    Perky nana slice

    passionfruit meringue pie

    Passionfruit meringue pie

    Apricot skillet cake

    Apricot Skillet Cake

    VJ COOKS BROWNIE

    Chocolate Caramel Brownie

    Blueberry and Coconut Loaf

    Never miss a recipe + FREE Ebook with my 10 favourite family recipes!

    Copyright © 2023
    Privacy Policy