Things To Do
Local Activities
Whether you're here just to kick back and relax or get your adrenaline pumping,
there's something for everyone in Taupo.
Trout Fishing
The World Famous Waitahanui River and Picket Fence at the river mouth offers some good fly fishing just a couple of minutes walk from the lodge. The Waitahanui is renowned for its fishing pools and fishermen from New Zealand and overseas have been making the annual pilgrimage for decades to fish its waters. Nearby rivers include the Hinemaiaia, Tauranga- Taupo and Tongariro.
In the lake, Rotongaio Bay and Horomatangi Reef offer consistent lake fishing all year round.
Read more in our Fishing Guide.
Boating and Water Sports
Right in front of the lodge, Rotongaio Bay is a safe beach for swimming, kayaking and rowing. For water skiing and jet skiing, there is a ski lane at nearby 5 Mile Bay.
Tramping
The tranquil Waitahanui River tracks provide the perfect walk whether it is a casual stroll or a 2 hour tramp. For the more adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing is a must do. There is a bus service at our front door. Taupo has numerous other walks and tramps around the lake and rivers. A particularly popular one is a walk along the Waikato River to the Huka Falls.
Sporting Events
Taupo is host to numerous international sporting events each year such as Ironman and the Great Lake Cycle Challenge. We offer an alternative to motels in the heart of Taupo where guests can relax by the lake and soothe the body after a gruelling competition.
Bird Watching
Going for a walk up the Waitahanui River tracks is a must for bird watchers. Among those that have been spotted are - Grey Duck, Mallard, New Zealand Scaup, Pheasant, California Quail, Kingfisher, Harrier, Shining-bronze Cuckoo, Tui, Bellbird, Little Black Cormorant, Pied Cormorant Grey Warbler, Yellow Hammer, Silvereye and Swallow.
Gallery
Only 100 metres away from the lodge visit the Wildwood Gallery displaying and selling works of art by local wood turner Robbie Graham and water colour artist Sue Graham.
Skiing
Tongariro National Park and Whakapapa ski fields are only 50 minutes away. During the ski season, a bus service is available from our front door.
Restaurants and Takeaways
Taupo is spoilt for choice when it comes to cafes, restaurants and takeaways. The closest to us is ploughmans at rainbow point and now the new restaurant Mavericks up by the airport roundabout. And in our opinion, the best fish and chips in Taupo is Fish Box, also at Rainbow Point.
Adventure for Thrill Seekers
Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, River Rafting, Para Sailing, Sky Diving or Kayaking, Taupo has a huge range of outdoor activities all within a short drive from the lodge. We have all the brochures on what to see and do while you're visiting and can recommend a number of attractions.
About Us
During the 1920’s, ex Englishman Fred Fletcher made many trips across to Taupo from the Hawkes Bay to fish for rainbow trout and dreamed of one day building a fishing and hunting lodge.
Contact Us
- +64 7 378 7183
- waitahanui.lodge@xtra.co.nz
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Waitahanui Lodge
116 State Highway One
Waitahanui,Taupo 3378