TAPUAEHARURU REDOUBT & MAGAZINE BUILDING
- Taupo
The reboubt was built In 1870 by the Armed Constabulary as a defence against Te Kooti and to guard an important crossing of the Waikato River at its outflow from Lake Taupo. There was never any fighting here, and it was abandoned in 1885.
A pumice magazine building, erected in 1874, stands in a corner of the redoubt, erected to house munitions. The pumice was quarried at Aratiatia.
A courthouse situated a short dstance from the redoubt Initially functioned as a combined courthouse and hall for the Armed Constabulary, erected in 1881. The structure is believed to have been the last major building erected by the Armed Constabulary, who were disbanded in January 1885 in favour of a civil police force.
Location: Taupo Domain, Taupo
Hours: 24
Price: free.
Web: http://www.historicplaces.org.nz/placestovisit/central-bayofplenty/taupomagazinebuilding.aspx
Elizabeth Cox - Historic Places Trust
Elizabeth Cox - Historic Places Trust
TAUPO ROSE GARDEN - Taupo​
Established in 1979 by the NZ Rose Society on the original Armed Constabulary dump site. The garden is a popular venue for weddings and picnics.
Location: Story Place, Taupo.
Hours: 24
Price: free
Lions Club
Lions Club
​LAKEFRONT LOOKOUT - Taupo
The lookout was contructed In 1961 by the Taupo Lions Club,
providing visitors with an expansive view of the lake and Tongariro National Park, which is a World Heritage Area.
Location: cnr Tongariro Street and Lake Tce. Taupo.
Price: free
Hours: 24

Web: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMA361_Lions_Lookout_Taupo_Central_North_Island_New_Zealand
Photo courtesy of Cud
nzhotpools
Photo courtesy of Cud
SPA THERMAL PARK - Taupo​​
Spa Thermal Park offers a hot water experience where the hot waters of the Otumuheke Stream meet the cold waters of the Waikato River. If you go further up the stream the hotter the waters get. There is a pool with a waterfall under the bridge which is a delightful temperature. There are no facilities on site.
Wear your shoes in the water in case of possible sharp objects.
Location: Spa Rd, Taupo, just up from the lookout.
Price: free
Hours: 24
WAIKATO RIVER LOOKOUT - Taupo​
The Waikato River Lookout offers breathtaking lake, river and mountain views. The lookout was designed by the NZ Institute of Architects during their conference in 1993.
This Lookout is most easily reached from Spa Road; it is also known as Hell's Gate, because it overlooks steaming rocks.
Location: Totara St & Spa Rd intersection, Taupo
Price: free
Hours: 24
WHAKAIPO BAY TO KINLOCH WALK - Taupo
The Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch walk takes approximately 4.5 hrs.
The track begins at Whakaipo Bay, once there you'll need to head right and climb over the stile to begin. The walkway is fully signposted and family friendly. You should take care though since the walk is a shared mountain bike track.

Location: Whakaipo Bay Lake Taupo.
Price: free
Hours: 24
Photo courtesy of Laura Mitchell
Photo courtesy of Laura Mitchell
LAKE TAUPO TO WHAREWAKA POINT WALK - Taupo
The perfect way to take in the sights of lake Taupo's beautiful surroundings.
It starts from the Lake Taupo Yacht Club, skirts beside Lake Terrace on to the Taharepa Road Reserve, from there it skirts the lakes edge of Mile Bay and then on to Wharewaka Point. The walkway is due to eventually become a track around the whole of Lake Taupo.
The area is ideal along the way with perfect spots for picnicking & swimming. In all of the bays you'll find toilets, Wharewaka offers a children’s playground and barbecue facility.
Location: begins at 9 Ferry Road, Taupo.
Price: free
Hours: 24
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
TAUPO PRIVATE GARDENS - Taupo & Surrounds
​There are a few private gardens available for you to visit within the Taupo region, all require you to call first before visting, and some have a charge.
Banfields - SH1 Taupo, Established and developing country garden. Rockeries
and water areas with mixed plantings create a relaxing atmosphere. Jane and Geoff Banfield - ph: 07 377 6129
The Farmer Garden - Taupo township, A compact woodland retreat with many and varied species of trees and plants flowering in profusion, providing year-round interest. $3 to Taupo Hospice. Christine and John Farmer - ph: 07 378 2287
The Hermitage - Tamamutu St Taupo, Strong design and mature trees feature in this attractively planted town garden. Unusual perennials and climbers abound. $3 entrance. Ph Gail and Noel Frecklington - ph: 07 378 3438
Wyllie Garden Lake Taupo, Dramatically situated high above the Lake, 2 acres of
sweeping lawns and wide beds with water garden contrast with the surrounding grandeur. Interesting contrasts of foliages and colour. Pretty gazebo also available for you to rest and view the whole panorama. Raewyn and Barry Wyllie - ph: 07 378 9469
Helpful Links
Taupo, Turangi, Waipahihi, Wairakei, Tokoroa, Mangakino
Taupo & Surrounds Sights
Gareth Eyres