📸 38 Spots to Stop: The Ultimate Taupō Selfie & Photo Location Guide

Sarah-Jane Lee
Jan 22
3 min read

Updated: Feb 17

We are serious ... McDonald's, Lake Taupo is a great selfie location

Visit during off-peak hours for a less crowded experience.
Bring a friend for the best selfie angles!
Don't forget to try the special menu items inspired by the aircraft theme.

Photo locations can be hard to find, but in Taupō, the difficulty is choosing which stunning backdrop to use!

Taupō is a photographer’s delight. The scenery practically begs for a photograph. There are countless quiet corners and iconic spots to capture that perfect snap. While the mighty Huka Falls is a guaranteed favourite, look beyond and find unique shots of Lake Taupō from one of the many hidden lakeside viewpoints. Ready to fill your camera roll? Here are 38 must-visit photo locations around Taupō:

🌅 Golden Hour & Iconic Taupō Selfies

Capture the magic of sunset or an instantly recognisable Taupō landmark.

Tokaanu Wooden Jetty: Moody and atmospheric—perfect for a dramatic, low-light shot.
Rangatira Park Lookout: The ultimate sunset shot. Capture the sparkling lights of the town with the fiery lake backdrop.
Wharewaka Point Reserve: Frame your photo with Lake Taupō in the foreground and the majestic Mt Ruapehu on the horizon.
Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings: Capture this stunning piece of art from the water (best on a dinner cruise).
Taupō Lakeside Boardwalk (Lions Walk): A classic waterfront shot, though be ready for a few crowds in peak season.

Romance just got a helping hand with a glorious sunset over Lake Taupo
Taupō 'I LOVE TAUPO' Signage: The mandatory, shareable visitor snap!
Taupō Street Art Locations: Hunt for vibrant murals for a burst of colour and urban chic.
Turangi Visitor Centre: Interesting photo opportunity with its unique, modern, earthquake-proof architecture.

🌲 Lakes, Trails, and Unique Taupō Gems

Find the quiet, natural beauty and quirky spots that make the region unique.

Codgers Rock Lookout: Located on the scenic Great Lake Trail—a massive view reward for a short effort.
Rangatira Point Track (near Acacia Bay): Offers uninterrupted, stunning views across Lake Taupō.
Scenic Suspension Bridges on the Tongariro River Trail: Capture an exhilarating moment high above the water.
Lava Glass Cafe & Garden: Quirky, colourful glass sculptures provide a playful backdrop.
Opepe Reserve: An atmospheric, moody bush setting featuring remnants of an abandoned timber operation.
Pumice Beaches: Seek out secluded beaches scattered with pumice and wildflowers, often completely devoid of people.
Kinlock Wooden Sculptures: Impressive carvings of forest workers and traditional Māori poles (SH1, ~20 km north of Taupō).
National Trout Centre: Get a fun close-up of the very fat, well-fed trout gazing up at you from the enclosures.
Tongariro River: Walk around the Trout Centre and keep your mobile ready to capture a fly-fishing swoop over the rushing water.
Opotaka: The historical home of the Haka—a truly significant New Zealand photo opportunity.
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary Course: A beautiful course with a predator-free fence—you might snap a rare bird like the Tāheke! (Best golf photo-op).
Hole in One Challenge: Perfect your timing to capture the triumphant (or funny) moment on the lakeside.
Street Market Goodies: Capture the colour and energy of the markets in Taupō and Turangi (seasonal).
Taupō Museum: Evocative Māori carvings and a traditional Waka (canoe) offer a deep dive into New Zealand culture.

💦 Waterfalls, Geothermal & Steamy Shots

Capture the power and steam of Taupō’s unique volcanic landscape.

Huka Falls: Don’t worry about the crowds—tilt your camera up towards the sheer, turquoise torrents of water for an incredible shot.

Huka Falls, world famous in the South Pacific ... headlining your next awesome shot
Pillars of Heracles (Kaimanawa Forest Park): A hidden gem and definitely a unique spot away from the crowds.
Tokaanu Hot Pools: Snap a picture of pure, blissful relaxation.
Taupō DeBretts Resort: Capture yourself looking relaxed after a soothing spa or massage.
Otumuheke Stream (Spa Park): Get a close-up of yourself enjoying the natural hot pools where warm water meets the river.
Timberline Kennels: Capture the pure cuteness of the gorgeous Siberian husky puppies!
Wairakei Geothermal Pipes: For a misty, steam-filled, atmospheric shot with an industrial chic vibe.

A Note on Aratiatia Rapids: This is a mesmerising sight! However, for a quality mobile selfie, the distance is often too great. Enjoy the stunning sight of the water rapidly rising in minutes, and if you want a close-up, a video clip will capture the moment beautifully.