The Perfect Midwinter’s Day In Taupo - Huka Falls And Beyond!
Spend The Perfect Midwinter’s Day In Taupo
In many places, winter means heading indoors and shutting out the cold.
But not in Taupo!
In fact, some of the very best things to do in Taupo involve the cool winter air. Especially if you have one of the clear, crisp days that we are known for!
When there are so many things to do in our beautiful town, it is hard to pick just one.
That is why we have solved the problem for you. We are going to create a series detailing the perfect way to spend the day in Taupo.
First up is the best way to spend a sunny midwinter’s day in Taupo…
A Midwinter’s Day In Taupo
You wake up and peek out the window of your room at Executive Motel Taupo. It’s a beautiful day outside!
How should you spend it?
Well, the perfect way is the spend a day out walking to Huka Falls, a soak in the natural hot pools, an amazing dinner, and a restful evening to recover!
Here’s what you can expect…
Huka Falls
The Huka Falls are one of Taupo’s most iconic sites and it is no surprise that this beautiful natural phenomenon is one of the most visited local attractions!
After a short drive up Spa Rd, you will find the start of the walking trail leading to Huka Falls. The Huka trail runs alongside the Waikato river, taking you through some spectacular scenery and native bush. It showcases the beautiful natural surroundings our many attractions are renowned for.
Before you even see the falls, you will hear them. The deafening sound is created by almost a quarter of a million litres of water per second rushing over an 11m drop, down into the powerful Waikato river. This ferocious torrent is caused by the mighty Waikato river narrowing from its usual 100m width to just 15m when it passes through the volcanic canyon at Huka Falls.
Once you have seen the falls, you can continue 7km along the track to the Aratiatia Dam. The Falls are a sight to see, but watching the dam release into the Aratiatia Rapids is just as impressive. During the winter, the dam releases around 10am 12-noon and 2pm daily. With an impressive volume of water – approximately 221,000 litres per second - it makes for an incredible watch and incredible photos as well. The sight makes every minute of the 2-hour (return) walk to these Falls a memorable occasion.
If you are planning to complete the Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam trail then make sure you pack a big water bottle and some snacks or a picnic. Then you can enjoy your lunch in the beauty of nature. Otherwise, there is a selection of cafes close to the Huka Falls that you can enjoy upon your return.
Spa Thermal Park
After a morning of nature, you will be ready to relax those muscles. Hop in the car for a short drive to the Spa Thermal Park or take the walking track if you have some energy left. Once you arrive, you can soak to your heart's content in the natural hot pools of the Otumuheke stream.
This free local bathing area has undergone a massive upgrade late 2018 with new changing rooms, lockers and toilets. The lounging platforms are ideal to relax on between bathing, plus a new seating area and coffee kiosk make this a great end to a walk.
A special area here has storyboards that explain the strong historical significance of this area. This was originally a bathing and meeting place for local Maori and this huge redevelopment has been a joint venture between both the local Iwi and the Taupo District Council.
So for a great day out pack your togs and a picnic. Please respect this area by placing any rubbish in the bins provided
Dinner Time
All that bathing must have worked up a bit of an appetite! Fortunately, there are lots of great spots to eat in Taupo. Whether you are after a family-friendly restaurant, a lakeside bar, award-winning fine dining, or another kind of vibrant eatery, Taupo has it all! And each establishment loves to showcase our amazing local ingredients with everything from Taupo beef and lamb, and fresh produce.
There are too many delicious places to list them all here. Luckily, Love Taupo has done all the hard work already and compiled an extensive list that you can find here.
Resting Your Head
After your meal, you will want to head back to your motel for a restful night before your next day of adventuring! The Lakeside Taupo Motel is the perfect place to rest your head.
We offer a lovely, cozy space that is your home away from home. We delight in offering our guests a personal service that stands out from other motels. Our relaxing and tranquil space gives you plenty of opportunity to wind down after a busy day. Relax on your balcony with a glass of wine, curl up in your comfortable room with a book, or soak in your room’s spa bath.
Check out our availability and room rates here.