--- title: Welcome to Taupō - Visit one of earth's most welcoming places description: Visit one of earth's most welcoming places image: https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hubfs/Welcome-campaign-Lavaglass-friends-garden-glass-blowing.png --- # Welcome to Taupō Hot news: Taupō is one of the the most welcoming places on Earth* according to Booking.com travellers. Awesomely topping that off, CNN listed Taupō in the 25 best places to visit (on Earth) in 2025*. Winter is when our warmth really shines. From friendly lakeside smiles to steamy hot pools, you’ll feel Taupō’s welcome the moment you arrive.  This season, Taupō is ready to welcome you to incredible landscapes, crisp air, glowing sunsets, and the unforgettable moments that only a Taupō winter can bring.  *As voted by Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2025. *CNN’s ‘Best Destinations to Visit’ in 2025. [ Explore why Taupō's welcoming ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/most-welcoming-city) ## You're welcome [![two-girlfriends-laughing-in-lavaglass-gardens-glassblowing-make-welcome-846x564-1](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/two-girlfriends-laughing-in-lavaglass-gardens-glassblowing-make-welcome-846x564-1.png?width=846&height=564&name=two-girlfriends-laughing-in-lavaglass-gardens-glassblowing-make-welcome-846x564-1.png "two-girlfriends-laughing-in-lavaglass-gardens-glassblowing-make-welcome-846x564-1")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/plan/recommended-itineraries/a-girls-weekend-in-taupo/) ### Best friends  Get together for your perfect escape. Girls’ weekend or mates’ time-out. Pampering and pure relaxation, golf, fishing, hanging out—your choice of whatever rocks your boat.  [ Girls’ getaway ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/plan/recommended-itineraries/a-girls-weekend-in-taupo/) [![supervolcanics-female-mountain-biker-bike-kaimanwa-decent-ruapehu846x564.](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/supervolcanics-female-mountain-biker-bike-kaimanwa-decent-ruapehu846x564..png?width=846&height=564&name=supervolcanics-female-mountain-biker-bike-kaimanwa-decent-ruapehu846x564..png "supervolcanics-female-mountain-biker-bike-kaimanwa-decent-ruapehu846x564.")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/highlights/great-lake-trails/) ### Active relaxers [ Supervolcanic biking and hiking ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/highlights/great-lake-trails/) [![Vine-restaurant-bar-older-couple-kissing-wine-celebrating-lady-happy-welcome-846x564](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vine-restaurant-bar-older-couple-kissing-wine-celebrating-lady-happy-welcome-846x564.png?width=846&height=564&name=Vine-restaurant-bar-older-couple-kissing-wine-celebrating-lady-happy-welcome-846x564.png "Vine-restaurant-bar-older-couple-kissing-wine-celebrating-lady-happy-welcome-846x564")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/romantic-weekend-in-taupo/) ### Ridiculous romantics Pamper yourselves. Taupō was made for special moments. Candlelit dinners, alpine sunsets, and steamy hot pools set the scene for winter getaways that bring you closer—quite naturally. [ Romantic winter experiences ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/romantic-weekend-in-taupo/) [![Make_Welcome-Campaign-0525_Fur-Babies-custom 846x564](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Make_Welcome-Campaign-0525_Fur-Babies-custom%20846x564.png?width=846&height=564&name=Make_Welcome-Campaign-0525_Fur-Babies-custom%20846x564.png "Make_Welcome-Campaign-0525_Fur-Babies-custom 846x564")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/pet-friendly-taupo/) ### Fur babies Bring the whole whānau—pooches and paws included. Taupō rolls out the welcome mat with dog-friendly cafés, lakeside walks, and pet-welcoming stays destined to make tails wag all winter long. [ Dog-Friendly Taupō ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/pet-friendly-taupo/) [![Turangi-golf-club-mates-male-golfer-846 x 564](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Turangi-golf-club-mates-male-golfer-846%20x%20564.png?width=846&height=564&name=Turangi-golf-club-mates-male-golfer-846%20x%20564.png "Turangi-golf-club-mates-male-golfer-846 x 564")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/outdoor-adventure/golf/) ### Good mates [ Charming fairways ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/outdoor-adventure/golf/) [![Shopping in Taupō - there are lots of botique options. This lady is finding some gems to buy](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Spacecraft-olderlady-happy-shopping-smiling-with-glasses-make-welcome-846X564.png?width=846&height=564&name=Spacecraft-olderlady-happy-shopping-smiling-with-glasses-make-welcome-846X564.png "Shopping in Taupō - there are lots of botique options. This lady is finding some gems to buy")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/your-boutique-shopping-guide/) ### Dedicated shoppers Taupō’s boutique scene is big on charm. Discover handcrafted treasures, curated fashion, and homewares you won’t find anywhere else—proving that retail therapy is even better with lake views. [ Explore boutique shopping ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/your-boutique-shopping-guide/) [![jimmy-coops-happy-couple-cocktails-beer-food-make-welcome-campaign 846x564](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hubfs/jimmy-coops-happy-couple-cocktails-beer-food-make-welcome-campaign%20846x564.png "jimmy-coops-happy-couple-cocktails-beer-food-make-welcome-campaign 846x564")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/cosy-eats-and-drinks/) ### Famished foodies Winter’s best flavours and warm-ups are found fireside. Sip spiced mulled wine, tuck into hearty local fare, and discover cafés, bars and bistros that warm the soul and fuel adventures. [ Best cosy eateries ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/cosy-eats-and-drinks/) [![Rapidsjet-jetboat-man-thumbsup846 x 564 px)](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hubfs/Rapidsjet-jetboat-man-thumbsup846%20x%20564%20px\).png "Rapidsjet-jetboat-man-thumbsup846 x 564 px)")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/get-your-adrenaline-fix-winter/) ### Bold adventurers [ Epic winter adventures ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/get-your-adrenaline-fix-winter/) [![Wairakei-terraces-geothermal-hotpools-couple-simling-maori-culture-3-make-welcome-ca](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hubfs/Wairakei-terraces-geothermal-hotpools-couple-simling-maori-culture-3-make-welcome-ca.png "Wairakei-terraces-geothermal-hotpools-couple-simling-maori-culture-3-make-welcome-ca")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/geothermal-attractions/hot-pools/) ### Chilled-out relaxers Unwind in Taupō’s geothermal hot pools—from silica terrace soaks to riverside retreats and family-friendly fun, there’s a serene, soul-warming spot waiting just for you this winter. [ Top 6 hot pools ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/geothermal-attractions/hot-pools/) [![whanau-explorers-family-snow-](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hubfs/whanau-explorers-family-snow-.png "whanau-explorers-family-snow-")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/top-25-family-experiences/) ### Whānau explorers Whānau fun doesn’t stop with the weather. From climbing walls and escape rooms to hot pools and museums, Taupō’s got your crew covered—rain or shine. [ 25 ways to play ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/top-25-family-experiences/) [![ernst-kemp-lake-taupo-boat-cruise-man-wine-happy-make-welcome-846x564](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hubfs/ernst-kemp-lake-taupo-boat-cruise-man-wine-happy-make-welcome-846x564.png "ernst-kemp-lake-taupo-boat-cruise-man-wine-happy-make-welcome-846x564")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/water-adventures-this-winter/) ### Water lovers [ Set sail now ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/water-adventures-this-winter/) [![vine-restaurant-older-couple-wine-celebrating-man-cheers-celebrating-846x564](https://experiences.lovetaupo.com/hubfs/vine-restaurant-older-couple-wine-celebrating-man-cheers-celebrating-846x564.png "vine-restaurant-older-couple-wine-celebrating-man-cheers-celebrating-846x564")](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/romantic-winter-experiences-in-taupo/) ### Newlyweds Unwind in Taupō’s geothermal hot pools—from silica terrace soaks to riverside retreats and family-friendly fun, there’s a serene, soul-warming spot waiting just for you this winter. [ Romance is in the air ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/romantic-winter-experiences-in-taupo/) [ Looking for a welcoming deal? ](https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/plan/deals/)