Taupō / 9 photo spots
9 Instagram spots around Taupō
Taupō sits beside the lake of the same name, close to the Waikato River and geothermal landscapes. For photography on Taupō Waters, including social-media shoots, the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board requires permission. Check how its rules apply to your plans.
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Photo spots on the map
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Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Huka Falls Lookout
From the designated lookout beyond the footbridge, frame the turquoise water as it pours through the gorge. The car park closes overnight, so check access before visiting.
Search Google MapsAratiatia Rapids Lookout
A short track from Aratiatia Road leads to official lookouts over the rapids. Frame the gorge from a lookout and never enter the spillway or downstream area. Water can be released without warning.
Search Google MapsCraters of the Moon Taupō
This paid geothermal walk passes steaming ground and craters. Photograph the landscape from the marked paths and boardwalks, and never step onto geothermal ground. Check opening and last-entry times.
Search Google MapsSpa Thermal Park Taupō
From the Otumuheke Stream lookout in Spa Thermal Park, frame the stream meeting the Waikato River. Be considerate of people using the pools and their privacy.
Search Google MapsGreat Lake Pathway Taupō
The shared Great Lake Pathway follows the lakefront toward Two Mile Bay. From the path, place the lake in the foreground and the mountains on the horizon when visible. Leave room for walkers and cyclists.
Search Google MapsWaipāhīhī Botanical Reserve
Paths wind through native and exotic plantings above Lake Taupō. From a lookout or picnic area, frame the lake between the trees. Spring brings flowering rhododendrons and camellias. Check gate times.
Search Google MapsBoom Boom sculpture Taupō
Gregor Kregar’s shiny dinosaur sculpture stands on a tall rock-like base in Riverside Park. From the park, step back to include the full sculpture and its setting.
Search Google MapsTe Ātea Tapuaeharuru Taupō
At the lakefront Te Ātea, carved pou and steel columns tell stories of the area and its waterways. From the public space, make a respectful wide frame that shows the carvings in their setting.
Search Google MapsNgātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
The contemporary Māori carvings at Mine Bay can be seen only from the water. A paid boat cruise is one way to visit and frame the main carving above the lake. The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board says photography on Taupō Waters requires permission. Clarify your plans with the Board and boat operator beforehand.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Department of Conservation, Huka Falls Lookout Walk
- Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, filming and photography on Taupō Waters
- Department of Conservation, Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk
- Department of Conservation, Aratiatia Rapids spillway safety
- Craters of the Moon Trust, geothermal walk and safety
- Taupō District Council, Spa Thermal Park
- Department of Conservation, Spa Park to Huka Falls Walk
- Taupō District Council, lakefront reserve
- Waipahihi Botanical Society, gardens
- Destination Great Lake Taupō, Waipāhīhī Botanical Reserve
- Destination Great Lake Taupō, Boom Boom sculpture
- Taupō District Council, Te Ātea Tapuaeharuru
- Destination Great Lake Taupō, Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay carvings
- Ernest Kemp Cruises, Māori rock carvings cruise