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Camping guide · Where to camp

Camping in Taupō: Holiday Parks by the Lake

The pebble shoreline of Lake Taupō on an overcast day

Photo: “Lake Taupo 06” by Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Overview

Taupō is a natural base for a North Island road trip. You're on Lake Taupō, New Zealand's largest lake, with Huka Falls on the edge of town and Tongariro National Park within a day trip.

Holiday parks are the main way to camp in and around town. Freedom camping is governed by Taupō District Council's rules, so check them before you stop overnight.

Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park

Taupō TOP 10 is a Superior TOP 10 park on Rangatira Street, set on 5 acres about a 20-minute walk from the town centre and the lakefront.

  • Swimming pool, a thermal plunge pool and hot tubs you can book.
  • Spacious powered sites for campervans and RVs, plus tent sites, cabins, motels and safari glamping tents.
  • Jumping pillow, basketball half court, games room and pedal karts for hire. There's no kids club.
  • Dump station, free unlimited WiFi and barista coffee on site.
  • No EV charging.

Before you plug in

Taupō TOP 10 asks for an RCD lead to connect to power, and caravans and campervans need a current electrical warrant of fitness (EWOF). Sort both out before you arrive.

Pets and children

  • Pets: Allowed during non-peak times only. Contact the park before booking.
  • Children: Under 2 free, child rate for ages 2–14, adult rate from 15.

Glamping on Lake Taupō

TOP 10's Motutere Bay park, on the lakefront south of town, has glamping domes, while Taupō TOP 10 has safari tents. Compare them in our glamping guide.

Walks and rides from camp

  • Huka Falls Walk: an easy riverside walk from Spa Park to the falls.
  • Great Lake Trail: a Great Ride on the lake's western side.
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing: a full-day alpine hike. Book transport and check the weather.

See our Taupō city guide for more.

Booking tips

  • Book ahead for summer and long weekends.
  • Read the TOP 10 cancellation rule: 75% refund 72 hours or more before arrival, nothing after that.
  • Holiday park rates change by season, so check the park's booking page for current prices.

Sources

  • TOP 10 Holiday Parks: Taupō TOP 10 and glamping pages

Campsite profiles in this guide

Check before you go

Prices, pet rules, closures and road access change. Confirm current details for Camping in Taupō on the official page before you book or travel.

Love Taupō (official visitor site)