Local Escapes

5 Of The Best Hotels In Taupo

By Alice Rich

Adrenaline-pumping activities, forest-bathing among ancient trees and unwinding in relaxing hot springs are the idyllic trifecta that awaits you in Taupō. As much of the crater lake-hugging town’s magnetism comes from its abundant natural beauty it’ll warm your heart to know that many Taupō hotels, motels and Airbnb are committed to operating in environmentally-friendly ways. 

So, if that’s a bit of you, and you’re keen to support their sustainable initiatives with your dollar, read on; here are some of the best hotels in Taupō.

Hilton Lake Taupo

Napier Road, Taupo

A sumptuous room with a balcony and views at the Hilton Lake Taupo, one of the best hotels in Lake Taupo.Resort meets heritage chic at the Victorian-inspired Hilton Lake Taupō. Just ten minutes from the central hub and with tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and views over Lake Taupō (ideal for water-skiing, sailing, fishing and kayaking), here you can curate your perfect blend of adventure and chill time. Be sure to refuel at their on-site Bistro Lago, getting your fill of their seasonal menu. The only way this could get better would be if you can take your dog which, as it turns out, you can. Yep, call off the pet sitter, your pooch is coming too. 

Sacred Waters Taupo

Lake Terrace, Taupo

A lovely looking outdoor space at Sacred Waters Taupo, one of the best hotels in Lake Taupo.

Now, if you’re lowkey looking for a boujee AF place to park yourself this weekend, Sacred Waters Taupō fits the bill in all the ways—it's stylish lakefront luxury at its finest while still being within walking distance to the centre of town. Each apartment (yes, apartment) includes a large deck space, a private thermal hot tub, access to the swimming pool and fitness centre and complimentary on-site EV charging, plus you’ll get to bask in views of the glistening waters of Lake Taupō. Mmhmm. 

Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupo

Lake Terrace, Taupo

Looking back at the Millennium Hotel & Resort from Lake Taupō.

There’s luxury and then there’s opulence and if you’re all about that shine-like-gloss existence Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupō is for you. Sprinkle elegance all over the ‘gram under the pretence of a humblebrag backed by their elegant decor and magnificent lake and mountain views then make that hot girl walk aquatic with some laps in their heated swimming pool, followed by a moment in their private grotto plunge pool and sauna. Could it get better? Yes. Slide into a seat at the hotel’s charming Edgewater Restaurant and savour award-winning cuisine as you watch swans swim gracefully by. 

Wairakei Resort Taupo

​Wairakei Drive, Taupo

A golden glow dining room at Wairakei Resort Taupo that just screams 90s glam. Hidden away amidst the forested slopes of Wairakei Thermal Valley is a resort you’ll probably definitely want to book into, stat. Complete with a 9-hole golf course, floodlit tennis courts and a fitness centre, plus two geothermally heated swimming pools and six outdoor hot tubs, Wairakei Resort Taupō is kind of extra wrapped in 90s glam and we’re so very here for it. Of course, there’s also an on-site spa where you can bliss out with ‘body treats’ like hot stone massages, facials, thermal mud wraps and full-on indulgence packages. 

Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre

 Northcroft Street, Taupo

A lovely looking accommodation at Suncourt hotel and conference centre.Aptly named, Suncourt Hotel boasts a sunshine-drenched terrace for soaking up some serious vitamin D in the summer, plus a cosy heated area to keep you snug through the colder months. Views here can be volcanic, overlooking Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupō. There’s also a rad swimming pool and outdoor heated hot tub, because Taupō. The decor is inspired by the surrounding nature with dark greens, creams and earthen tones creating a gorgeous atmosphere to relax in, explore in, or both. 

Now you've browsed Taupō's best hotels, see Taupōs best motels with a side of cool Airbnb options.  

Image credit: Booking.com.

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