Taupo has a wide range of sporting, recreational, and cultural clubs around the district as well as a huge variety of natural and community facilities. 

Swimming Pools

AC Baths

26 AC Baths Avenue, Taupo
Ph.: 07 376 0350
E-mail: ​ecreception@taupo.govt.nz

Open Daily, 6am to 9pm (Closed Christmas Day, December 25).
Hydroslides open 10.30am to 7.30pm on weekends and holidays, and 3.30pm to 7.30pm on school days.

The AC Baths are an ideal place to visit in any weather. We have thermally heated warm public pools as well as private thermal mineral pools with hot natural water – pure bliss! 

Genesis Energy Aquatic Centre

Ohuanga Road, Turangi
Phone: 07 386 8021

Open Mon, Weds & Thurs 8.30am - 6pm, Tues 8.30am - 7.30pm, Fri - Sun: 12 - 6pm

The Genesis Energy Aquatic Centre is located next to the Turangi Town Centre Mall. A fully enclosed swimming pool facility with an air temperature of 24 degrees and is Poolsafe accredited.

Playgrounds

Looking for your nearest playground? Or want to try a different playground in Taupo just not sure where they all are? Download a map of Taupo playgrounds here. Many include toilet facilities, seated areas & BBQ's. 

Parks and Reserves

Taupo has a number of parks and neighbourhood recreation reserves for the enjoyment and use of the community and visitors. Some popular reserves include:

Tongariro Domain is also home to the Taupo Library & Museum, Great Lake Centre, Information Centre, the Super Loo, Rose Gardens and Miniature Train.  The Tongariro Domain is a popular area for the community and visitors to enjoy a leisurely walk, a picnic or to take their children to the playground area. Riverside Park is located within Tongariro Domain and is on the banks of the Waikato River. Riverside Park is the home of the Riverside Market on Saturday mornings throughout the year. It also houses the amphitheatre which is used for outdoor concerts.

Spa Thermal Park

Visitors to Spa Thermal Park can access the Huka Falls Walking Track and Rotary Ride Bike Track. This Park is 41 hectares, with wide open spaces and pine trees, it is one of Taupo’s largest and oldest parks. The park has had a long history of geothermal activity but geyser activity is now dormant. Spa Thermal Park is a designated dog exercise area.

Taupo Lakefront Reserve

The Taupo Lakefront Reserve reserve stretches from the Taupo Yacht Club near the beginning of the Waikato River on Ferry Road, south east along Lake Terrace. It links to other reserves around the lake to Wharewaka Point and Five Mile Bay. You can find good swimming beaches along the reserve with toilets and barbecues at Hot Water Beach, Two Mile Bay and Wharewaka Point. 

Reid’s Farm Recreation Reserve

Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve is a picturesque reserve and a popular picnic spot. Visitors can launch kayaks and restricted camping is available. Free camping is permitted on the reserve with a maximum length of stay up to seven nights. Campers may choose any vacant campsite provided roads and car parks are not obstructed and barriers are not moved. More information on Reid's Farm can be found at www.rankers.co.nz.

Turangi and Mangakino have a number of reserves and parks with Te Kapua Park (McLaren Park) at Turangi offering 4.3 hectares of grass, an aquatic centre and much more. The Mangakino Recreation Reserve is approx 25 hectares with views of the Waikato River, a playground, camping and more. 

National Parks

Kaimanawa Forest Park lies to the south of Taupō and is renowned for its beautiful river valleys, wide tussock terrain, grassy flats and gorges.   

Explore the Pureroa Forest Park, one of the finest examples of rainforest, rich in bird life and ash buried ancient forests. 

The Whirinaki Rainforest is a fascinating and educational eco-cultural experience.  The natural wilderness of these parks can be seen by tramping, climbing, biking and scenic flights.  Take the opportunity to trout fish, hunt, horse trek and study the flora and fauna.  This is a wondrous natural environment. 

Venues for hire

Taupo has a number of venues and halls for hire. From community meeting spaces to function venues or large events. Below are a list of community facilities available for hire. Click here to view detailed information about Taupo's leading Conference and Event Venues.

 Karaka Tree Motel, 216 Lake Terrace, Taupo. Phone 07 378 2432

The Cove, 213 Lake Terrace , Taupo. Phone 07 378 7599

Great Lake Centre Theatre, Tongariro Street, Taupo. Phone 07 376 0340

Waitahanui Community Centre,  Waitahanui.  Phone 07 376 0899

The Tauhara Centre, 60 Acacia Heights Drive (off Mapara Road),  Acacia Bay. Phone 07 378 7507

Caboose Lodge Silver Fern Conference Room, 100-102 Lake Terrace, Taupo. Phone  0800 222 6673

Chateau Tongariro Hotel, SH 48 Mt Ruapehu. Phone 07 892 3809

Bridge Tongariro Conference Centre - The Sanctuary, State Highway 1  Turangi. Phone 07 386 8804

Taupo Events Centre, A.C.Baths Avenue, Taupo. Phone 07 376 0340

Halls for Hire

These community halls are administered by the Taupo District Council. Fees and charges apply.

Tutemohuta Community Centre, Blake's Road, Waitahanui.
Phone 07 376 0899. Facilities: Changing and shower rooms, health providers' room, mothers' room, large lounge and kitchen.
Seating: Seats 90 but can accommodate up to 120.

Kaimanawa Pavilion, Kaimanawa Street Reserve.
Phone 07 376 0899. Facilities: Changing and shower rooms and a meeting room with kitchen.

River Road Community Hall, River Road, Reporoa.
Phone 07 333 8315. Facilities: Lounge and kitchen.

Acacia Bay Community Centre, Beasley Park, Wakeman Road, Acacia Bay.
Phone 07 378 1856. Facilities: Two separate function areas, large entrance lobby, kitchen, view of the lake and Mount Tauhara. Seats 80 but can accommodate up to 100.

Kinloch Community Hall, Kinloch Domain, Mata Place.
Phone 07 378 6361. Facilities: Lounge and kitchen. Seating: Seats up to 60.

Whakamaru Settlers Hall, 5 Arataki Road, RD, Mangakino (corner SH32 and Arataki Road).
Phone: 07 882 8231 or the Mangakino Service Centre 07 882 8848. Facilities: The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, stove, pie warmer and zip hot water. There are trestle tables and chairs available for use in the main hall area. Toilet facilities are located within the building. Seating: Seats up to 220.

Tirohanga Settlers Hall, 839 Tirohanga Road, RD 1 Atiamuri.
Phone: Wendy Hilhorst  07 333 9110 or the Mangakino service centre on 07 882 8700. Facilities: Has a modern kitchen with fridge, stove, pie warmer and zip hot water. Lounge area is carpeted with adjoining bar and toilet facilities. Some trestle tables and a number of chairs are available for use. Seating: Seats up to 220; 150 in the main hall and 70 in the new extension.

For a full list of Taupo's leading Conference, Event and Function venues please click here.