Looking for the ideal place at Lake Taupo to relax, revive and get inspired by the outdoors. Covering an area of 606 square kilometres (234 square miles) it’s no wonder that Lake Taupo is blessed with many idyllic bays and lakeside settlements where you can swim, boat, walk, fish, take in the scenery or just relax and do absolutely nothing. Here’s our guide to the best bays of Southern Lake Taupo.
Motuoapa – South Lake Taupo
It takes a while to realise that something is missing. Even though you look at them every day, you probably don’t give them a second thought. Power and telephone lines that is! But at Motuoapa, all the wiring is underground. So the spectacular lake views are completely unimpeded by intruding lines and cables. It’s also why Motuoapa is so popular with yachties; they can tow their boats to the marina without having to drop the masts.
Motuoapa is a modern lakeside settlement that boasts its own waterfront reserve, wharf, boat ramp and marina. This is a place where you can get away from the rat race yet you are just 30 minutes drive from the city life attractions of Central Taupo. Fish, swim, walk and enjoy the outdoors or drive 7 minutes south to Turangi, the Trout Fishing Capital of the World.
Even if you are just passing by, you must stop at Motuoapa’s Licorice Café. This award winning café is one of best in the area and is a highlight for many travelers driving through the central North Island.
5 minutes away lies Te Rangiita, a delightful little settlement where the houses are right on the waterfront. In many parts of the world, staying right on the waterfront is a luxury only available to the rich and famous. Here at Lake Taupo, it’s a lifestyle available to all.
Pukawa – South Lake Taupo
This gorgeous lakeside settlement looks directly back to Taupo and Mt Tauhara. With native bush teeming with bird life, a safe swimming beach, excellent boat launching facilities and a nearby water ski lane, Pukawa is the ideal holiday destination.
You can try your luck at fly fishing near the mouth of the Pukawa stream or walk along the lake edge and through bush to nearby Omori or Kuratau approx. 1 to 1.5 hours walk away. The likelihood is that once you get here, you’ll park the car and just walk everywhere. That’s because Pukawa is really that kind of magical place that makes you want to reconnect with nature.
Omori – South West Lake Taupo
Yes its true; the locals do sing “That’s Omori” and when you get here, you’ll soon discover why Omori has the locals singing. This hill and lakeside settlement has some of the best views of Lake Taupo, Mt Tauhara and the Kaimanawa ranges. But that’s not all.
Omori is a little piece of paradise complete with its own boat ramp, jetty, general store, croquet lawn, tennis court, volleyball court, water ski lane, picnic area and safe swimming beach. Chances are you’ll love it so much here; you’ll never want to leave.
And to cap things off, Omori also has two boutique wineries; Omori Estate and Kuratau River Wines that produce top quality wines and olive oils. As both wineries are located near the Kuratau River, enjoy a wine or two while taking in the stunning river views.
Kuratau – South West Lake Taupo
Kuratau is one of the most popular holiday spots this side of the lake and like Omori and Pukawa, has stunning views of the lake. Set amidst native bush full of bird life and sheltered from the prevailing winds, Kuratau is the ideal spot for a family holiday. Kuratau is also formed around a natural sandspit and the Kuratau River mouth so offers sandy beaches, safe swimming, boating and fishing.
Hire a kayak from Kuratau Kayaks and explore the Kuratau River or head out to the Lake or go fishing, sightseeing or picnicking Lake Taupo with local operators; Lake Taupo Fishing Charters. There’s also a great local store, tennis court, children’s play area and lots of amazing bush and lakeside walks.
Whareroa – South West Lake Taupo
This well kept secret is gaining in popularity as more and more people, seeking the great outdoors, are discovering the joys of Whareroa. This modern settlement has both sleepy little village atmosphere and excellent facilities including boat ramps, ski lanes and fabulous lake fishing. Best of all are the long sandy beaches, perfect for picnics, swimming, soaking in the sun or just kicking back and relaxing.
