Waterfalls and lakes in Taupo District

The Taupō region is defined by its volcanic history and the massive Waikato River system. This collection features Lake Taupō, a vast caldera formed by a supervolcanic eruption, and the dramatic Huka Falls, where the river narrows into a 15-meter-wide canyon. The list includes remote alpine bodies of water like the Tama Lakes and Blue Lake within Tongariro National Park, as well as geothermal features like the Otumuheke Stream. Visitors can explore both accessible lakefront beaches and hidden waterfalls along the western bays.

Taupō's Waterfalls and Lakes — Map

Egghead06 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Huka Falls

Huka Falls is a set of waterfalls on the Waikato River, which drains Lake Taupō in New Zealand.

Pseudopanax / Public domain

B

Lake Taupō

Lake Taupō is a large crater lake in New Zealand's North Island, located in the caldera of Taupō Volcano.

Rob Young / CC BY 2.0

C

Waipunga Falls

Multi-tiered 40-meter waterfall located off State Highway 5. It is visible from a roadside lookout where the Waipunga and Waiarua rivers converge.

D

Lake Ohakuri

Lake Ohakuri, at 12 square kilometres, is the largest artificial lake of the Waikato river system in New Zealand.

E

Mount Ruapehu Crater Lake

An active, acidic crater lake located at the summit of Mount Ruapehu. The water temperature is monitored as an indicator of volcanic activity.

F

Otumuheke Stream Hot Pools

A natural geothermal stream in Spa Thermal Park where warm volcanic water flows into the Waikato River. Includes landscaped seating and changing rooms.

G

Upper Tama Lake

An alpine lake filling an explosion crater on the Tama Lakes Track. It sits at an elevation of 1,440 meters between Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe.

H

Lower Tama Lake

One of two volcanic crater lakes located on the saddle between Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, accessible via a 17-kilometer return hike.

I

Blue Lake

A cold, acidic lake located in a volcanic crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Known as Te Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangi, the lake is sacred to Māori.

J

Whanganui Falls

A secluded waterfall located in the Western Bays of Lake Taupō. It is only accessible by water, often visited by boat or kayak tours.

K

Waikino Falls

A waterfall in the Western Bays of Lake Taupō that drops into a narrow canyon. Access is restricted to watercraft via the lake.

L

Taupo Beach (Yacht Club)

A popular swimming and picnic spot on the lakefront near the town center, adjacent to the Lake Taupō Yacht Club and boat ramp.

Other Lists

Taupō District Essentials Volcanic Peaks of Taupō Best Taupo Campsites Taupo Wilderness Huts Taupo Viewpoints & Parks