Taupō 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, Taupō
Ph: 07 376 0350
E-mail: ​ecreception@taupo.govt.nz
Open Daily - (Closed Christmas Day, December 25).
MONDAY - FRIDAY 6am to 8pm
WEEKENDS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 7am - 7pm
Hydro-slides
MONDAY - FRIDAY Closed
WEEKENDS & PUBLIC/ SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 10.30am to 6.30pm 

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

Turtle Pools - Tūrangi

Ohuanga Road, Turangi 
(The Genesis Energy Aquatic Centre is located next to the Turangi Town Centre Mall).
Phone: 07 386 8021
Opening Hours
MONDAY 8.30am - 6pm
TUESDAY 8.30am - 7.30pm
WEDNESDAY 8.30am - 6pm
THURSDAY 8.30am - 6pm
FRIDAY AND WEEKENDS 10am - 6pm

The Turtle Pools offer a fully enclosed facility with an air temperature inside of 24 degrees. We are Poolsafe accredited. The complex features four heated pools.

Playgrounds

Looking for your nearest playground? Or want to try a different playground in Taupō 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

Taupō 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 Taupō 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, nestled within the scenic Tongariro Domain and set along the banks of the Waikato River, is home to the town’s outdoor amphitheatre. This vibrant space hosts a variety of open-air events and concerts, including the much-loved annual summer concert that draws crowds from near and far.

Spa Thermal Park visitors to Spa Thermal Park can access the Huka Falls Walking Track and Rotary Ride Bike Track. Spa Thermal Park, located just off Spa Road, is one of Taupō’s largest and oldest green spaces, spanning 41 hectares of open fields and pine forest. It’s the starting point for popular trails like the Huka Falls Walking Track and the Rotary Ride Bike Track, making it a favourite for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. Spa Thermal Park also features a scenic disc golf course, offering a fun and active way to enjoy the park’s natural surroundings. Once known for its geothermal activity, the park’s geysers are now dormant, but its natural beauty remains a standout. Spa Thermal Park is also a designated off-lead dog exercise area, perfect for your four-legged adventurers.

Taupō Lakefront Reserve stretches from the Taupō 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. It also creates The Lions Walk is a popular lakeside trail that stretches approximately 10 kilometres along the shores of Lake Taupō, offering stunning views from Taupō town to Five Mile Bay.

Hipapatua Recreational Reserve, located just north of Taupō off Huka Falls Road, sits along the scenic Waikato River. This picturesque reserve is a favourite for camping, picnicking, and kayak launching, offering a peaceful outdoor escape close to town.

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. It also features the Geographical Centre of the North Island.

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

Taupō 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.
Great Lake Centre Theatre, Tongariro Street, Taupō. 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
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.