Taupō#Neighbourhoods

The name Taupō is from the Māori language and is a shortened version of Taupō-nui-a-Tia. The longer name was first given to the cliff at Pākā Bay, on the eastern shore of the lake, and means the "great cloak of Tia". It was named for Tia, the Māori explorer who discovered the lake. Māori later applied the name to the lake itself.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Ngāti Tūwharetoa – The journeys of Ngātoroirangi and Tia |first=Martin |last=Wikaira |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/ngati-tuwharetoa/page-2 |encyclopedia=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand |date=1 March 2017 |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003084808/https://teara.govt.nz/en/ngati-tuwharetoa/page-2 |url-status=live }} In 2019 the official name of the town was changed from Taupo to Taupō.{{Cite web|title=Taupō|url=https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/41913|access-date=2021-01-20|website=New Zealand Gazetteer|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124153858/https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/41913|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Over 800 Māori place names made official|language=en-NZ|work=TVNZ|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/over-800-m-ori-place-names-made-official|access-date=2021-01-20}}

Although the English pronunciation "tow-po" ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|aʊ|p|oʊ}}, NZE {{IPA|/ˈtæʊpaʉ/}}) is widespread, it is often regarded as incorrect, and the Māori pronunciation, "toe-paw" ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|oʊ|p|ɔː}}, NZE {{IPA|/ˈtaʉpoː/}}) is generally preferred in formal use.{{Cite web |last=Bartlett |first=Hannah |date=2019-09-12 |title=The right way to pronounce Tauranga, Taupo and other butchered place names |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/115524794/the-right-way-to-pronounce-tauranga-taupo-and-other-butchered-place-names |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Stuff |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2017-05-05 |title=Wellington student's 'Toe Paw' video helps out Kiwis who reckon they can't pronounce te reo Maori |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/92289631/wellington-students-toe-paw-video-helps-out-kiwis-who-reckon-they-cant-pronounce-te-reo-maori |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829034853/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/92289631/wellington-students-toe-paw-video-helps-out-kiwis-who-reckon-they-cant-pronounce-te-reo-maori |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Rotorua pronunciation needs attention according to new online tool |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-pronunciation-needs-attention-according-to-new-online-tool/TVEMR3OQERIRZ6CTGYK4EXTX6Y/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |title=Māori language gets its own app |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/maori-language-app-launched-by-the-department-of-conservation/2GSKMBBSWRSGIDRXXOHDDD4HSM/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829034853/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/maori-language-app-launched-by-the-department-of-conservation/2GSKMBBSWRSGIDRXXOHDDD4HSM/ |url-status=live }}

In 1868, an armed constabulary post was established in Taupō in order to strengthen communication lines in the central North Island.{{Cite web |last=McKinnon |first=Malcolm |date=25 May 2015 |title=Volcanic Plateau places – Taupō |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/volcanic-plateau-places/page-11 |website=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand |access-date=8 November 2023 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108002809/https://teara.govt.nz/en/volcanic-plateau-places/page-11 |url-status=live }} Hot water pools around Taupō began to attract tourists to Taupō in the late 1870s and early 1880s and hotels were developed to take advantage of this.{{Cite web |date=1966 |title='TAUPO', from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/taupo |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108154331/https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/taupo |url-status=live }} In the 1890s, rainbow trout were introduced to Lake Taupō and Taupō became a popular town to stay and fish.

A road board was established in 1922 and it was made a borough in 1953. Taupō grew quickly due to the development of the Wairakei geothermal power station, expansion of the timber industry, and farm development between 1949 and 1953. The population of Taupō was 1,358 in 1951, later increasing to 2,849 people in 1956 and 5,251 people in 1961.

Taupō is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Taupō, New Zealand's largest lake, which is itself in the caldera of the Taupō Volcano. The Waikato River drains the lake and runs through the town, separating the CBD and the northern suburbs. The river flows over the spectacular Huka Falls, a short distance north of the town, Taupō is a centre of volcanic and geothermal activity, and hot springs suitable for bathing are located at several places in the vicinity. The volcanic Mount Tauhara lies six kilometres (4 mi) to the east.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Somewhat to the northeast are significant hot springs. These springs contain extremophile micro-organisms that live in extremely hot environments.{{cite journal |last1=Oliverio |first1=Angela M |last2=Power |first2=Jean F. |last3=Washburne |first3=Alex |last4=Cary |first4=S. Craig |last5=Stott |first5=Matthew B. |last6=Fierer |first6=Noah |title=The ecology and diversity of microbial eukaryotes in geothermal springs |journal=ISME Journal |date=August 1, 2018 |volume=12 |issue=8 |pages=1918–1928 |doi=10.1038/s41396-018-0104-2|pmc=6052046 }}

The small but growing satellite town of Kinloch, where there is a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, is 20 kilometres west along the lake.{{Cite web |title=Kinloch Golf Club {{!}} Taupo New Zealand {{!}} 18 Hole Course |url=https://www.kinlochgolf.co.nz/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=www.kinlochgolf.co.nz |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108055056/https://www.kinlochgolf.co.nz/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=McMillan |first=Cameron |date=2023-11-08 |title=Kinloch golf course: I don’t think there’s a tougher course in New Zealand |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/kinloch-golf-course-one-of-the-great-nz-golfing-experiences-at-a-jack-nicklaus-designed-course/PYLQURKO6RHSZHUU2FEGM2KG7Q/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}

File:Five Mile Bay, Taupo.jpg

Taupō suburbs include:

• Wharewaka – has a popular swimming spot for locals and a growing new subdivision along with a large retirement village.
• Nukuhau – lies north of the Waikato River. To the south-west lies Acacia Bay and to the south lies Taupō town centre.
• Richmond Heights – lies to the east of Rainbow Point and south of Mountain View. It is home to the Richmond Heights shopping centre.
• Waipahihi – lies to the north of Richmond Heights. It is home to the Waipahihi Primary School, and the Waipahihi Botanical Gardens.
• Mount View – lies north of the Taupō CBD
• Acacia Bay – lies west of Tapuaeharuru Bay
• Rainbow Point – lies north of Wharewaka and west of Richmond Heights. To the west lies Lake Taupō.
• Tauhara – lies just north of Hilltop and east of Mount View. Mount Tauhara lies just east of Tauhara. Tauhara is the location of Tauhara primary school, Tauhara College and Tauhara Golf course.
• Hilltop – lies south of Tauhara. Hilltop is the location of Hilltop School, Taupo Intermediate School, Taupō Hospital, Taharepa shopping centre and Hilltop shopping centre.
• Taupō CBD

;Outer suburbs

• Five Mile Bay – is located on the east side of Lake Taupō, south of Wharewaka and north of Waitahanui on State Highway 1 just west of Taupō Airport. It is a popular swimming/water skiing beach that is very busy in summer. Five Mile Bay is one of three similar named bays along the lake shoreline, the others being Two Mile Bay and Three Mile Bay.
• Wairakei – is a small settlement, and geothermal area 8-kilometres north of Taupō.
• Waitahanui – is a village on the eastern shore of Lake Taupō.

Taupō has an oceanic climate (Cfb). The town is located inland, which results in the accumulation of dry air causing severe frost during winter. However snowfall in Taupō is rare. The summer climate in Taupō is mild with maximum average temperature reaching 23 degrees and a minimum average temperature of 10 degrees.

{{Weather box

|location = Taupō (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1949–present)

|metric first = yes

|single line = yes

| Jan record high C = 33.2

| Feb record high C = 33.0

| Mar record high C = 28.9

| Apr record high C = 25.2

| May record high C = 23.0

| Jun record high C = 18.8

| Jul record high C = 17.2

| Aug record high C = 19.5

| Sep record high C = 23.8

| Oct record high C = 27.6

| Nov record high C = 32.8

| Dec record high C = 30.8

| year record high C = 33.2

| Jan avg record high C = 27.5

| Feb avg record high C = 27.0

| Mar avg record high C = 25.1

| Apr avg record high C = 21.5

| May avg record high C = 18.5

| Jun avg record high C = 15.8

| Jul avg record high C = 14.4

| Aug avg record high C = 15.3

| Sep avg record high C = 18.0

| Oct avg record high C = 20.5

| Nov avg record high C = 23.3

| Dec avg record high C = 25.6

| year avg record high C = 28.3

|Jan high C = 23.0

|Feb high C = 23.0

|Mar high C = 20.7

|Apr high C = 17.4

|May high C = 14.4

|Jun high C = 11.9

|Jul high C = 11.1

|Aug high C = 12.0

|Sep high C = 13.9

|Oct high C = 16.0

|Nov high C = 18.3

|Dec high C = 20.9

| year high C = 16.9

|Jan mean C = 17.3

|Feb mean C = 17.4

|Mar mean C = 15.2

|Apr mean C = 12.3

|May mean C = 9.8

|Jun mean C = 7.6

|Jul mean C = 6.8

|Aug mean C = 7.5

|Sep mean C = 9.2

|Oct mean C = 11.2

|Nov mean C = 13.1

|Dec mean C = 15.7

| year mean C = 11.9

|Jan low C = 11.6

|Feb low C = 11.9

|Mar low C = 9.8

|Apr low C = 7.2

|May low C = 5.2

|Jun low C = 3.3

|Jul low C = 2.5

|Aug low C = 3.0

|Sep low C = 4.6

|Oct low C = 6.4

|Nov low C = 7.8

|Dec low C = 10.6

| year low C = 7.0

| Jan avg record low C = 3.1

| Feb avg record low C = 3.5

| Mar avg record low C = 1.0

| Apr avg record low C = -1.0

| May avg record low C = -2.6

| Jun avg record low C = -4.1

| Jul avg record low C = -4.4

| Aug avg record low C = -4.1

| Sep avg record low C = -2.9

| Oct avg record low C = -2.1

| Nov avg record low C = -0.5

| Dec avg record low C = 2.0

| year avg record low C = -5.1

|Jan record low C = -1.5

|Feb record low C = -1.0

|Mar record low C = -1.5

|Apr record low C = -4.7

|May record low C = -5.3

|Jun record low C = -6.2

|Jul record low C = -7.1

|Aug record low C = -6.3

|Sep record low C = -5.3

|Oct record low C = -5.1

|Nov record low C = -4.2

|Dec record low C = -1.7

|year record low C = -7.1

|rain colour = green

|Jan rain mm = 73.4

|Feb rain mm = 64.8

|Mar rain mm = 65.9

|Apr rain mm = 77.3

|May rain mm = 79.4

|Jun rain mm = 93.0

|Jul rain mm = 99.8

|Aug rain mm = 88.6

|Sep rain mm = 79.0

|Oct rain mm = 74.2

|Nov rain mm = 64.7

|Dec rain mm = 88.0

|year rain mm =

| Jan rain days = 6.9

| Feb rain days = 6.3

| Mar rain days = 7.1

| Apr rain days = 8.2

| May rain days = 8.8

| Jun rain days = 10.5

| Jul rain days = 11.2

| Aug rain days = 11.7

| Sep rain days = 10.8

| Oct rain days = 10.1

| Nov rain days = 8.7

| Dec rain days = 9.5

| unit rain days = 1.0 mm

| Jan humidity = 76.9

| Feb humidity = 78.5

| Mar humidity = 81.1

| Apr humidity = 83.0

| May humidity = 87.1

| Jun humidity = 88.5

| Jul humidity = 88.6

| Aug humidity = 86.1

| Sep humidity = 81.4

| Oct humidity = 80.3

| Nov humidity = 76.4

| Dec humidity = 77.0

|Jan sun= 224.3

|Feb sun= 202.6

|Mar sun= 179.7

|Apr sun= 156.3

|May sun= 126.3

|Jun sun= 96.1

|Jul sun= 116.5

|Aug sun= 134.6

|Sep sun= 140.0

|Oct sun= 179.6

|Nov sun= 190.4

|Dec sun= 204.6

|year sun= 1950.9

| Jan percentsun =50

| Feb percentsun =53

| Mar percentsun =47

| Apr percentsun =47

| May percentsun =41

| Jun percentsun =34

| Jul percentsun =34

| Aug percentsun =41

| Sep percentsun =39

| Oct percentsun =44

| Nov percentsun =45

| Dec percentsun =45

| year percentsun =

| Jan light = 14.5

| Feb light = 13.6

| Mar light = 12.3

| Apr light = 11.1

| May light = 10.0

| Jun light = 9.5

| Jul light = 9.8

| Aug light = 10.7

| Sep light = 11.9

| Oct light = 13.1

| Nov light = 14.2

| Dec light = 14.8

| year light=

|source 1 = NIWA Climate Data (sun 1981–2010){{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240520001949/https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/climate-data-and-activities

| archive-date = 20 May 2024

| url = https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/climate-data-and-activities

| title = Climate data and activities

| publisher= NIWA

| access-date = 20 May 2024}}{{cite web

|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/

|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent numbers: 1841, 1856, 1858, 41429)

|publisher = NIWA

|access-date = 20 Jul 2024

|archive-date = 10 March 2020

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200310121410/https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/

|url-status = live

}}{{cite web|url=http://www.niwascience.co.nz/edu/resources/climate/|title=Climate Data|access-date=2 November 2007|publisher=NIWA|archive-date=21 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821013817/http://www.niwa.co.nz/education-and-training/schools/resources/climate|url-status=live}}

|date=August 2010

|source 2 = Weather Spark{{cite web

|url = https://weatherspark.com/y/144933/Average-Weather-in-Taupo-New-Zealand-Year-Round

|title = Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Taupo

|publisher = Weather Spark

|access-date = 10 Dec 2024

|archive-date = 13 December 2024

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241213205249/https://weatherspark.com/y/144933/Average-Weather-in-Taupo-New-Zealand-Year-Round

|url-status = live

}}

}}

Taupō is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a medium urban area and covers {{Convert|42.05|km2||abbr=on}}, which stretches from Acacia Bay in the west to Centennial Park in the east and to Taupō Airport in the south.{{Cite web |title=ArcGIS Web Application |url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787 |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com |archive-date=14 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214063818/https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787 |url-status=live }} The Taupō urban area had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2018|Taupo|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y|||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Taupo|y}}|R}}/42.05|2}} people per km². It is the 26th-largest urban area in New Zealand, and the second-largest in the Waikato Region behind Hamilton.{{NZ population data 2018|Taupo|||y||}}

{{Historical populations|1996|19,000|2001|20,400|2006|20,694|2013|21,123|2018|23,631|percentages=pagr|align=left|source={{cite web | url=https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/category/population-insights/ | title=Koordinates }}}}

Before the 2023 census, the town had a larger boundary, covering {{Convert|42.94|km2||abbr=on}}. Using that boundary, the Taupō urban area had a population of 23,631 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 2,508 people (11.9%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 2,937 people (14.2%) since the 2006 census. There were 9,000 households, comprising 11,520 males and 12,096 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female, with 4,740 people (20.1%) aged under 15 years, 3,849 (16.3%) aged 15 to 29, 10,164 (43.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 4,875 (20.6%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 79.8% European/Pākehā, 24.5% Māori, 3.3% Pacific peoples, 5.7% Asian, and 2.0% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 18.5, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 51.7% had no religion, 34.9% were Christian, 2.7% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.1% were Hindu, 0.2% were Muslim, 0.6% were Buddhist and 1.9% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 2,991 (15.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 3,510 (18.6%) people had no formal qualifications. 2,835 people (15.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 9,246 (48.9%) people were employed full-time, 3,003 (15.9%) were part-time, and 507 (2.7%) were unemployed.{{NZ census 2018|Acacia Bay (188300), Brentwood (Taupo District) (188400), Nukuhau-Rangatira Park (188500), Taupo Central West (188600), Tauhara (188700), Taupo Central East (188800), Mountview (188900), Bird Area (189000), Hilltop (Taupo District) (189100), Waipahihi (189200), Richmond Heights (189300) and Wharewaka (189400)}}

Taupō is a tourist centre, particularly in the summer, as it offers panoramic views over the lake and to the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park to the south. It offers a number of tourist activities including sky diving, jetboating, parasailing, and bungy jumping.{{Cite web |title=Adrenaline & adventure in Taupo |url=https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/outdoor-adventure/adrenaline/?page=3 |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=Love Taupo |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831102242/https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/outdoor-adventure/adrenaline/?page=3 |url-status=live }}

Taupō services a number of surrounding plantation pine forests including the large Kaingaroa Forest and related industry. A large sawmill is sited approximated 3 km to the north east of the town on Centennial Drive.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Taupō is surrounded by seven geothermal power stations including the historic Wairakei geothermal power station a few kilometres north of the town.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Taupō has a McDonald's with a decommissioned Douglas DC-3 attached to the store. The fast food outlet has seating inside the plane's structure.{{Cite web |last=www.lovetaupo.com |first=Love Taupo {{!}} |title=McDonald's Taupo |url=https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/operators/mcdonald-s/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=www.lovetaupo.com |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409082528/https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/operators/mcdonald-s/ |url-status=live }}

The Taupō district council provides local government services for Taupō.{{Cite web |title=Taupō District Council |url=https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=www.taupodc.govt.nz |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816124139/https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/ |url-status=live }} Taupō is part of the Taupō electorate and the current member of parliament (as of 2023) is Louise Upston.

The Taupō museum is located in the centre of the town on Story Place. It has displays including about the Ngāti Tūwharetoa, a Wharenui (Māori Meeting House) which was carved locally between 1927 and 1928, a moa skeleton and a caravan filled with local memorabilia from the late 1950s and early 1960s. There are also displays about volcanos and art galleries.{{Cite web |title=Displays – Taupō District Council |url=https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/community/taupo-museum/displays |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=www.taupodc.govt.nz |archive-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921101554/https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/community/taupo-museum/displays |url-status=live }}

Regular sporting events in Taupō include Ironman New Zealand, the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge and the Great Lake Relay (established in 1995).{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=IMNewZealand|url=https://www.ironman.com/im-new-zealand|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Ironman}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=24 June 2017|title=Taupo Great Lake Relay – Event Promotions|url=https://eventpromotions.co.nz/taupo-great-lake-relay/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120094148/https://eventpromotions.co.nz/taupo-great-lake-relay/|archive-date=20 January 2021|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Event Promotions|url-status=live}} The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge has about 5,000 riders.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Welcome – Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge|url=https://cyclechallenge.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116122714/https://cyclechallenge.com/|archive-date=16 January 2021|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Cycle Challenge|language=en-nz|url-status=live}} The Oxfam Trailwalker has been held in Taupō several times.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Oxfam Trailwalker in New Zealand Search|url=https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/search?q=Oxfam+Trailwalker|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120090236/https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/search?q=Oxfam+Trailwalker|archive-date=2021-01-20|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Eventfinda|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Past Events|url=https://www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/pastevents|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127194135/https://www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/pastevents|archive-date=27 January 2021|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Oxfam Trailwalker|url-status=live}} In 2006 Taupō was also the location of the off-road motorcycle event FIM International Six Day Enduro.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

The International Mountain Bicycling Association has designated the mountain biking trails at Bike Taupō as a silver-level IMBA Ride Center.{{cite web|url=https://www.imba.com/press-release/live-santa-fe-introducing-2012-model-trail-awards-winners |title=Introducing the 2012 Model Trail Awards Winners; International Mountain Bicycling Association |website=Imba.com |access-date=15 June 2016}} Ride Centers are the IMBA's strongest endorsement of a trail experience.{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/recreation/article_32482592-e8ba-11e2-83fb-0019bb30f31a.html |title=Pocahontas State Park to Develop Regional Biking Center – Richmond Times-Dispatch: Outdoor Recreation In Richmond And Central Virginia |website=Richmond.com |date=10 July 2013 |access-date=15 June 2016}}

Taupō is home to the Taupo Golf Club which has two courses: the Tauhara golf course{{Cite web |last=www.lovetaupo.com |first=Love Taupo {{!}} |title=Taupo Golf Club – Tauhara Course |url=https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/operators/taupo-golf-club-tauhara-course/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.lovetaupo.com |language=en}} and the Centennial course. Other golf courses located near Taupō include Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, the Kinloch Club Golf Course and the Reporoa Golf Club.{{Cite web |last=www.lovetaupo.com |first=Love Taupo {{!}} |title=Golf in Taupō |url=https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/see-do/outdoor-adventure/golf/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.lovetaupo.com |language=en}}

Taupō is home to the Taupo International Motorsport Park. It has a full international-standard racing circuit.{{Cite web |title=Taupo |url=https://www.racingcircuits.info/australasia/new-zealand/taupo.html |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=RacingCircuits.info |language=en |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107203852/https://www.racingcircuits.info/australasia/new-zealand/taupo.html |url-status=live }}

The AC Baths is a swimming pool complex located at 26 AC Baths Avenue. Facilities include two 25-metre lane pools, an outdoor leisure pool with two toddler areas, a sauna, two hydroslides and four private thermal mineral pools.{{Cite web |title=AC Baths – Taupō District Council |url=https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/recreation/swimming-pools/ac-baths |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=www.taupodc.govt.nz}}File:Taupo Mainstreet And Domain.jpg, with the Taupo Domain on the left]]

Taupō has four high schools: Tauhara College, Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, Māori immersion Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Whakarewa i Te Reo ki Tuwharetoa and state integrated Lake Taupo Christian School. It also has Wairakei, St Patrick's, Waipahihi, Hilltop, Mount View, Taupō and Tauhara primary schools, and Taupo Intermediate School.

Taupō is served by State Highway 1 and State Highway 5, and is on the Thermal Explorer Highway touring route. All three highways run concurrently along the Eastern Taupō Arterial, which was built in 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/taupo-reflects-on-bypass-road-success-2012122914#axzz3nlVAb8xW/ |title=Taupo reflects on bypass road success | NZNews | Newshub |website=3news.co.nz |date=29 December 2012 |access-date=15 June 2016 |archive-date=7 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007103127/http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/taupo-reflects-on-bypass-road-success-2012122914#axzz3nlVAb8xW/ |url-status=live }}

Taupō is one of the few large towns in New Zealand that have never had a link to the national rail network, although there have been proposals in the past.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Taupō Airport is located south of the township. Scheduled services to Auckland and Wellington operate from the airport.{{cite web |url=http://www.greatlaketaupo.com/media-room/news-updates/sounds-air-flying-wellington-to-taupo-route/ |title=Sounds Air Flying Wellington to Taupo |publisher=Great Lake Taupō |access-date=15 June 2016 |archive-date=10 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210052234/http://www.greatlaketaupo.com/media-room/news-updates/sounds-air-flying-wellington-to-taupo-route/ |url-status=live }}

Taupō first received a public electricity supply in 1952, with the commissioning of the Hinemaiaia A hydroelectric power station south of the town. The town was connected to the national grid in 1958, coinciding with the commissioning of Wairakei geothermal power station north of the town.{{Cite web|title=Hinemaiaia Power Scheme|url=https://www.trustpower.co.nz/our-assets-and-capability/power-generation/hinemaiaia|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.trustpower.co.nz|archive-date=26 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826100518/https://www.trustpower.co.nz/our-assets-and-capability/power-generation/hinemaiaia|url-status=live}} Today, Unison Networks owns and operates the electricity distribution network in Taupō.{{Cite web|title=Unison's history|url=https://www.unison.co.nz/tell-me-about/unison-group/unison%27s-history|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.unison.co.nz|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824032052/https://www.unison.co.nz/tell-me-about/unison-group/unison%27s-history|url-status=live}}

Natural gas arrived in Taupō in 1987. First Gas operates the gas distribution network in the town.{{cite web|date=December 2016|title=The New Zealand Gas Story|url=http://gasindustry.co.nz/dmsdocument/5344|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202151245/http://gasindustry.co.nz/dmsdocument/5344|archive-date=2 February 2017|access-date=31 October 2018|publisher=Gas Industry Company}}

Taupō's fresh water supply is drawn from Lake Taupō. Prior to 2013, there were two separate fresh water systems serving the town: the Lake Terrace system serving the town north of Napier Road, and the Rainbow Point system serving the southern suburbs. In 2013, the Lake Terrace treatment plant was upgraded and the two systems were amalgamated. Acacia Bay has its own dedicated fresh water system.{{Cite web|title=Asset management plan – Water|url=https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:25026fn3317q9slqygym/hierarchy/Council/Plans%20and%20strategies/AMP/TDC%20Water%20AMP%202021.pdf|access-date=24 August 2021|website=Taupo District Council|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824032057/https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:25026fn3317q9slqygym/hierarchy/Council/Plans%20and%20strategies/AMP/TDC%20Water%20AMP%202021.pdf|url-status=live}}

The local newspaper Taupō Times is owned by Stuff.{{Cite web |title=Taupō Times |url=https://preservinglocalhistory.recollectcms.com/nodes/view/37 |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Preserving Local History and Educational Trust |language=en}} Digitisation of the Taupō Times from 1952 was undertaken in a partnership between The Preserving Local History and Educational Trust and Taupō Museum and Art Gallery.

{{maincat|People from Taupō}}

• Patrick Bevin (born 1991), road racing cyclist
• Bevan Docherty (born 1977), Olympic triathlete
• Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, Māori Paramount Chief
• James Tito actor and musician
• Nicole van der Kaay (born 1996) Olympic triathlete
• Louisa Wall (born 1972), member of parliament and former national representative netball and rugby union player
• Hayden Wilde (born 1997), Olympic triathlete

Taupō is twinned with:{{Cite web |title=Taupō District Friendship and Sister Cities – Taupō District Council |url=https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/community/taupo-district-friendship-cities |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=www.taupodc.govt.nz |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620222220/https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/community/taupo-district-friendship-cities |url-status=live }}

• Hakone, Japan
• Kulim, Malaysia
• Nouméa, New Caledonia
• Suzhou, China
• Xi'an, China

• Owen Delany Park
• Taupō railway proposals
• Taupo Borough Council v Birnie

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Taupō}}

{{Wikivoyage|Taupō}}

• [https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/ Regional Tourism Organisation for the Taupo district]

{{Taupo District}}

{{Territorial Authorities of New Zealand}}

{{Authority control}}

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Category:Populated places in Waikato

Category:Populated places on the Waikato River

Category:Populated places on Lake Taupō