{{Short description|Town in the North Island of New Zealand}} {{Other uses}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Taupō | native_name = {{native name|mi|Taupō-nui-a-Tia}} | image_skyline = Lake Taupo and Waikato River aerial view.jpg | settlement_type = [[Urban areas of New Zealand|Secondary urban area]] | total_type = Territorial | pushpin_map = New Zealand | pushpin_label_position = right | coordinates = {{coord|-38.6875|176.0694|region:NZ|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = New Zealand | subdivision_type1 = [[List of islands of New Zealand|Island]] | subdivision_name1 = [[North Island]] | subdivision_type2 = [[Regions of New Zealand|Region]] | subdivision_name2 = [[Waikato]] | subdivision_type3 = [[Territorial authorities of New Zealand|Territorial authority]] | subdivision_name3 = [[Taupō District Council]] | subdivision_type4 = [[Ward (electoral subdivision)|Ward]] | subdivision_name4 = Taupō General Ward | established_title = Settled | established_date = Pre-European | established_title1 = Founded | established_date1 = 1869 | established_title2 = Borough status | established_date2 = 1953 | named_for = Originates from ''Taupō-nui-a-Tia'', meaning "great cloak of Tia" in [[Māori language|Māori]] | leader_name = [[Taupō District Council]] | leader_title1 = Regional council | leader_name1 = [[Waikato Regional Council]] | leader_title2 = [[Mayor of Taupō]] | leader_name2 = {{NZ officeholder data|Taupō District Mayor|y}} | leader_title3 = [[Taupō (New Zealand electorate)|Taupō MP]] | leader_name3 = {{NZ officeholder data|Taupō MP|y}} | leader_title4 = [[Waiariki (New Zealand electorate)|Waiariki MP]] | leader_name4 = {{NZ officeholder data|Waiariki MP|y}} | seat_type = [[New Zealand electorates|Electorates]] | seat = {{ubl|[[Taupō (New Zealand electorate)|Taupō]]|[[Waiariki (New Zealand electorate)|Waiariki]] ([[Māori electorates|Māori]])}} | elevation_m = 360 | area_urban_km2 = 42.05 | area_blank1_title = District | area_blank1_km2 = 6970 | population_as_of = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}} | population_footnotes = <ref name="NZ_population_data_2018"/> | population_urban = {{NZ population data 2018|Taupo|y}} | population_density_urban_km2 = auto | population_blank1_title = District | population_blank1 = {{Formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Taupo district|y}}|R}} | population_density_blank1_km2 = auto | timezone = [[Time in New Zealand|NZST]] | utc_offset = +12 | timezone_DST = NZDT | utc_offset_DST = +13 | postal_code_type = Postcode | postal_code = 3330 | area_code = 07 | blank_name = Local [[iwi]] | blank_info = [[Ngāti Tūwharetoa]] }}

'''Taupō''',{{efn|name=pronunciations|{{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|aʊ|p|oʊ}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|oʊ|p|ɔː}}; {{IPA|mi|taʉpɔː|audio|Taupō Pronunciation.wav}} }} sometimes written '''Taupo''', is a [[town]] located in the central [[North Island]] of New Zealand. It is situated on the edge of [[Lake Taupō]], which is the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand. Taupō was constituted as a borough in 1953.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/taupo|title=Taupo|publisher=[[Encyclopedia of New Zealand (1966)]]|access-date=9 March 2018|archive-date=9 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309182855/https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/taupo|url-status=live}}</ref> It has been the seat of [[Taupō District Council]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/council/contact-us/our-whare|title=Our Council Offices|publisher=Taupō District Council|access-date=22 May 2025}}</ref> since the council was formed in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:25026fn3317q9slqygym/hierarchy/our-council/policies-plans-and-bylaws/structure-plans/taupo-urban-commercial-and-industrial-structure-plan/documents/technical-background-reports/Heritage-Assessment.pdf|title=Central Taupo Heritage Assessment|publisher=Taupō District Council|date=27 March 2009|page=39}}</ref>

Taupō is the largest urban area of the [[Taupō District]], and the second-largest urban area in the [[Waikato|Waikato region]], behind [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]. It has a population of approximately {{NZ population data 2018|Taupo|y|y|y|(|).}} Taupō is known for its natural beauty, with the surrounding area offering a range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and water sports. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of attractions, including the [[Wairakei Power Station]], [[Huka Falls]], and the [[Tongariro National Park]].

==Naming== 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 (Māori explorer)|Tia]], the Māori explorer who discovered the lake. Māori later applied the name to the lake itself.<ref>{{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|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 }}</ref> In 2019 the official name of the town was changed from ''Taupo'' to ''Taupō''.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

Although the English pronunciation "tow-po" ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|aʊ|p|oʊ}}, [[New Zealand English|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.<ref>{{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 (website)|Stuff]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{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 (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 }}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref>

== History == Approximately 700 years ago, Maori settlement of the Lake Taupō region occurred.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=LIVING HISTORY IN TAUPO {{!}} Taupo Information |url=https://www.taupo.info/business/living-history-taupo |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=www.taupo.info}}</ref> Maori settled along the Waikato River, the lake shores and on forest edges.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Wildland Consultants Ltd |date=October 2013 |title=History of land development in the Lake Taupō catchment |url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/WRC/WRC-2019/TR201326.pdf |website=Waikato Regional Council}}</ref> Europeans first visited Taupō around 1839.<ref name=":1" />

In 1868, an armed constabulary post was established in Taupō in order to strengthen communication lines in the central North Island.<ref name=":0">{{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 }}</ref> A redoubt (or fort) was built by the armed constabulary in 1870 to guard a crossing of the [[Waikato River|Waikato river]] next to where it joined Lake Taupō. It was designed for up to 150 men although generally between 15 and 40 men were present during the early 1870s. This redoubt was located on the opposite bank to the [[Ngāti Tūwharetoa]] [[pā]] at [[Nukuhau]] (now called Redoubt Street). A courthouse was built in 1881 close to the Armed Constabulary redoubt. In 1886, the armed constabulary were replace by a civil police force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taupō Courthouse (Former), 23 Story Place, Taupo Domain, TAUPO |url=https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/941/Taup%C5%8D%20Courthouse%20(Former) |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Heritage New Zealand |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Magazine (Former), 23 Story Place, Taupo Domain, TAUPO |url=https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/942/Magazine%20(Former) |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Heritage New Zealand |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":1">{{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 }}</ref> In the 1890s, [[rainbow trout]] were introduced to Lake Taupō and Taupō became a popular town to stay and fish.<ref name=":1" />

A road board was established in 1922 and it was made a [[borough]] in 1953.<ref name=":0" />

The control gates bridge that spans the Waikato river and link the northern and southern suburbs of the Taupō were completed in 1941. The bridge contains six control gates to adjust the flow of the Waikato River to the nine hydroelectric power stations down river of Taupo.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-29 |title=Erosion found on both sides of Waikato River control gates |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/news/waikato-river-banks-at-taupos-control-gates-bridge-eroding-and-in-need-of-repair/FZK6AN7KHJFN5JODI2AYKOIK5E/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Taupo Control Gates |url=https://www.mercury.co.nz/about-us/renewable-energy/hydro-generation/taupo-control-gates |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=www.mercury.co.nz |language=en}}</ref>

Taupō grew quickly due to the development of the [[Wairakei Power Station|Wairakei geothermal power station]], located 7km north of Taupō, which was commissioned in 1958 and completed in 1963.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wairākei Geothermal Power Development {{!}} Engineering New Zealand |url=https://www.engineeringnz.org/programmes/heritage/heritage-records/wairakei-geothermal-power-development/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=www.engineeringnz.org |language=en}}</ref> Also significant was expansion of the timber industry and farm development occurred between 1949 and 1953.<ref name=":1" />

Farming in the region was initially unsuccessful with a wasting illness which affected sheep and cattle given the name "bush sickness". Scientific study of the soil identified that there was a Cobalt deficiency in the soil. Once the soil was fertilized, farming in the region was successful.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taonga |first=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu |title=Early investigations and bush sickness: 1900–1930 |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/soil-investigation/page-2 |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=teara.govt.nz |language=en}}</ref> Sheep numbers in the district increased to 138,600 with more than 20 sheep farms and 300 dairy farms established between 1947 and 1954.<ref name=":4" />

The population of Taupō was 753 people in 1945; 1,358 in 1951, later increasing to 2,849 people in 1956 and 5,251 people in 1961.<ref name=":1" />

Further geothermal power stations were built surrounding Taupo including the [[Poihipi Power Station|Poihipi power station]] which was completed in 1997 and purchased by [[Contact Energy]] in 2000;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Generation {{!}} Contact Energy |url=https://contact.co.nz/about-us/our-story/our-powerstations#geothermal |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=ContactPages}}</ref> [[Te Mihi Power Station|Te Mihi]], completed in 2014 and the [[Tauhara Power Station|Tauhara power station]] which was completed in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tauhara {{!}} Contact Energy |url=https://contact.co.nz/about-us/our-story/our-powerstations/tauhara |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=ContactPages}}</ref>

==Geographical features == 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 [[Huka Falls]], a short distance north of the town, Taupō is a centre of volcanic and [[Geothermal activity|geothermal]] activity, and hot springs suitable for bathing are located at several places in the vicinity. The volcanic [[Mount Tauhara]] lies six kilometres (4&nbsp;mi) to the east.<ref>{{cite map|url=https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz55096/Tauhara/Waikato|title=Tauhara, Waikato|map=NZ Topo Map|first=Gavin|last=Harriss|date=April 2025}}</ref> Taupo is 153km south west of [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]; 80km south of [[Rotorua]] and 50km north of [[Tūrangi|Turangi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Maps |url=https://www.google.com/maps/@-38.573592,175.7945266,9.5z?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDUyNy4wIKXMDSoJLDEwMjExNDU1SAFQAw== |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Google Maps |language=en}}</ref>

Somewhat to the northeast are significant hot springs. These springs contain [[extremophile]] micro-organisms that live in extremely hot environments.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

The small but growing satellite town of [[Kinloch, New Zealand|Kinloch]], where there is a golf course designed by [[Jack Nicklaus]], is 20 kilometres west along the lake.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> [[File:Five Mile Bay, Taupo.jpg|thumb|View of snow-capped mountains shrouded in cloud, Taupō]]

===Suburbs=== 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, New Zealand|Hilltop]] – lies south of Tauhara. Hilltop is the location of [[Hilltop School, New Zealand|Hilltop School]], [[Taupo Intermediate School]],<!-- tohutō is missing in the official name, so this is correct. --> 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 (New Zealand)|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 activity|geothermal]] area 8-kilometres north of Taupō. *[[Waitahanui]] – is a village on the eastern shore of Lake Taupō.

===Climate===

Taupō has an [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|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)<ref name = NIWA>{{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}}</ref><ref name=" ">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="niwa">{{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}}</ref> |date=August 2010 |source 2 = Weather Spark<ref>{{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 }}</ref> }}

== Demographics == Taupō is described 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.<ref name="Area">{{Cite web|title=Stats NZ Geographic Data Service|url=https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/|at=Urban Rural 2023 (generalised)|access-date=22 May 2025}}</ref> 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 km<sup>2</sup>. It is the [[List of New Zealand urban areas by population|26th-largest urban area]] in New Zealand, and the second-largest in the Waikato Region behind [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]].{{NZ population data 2018|Taupo|||y||}}

{{Historical populations|1996|19,000|2001|20,400|2006|20,694|2013|21,123|2018|23,622|2023|25,374|percentages=pagr|align=left|source=<ref name="Census 2023"/><ref name="Census 2018">{{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)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/category/population-insights/ | title=Koordinates }}</ref>|footnote=The 2006 population is for a larger area of 42.94 km<sup>2</sup>. Earlier figures may use different boundaries.}} Taupō had a population of 25,374 in the [[2023 New Zealand census]], an increase of 1,752 people (7.4%) since the [[2018 New Zealand census|2018 census]], and an increase of 4,251 people (20.1%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]]. There were 12,429 males, 12,882 females, and 66 people of [[non-binary gender|other genders]] in 9,711 dwellings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_005&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.1215%2B188300%2B188400%2B188501%2B188502%2B188600%2B188701%2B188702%2B188800%2B188900%2B189000%2B189101%2B189102%2B189200%2B189300%2B189400.2023&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses}}</ref> 2.4% of people identified as [[LGBTQ|LGBTIQ+]]. The median age was 42.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 4,695 people (18.5%) aged under 15 years, 4,008 (15.8%) aged 15 to 29, 11,103 (43.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 5,571 (22.0%) aged 65 or older.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 77.6% [[European New Zealanders|European]] ([[Pākehā]]); 25.6% [[Māori people|Māori]]; 3.8% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]]; 7.8% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]]; 0.9% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.7% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 97.2%, Māori by 5.7%, Samoan by 0.5%, and other languages by 8.8%. No language could be spoken by 1.8% (e.g. too young to talk). [[New Zealand Sign Language]] was known by 0.5%. The percentage of people born overseas was 20.1, compared with 28.8% nationally.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

Religious affiliations were 30.7% [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 1.8% [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.3% [[Islam in New Zealand|Islam]], 2.6% [[Māori religious beliefs]], 0.7% [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]], 0.4% [[New Age]], 0.1% [[Judaism in New Zealand|Jewish]], and 1.4% other religions. People who answered that they had [[Irreligion in New Zealand|no religion]] were 54.7%, and 7.5% of people did not answer the census question.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

Of those at least 15 years old, 3,846 (18.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 11,934 (57.7%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 4,908 (23.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $41,500, compared with $41,500 nationally. 2,112 people (10.2%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 10,380 (50.2%) full-time, 2,964 (14.3%) part-time, and 429 (2.1%) unemployed.<ref name="Census 2023">{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.1215.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Taupō (1215)}}</ref>

{{table alignment}} {| class="wikitable sortable defaultright col1left" |+Individual statistical areas |- !Name !! Area<br/>(km<sup>2</sup>) !! Population !! Density<br/>(per km<sup>2</sup>) || Dwellings !! Median age !! Median<br/>income |- | [[Acacia Bay]] || 7.15 || 1,770 || 248 || 702 || 52.5 years || $49,600<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188300.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Acacia Bay}}</ref> |- | Brentwood || 3.56 || 2,178 || 612 || 885 || 50.1 years || $38,700<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188400.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Brentwood (Taupo District)}}</ref> |- | [[Nukuhau]] || 0.81 || 1,560 || 1,926 || 606 || 39.1 years || $42,100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188501.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Nukuhau}}</ref> |- | [[Rangatira Park]] || 2.04 || 1,122 || 550 || 501 || 53.3 years || $38,800<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188502.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Rangatira Park}}</ref> |- | [[Taupō Central]] West || 1.36 || 390 || 287 || 177 || 39.9 years || $43,800<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188600.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Taupō Central West}}</ref> |- | [[Tauhara]] || 1.85 || 1,689 || 913 || 579 || 32.6 years || $39,000<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188701.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Tauhara}}</ref> |- | Centennial || 9.86 || 87 || 9 || 30 || 41.4 years || $51,200<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188702.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Centennial}}</ref> |- | [[Taupō Central]] East || 1.09 || 2,457 || 2,254 || 918 || 38.0 years || $35,900<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188800.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Taupō Central East}}</ref> |- | Mountview || 1.13 || 2,838 || 2,512 || 999 || 33.9 years || $41,500<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.188900.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Mountview}}</ref> |- | Bird Area || 1.18 || 2,193 || 1,858 || 897 || 45.5 years || $43,300<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.189000.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Bird Area}}</ref> |- | [[Hilltop, New Zealand|Hilltop]] || 1.61 || 1,950 || 1,211 || 711 || 46.0 years || $40,800<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.189101.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Hilltop (Taupo District)}}</ref> |- | Invergarry || 0.89 || 828 || 930 || 294 || 37.5 years || $39,100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.189102.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Invergarry}}</ref> |- | [[Waipahihi]] || 2.47 || 2,292 || 928 || 894 || 47.2 years || $45,200<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.189200.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Waipahihi}}</ref> |- | [[Richmond Heights, Taupō|Richmond Heights]] || 1.37 || 2,403 || 1,754 || 855 || 37.7 years || $44,100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.189300.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Richmond Heights}}</ref> |- | [[Wharewaka]] || 5.70 || 1,614 || 283 || 663 || 52.2 years || $40,600<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.189400.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Wharewaka}}</ref> |- ! New Zealand !! !! !! !! !! style="text-align:right;"|38.1 years !! style="text-align:right;"| $41,500 |}

==Economy==

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]], [[jetboat]]ing, [[parasailing]], and [[bungy jumping]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Craters of the Moon is a geothermal valley where it is possible to see bubbling mud and steam released from underground geothermal activity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.lovetaupo.com |first=Love Taupo {{!}} |title=Craters of the Moon Taupo NZ – Geothermal Walk |url=https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/operators/craters-of-the-moon-geothermal-walk/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.lovetaupo.com |language=en}}</ref>

Taupō services a number of surrounding plantation pine forests including the large [[Kaingaroa Forest]] and related industry. A large sawmill is sited approximated 3&nbsp;km to the north east of the town on Centennial Drive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/1523003D:NZ|title=Tenon Clearwood LP|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=22 May 2025}}</ref>

Taupō is surrounded by seven geothermal power stations including the historic [[Wairakei Power Station|Wairakei geothermal power station]] a few kilometres north of the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzgeothermal.org.nz/nz_geo_fields.html#Wairakei|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628211732/http://www.nzgeothermal.org.nz/nz_geo_fields.html#Wairakei|archive-date=28 June 2013|title=New Zealand Geothermal Fields – Wairakei|publisher=New Zealand Geothermal Association}}</ref> [[File:Taupo Craters of the Moon.jpg|thumb|Steam rising from the Craters of the Moon geothermal park, Taupo (2025)]] 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

== Governance == The [[Taupō District Council|Taupō district council]] provides local government services for Taupō.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Taupō is part of the [[Taupō (New Zealand electorate)|Taupō electorate]] and the current member of parliament (as of 2023) is [[Louise Upston]]. [[File:Taupo control gates.jpg|thumb|Control gates at the juncture of Lake Taupo and the Waikato River (2025) These were originally completed in 1941.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taupo Control Gates |url=https://www.mercury.co.nz/about-us/renewable-energy/hydro-generation/taupo-control-gates |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.mercury.co.nz |language=en}}</ref>]]

== Museum == 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 [[Volcano|volcanos]] and art galleries.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

==Sports and recreation== Regular sporting events in Taupō include [[Ironman Triathlon|Ironman New Zealand]], the [[Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge|Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge]] and the [[Great Lake Relay]] (established in 1995).<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge has about 5,000 riders.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The [[Oxfam Trailwalker]] has been held in Taupō several times.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2006 Taupō was also the location of the off-road motorcycle event [[International Six Days Enduro|FIM International Six Day Enduro]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/motorsport-best-of-the-best-hit-the-dirt-in-taupo/CDKMDCYC5LHLADE7FQOYSBPKYQ/|title=Motorsport: Best of the best hit the dirt in Taupo|newspaper=[[New Zealand Herald]]|first=Andy|last=McGechan|date=6 August 2008}}</ref>

=== Mountain biking === The [[International Mountain Bicycling Association]] has designated the mountain biking trails at Bike Taupō as a silver-level IMBA Ride Center.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Ride Centers are the IMBA's strongest endorsement of a trail experience.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Owen Delany park === Owen Delany park is a multi-purpose sports ground in Taupō. It has a capacity of 30,000 people and includes six sports fields; Cricket – four grass cricket blocks and six artificial wickets; a 400 metre athletic track; ten netball courts and a velodrome.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Owen Delany Park |url=https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/community/events/event-venues/owen-delany-park |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=www.taupodc.govt.nz}}</ref>

=== Golf === [[File:Taupo lake front 2.jpg|thumb|Taupo lake front (2025)]] Taupō is home to the Taupo Golf Club which has two courses: the Tauhara golf course<ref>{{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}}</ref> and the Centennial course. Other golf courses located near Taupō include Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, the Kinloch Club Golf Course and the Reporoa Golf Club.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Motorsports === Taupō is home to the [[Taupo International Motorsport Park]]. It has a full international-standard racing circuit.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

=== Swimming pool === 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>[[File:Taupo Mainstreet And Domain.jpg|right|thumb|One of the main streets of the Taupō [[Central Business District|CBD]], with the Taupo Domain on the left]]

==Education==

Taupō has four high schools: [[Tauhara College]], [[Taupo-nui-a-Tia College]], Māori immersion [[Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Whakarewa i Te Reo ki Tuwharetoa|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]].

==Infrastructure and services== ===Transport=== Taupō is served by [[State Highway 1 (New Zealand)|State Highway 1]] and [[State Highway 5 (New Zealand)|State Highway 5]], and is on the [[Thermal Explorer Highway]] touring route. All three highways run [[concurrency (road)|concurrently]] along the Eastern Taupō Arterial, which was built in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/taupo-reflects-on-bypass-road-success-2012122914#axzz3nlVAb8xW/ |title=Taupo reflects on bypass road success &#124; NZNews &#124; 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 }}</ref>

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 [[Taupo railway proposals|proposals]] in the past.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gg.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2021-04/RC%2076%20Rotorua-Taupo%20Railway.pdf|title=Rotorua-Taupo Railway|publisher=New Zealand Government|author=Royal Commission|year=1922}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| last=Wood| first=Chris| year=1996| title=Steaming to the Sunrise; a history of railways in the Gisborne region| publisher=IPL Books, in conjunction with Te Rau Herald Print| location=Gisborne, New Zealand| isbn=0-908876-92-0}}</ref> [[File:Taupo Marina.jpg|thumb|Lake Taupo Marina, situated in the Waikato River upstream of the control gates (2025)]] [[Taupō Airport]] is located south of the township. Scheduled services to Auckland and Wellington operate from the airport.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

=== Utilities === 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Today, [[Unison Networks]] owns and operates the electricity distribution network in Taupō.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Natural gas arrived in Taupō in 1987. [[First Gas]] operates the gas distribution network in the town.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Media === [[File:Taupo Huka Falls.jpg|thumb|Huka Falls, Taupo (2025)]] The local newspaper ''Taupō Times'' was owned by [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]].<ref name=":2">{{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}}</ref> On Stuff websites the last ''Taupō Times'' was on 28 June 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taupō Times – Read online on Neighbourly |url=https://www.neighbourly.co.nz/e-edition/taupo-times/52173 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.neighbourly.co.nz |language=en-GB}}</ref> though ''Taupō & Tūrangi News'' is now published independently,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-03 |title=About |url=https://www.tauponews.co.nz/about |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=Taupō & Tūrangi News |language=en-NZ}}</ref> following a buyout by its editor<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 December 2024 |title=This popular town's newspaper was closing. And then the editor stepped up |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-this-small-towns-newspaper-was-closing-and-then-the-editor-stepped-up/DU6A7G2FHJBQNCENWYMXWFKZ6Y/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> and a further change of ownership in January 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2025 |title=Lake FM Taupo 89.6 |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1367629047920330&set=a.716729506343624 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.facebook.com}}</ref> There is also a local radio station.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-02 |title=Info |url=https://lakefm.nz/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=Lake FM 89.6 Taupō |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":2" />

==Notable people== {{maincat|People from Taupō}} * [[Patrick Bevin]] (born 1991), road racing cyclist * [[Bevan Docherty]] (born 1977), Olympic triathlete * [[Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII]] (1941–2025), 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

==Twin cities== Taupō is [[sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

* [[Hakone, Kanagawa|Hakone]], [[Japan]] * [[Kulim District|Kulim]], [[Malaysia]] * [[Nouméa]], [[New Caledonia]] * [[Suzhou, Jiangsu|Suzhou]], [[China]] * [[Xi'an]], [[China]]

==See also== * [[Owen Delany Park]] * [[Taupo railway proposals|Taupō railway proposals]] * ''[[Taupo Borough Council v Birnie]]''

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{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}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taupō}} [[Category:Taupō| ]] [[Category:Populated places in Waikato]] [[Category:Populated places on the Waikato River]] [[Category:Populated places on Lake Taupō]]