Taupo, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Taupo, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Taupo, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Taupo, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Taupo, New Zealand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Taupo, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Taupo, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Taupo, New Zealand by month

January

January in this region is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

If you vacation in Taupo during February, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

March in Taupo is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

April in Taupo is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

If you go to Taupo in May, you will notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

June in Taupo is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you choose the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

If you vacation in Taupo during July, you might notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

August is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. There is frost regularly. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

September in Taupo is relatively cool and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the correct type. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

If you are traveling to Taupo in October, you will notice that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

In November, Taupo is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Taupo, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

If you are traveling to Taupo in December, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Taupo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you want to visit Huka Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in Taupo, New Zealand

Taupo is a charming resort town located on the shore of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. The town is famous for its natural beauty, thermal pools, and outdoor adventure activities. It's a popular tourist destination on the North Island, and it's easy to see why. In this article, we'll explore the top tourist attractions in Taupo.

1) Huka Falls: The Huka Falls are one of the most popular attractions in Taupo. The falls are located just a few kilometers upstream from Lake Taupo and offer a stunning view of the turquoise-colored water rushing through a narrow channel. You can explore the site via hiking trails or by taking a jet boat ride. The Huka Falls are a must-see for anyone visiting Taupo.

2) Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Another popular tourist attraction in Taupo is the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The park's landscape is covered in geysers, mud pools, hot springs, and steaming vents. The entire area is a unique and fascinating experience for visitors, and the park has walking trails ensuring visitors can walk around safely.

3) Skydiving: Taupo's stunning natural environment provides the perfect backdrop for a skydiving experience. Skydive Taupo is one of the most popular skydiving adventures in New Zealand, and you can experience a tandem skydive with an experienced instructor who will guide you through the process.

4) Tongariro Alpine Crossing: This is one of the most famous hiking trails in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4 km hike that passes through some of the most stunning landscapes on the North Island. The trail passes through volcanic craters, steam vents, and hot springs. This hike is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Taupo.

5) Lake Taupo: Of course, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taupo is Lake Taupo itself. The lake is a haven for watersports, such as swimming, sailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the lake or go fishing for Trout, which the lake is famous for. The shore of Lake Taupo is also home to many picturesque walking trails and picnic spots.

6) Maori Culture: Another exciting aspect of Taupo is the Maori culture. Visitors can experience the culture through a variety of ways, including visiting cultural centers, attending Maori cultural performances, and even staying at a Maori homestay.

In conclusion, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Taupo, New Zealand. From skydiving to visiting geothermal parks and exploring Lake Taupo, there is something for everyone in Taupo. It's the perfect destination for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and culture lovers.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Bergslagen, Sweden, Limasawa, Philippines, Spitzingsee, Germany, Grimsby, England, United Kingdom, Wigry National Park, Poland, Tarim, China, Hallsberg, Sweden, Milbank, South Dakota, United States of America, St Buryan, England, United Kingdom, Wroxham and Hoveton, England, United Kingdom, and Jasper, Alberta, Canada.