Taupo Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

The closest airport to Taupo is Taupo Airport which is an 8 kilometre drive from town. Direct flights take 50 minutes from Auckland and 1 hour from Wellington.

Driving to Taupo from Auckland takes 3.5 hours or it's a 4.5 hour drive from Wellington.

There are also regular InterCity bus services which take slightly longer as they pick up and drop off passengers along the way. 

Taupo has a local bus service and hire cars, taxis and tours are also available for getting around Taupo. 

The weather at Taupo can be warm in summer so don't be surprised if you find yourself walking around in shorts and a t-shirt.

If you're to keen to try water sports like rafting or kayaking, a summer visit is a good choice as the weather is warmer if you do happen to fall into Lake Taupo or one of the nearby rivers.

It can get cold in winter with temperatures dropping to around two degrees Celsius. Autumn brings the colours of leaves changing from green to red and gold, and spring is perfect for strolling and sailing around the lake. 

Clothes you can layer work best if you're travelling to Taupo as it can be very warm in the middle of the day.

Add a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, sunscreen, a hat and a beanie.

Remember to pack a fleece if you're heading out on Lake Taupo as it can get chilly on the boat, even in summer.

Comfortable shoes are also a must for exploring this scenic area.  

Taupo is a laid back destination so people tend to dress casually. Smart casual is considered 'dressy' at the restaurants in town.  

The is good Wi-Fi coverage at Taupo but the signal can be weak when you're exploring some parts of the lake. 

The is good mobile phone coverage at Taupo but the signal can be weak when you're exploring some parts of the lake. 

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.