Looking for the ideal place in Lake Taupo to relax, revive and be inspired in the great outdoors. Covering an area of ​​606 square kilometers (234 square miles), it’s no wonder that Lake Taupo is blessed with many idyllic bays and lakeside settlements where you can swim, boat, hike, fish, enjoy the scenery, or just relax and do absolutely nothing. Here’s our guide to the best south bays on Lake Taupo.

Motuoapa – South Lake Taupo

It takes a while to realize something is missing. Even if you look at them every day, you probably don’t give them a second thought. Power lines and phone that is! But in Motuoapa all the cabling is underground. Therefore, the spectacular views of the lake are not impeded by intrusive lines and cables. It is also why Motuoapa is so popular with boaters; they can tow their boats to the marina without having to drop the masts.

Motuoapa is a modern lakeside settlement with its own waterfront reserve, pier, boat ramp, and marina. This is a place where you can get away from the rat race, and yet you are only a 30 minute drive from the attractions of Central Taupo city life. Fish, swim, hike and enjoy the great outdoors or drive 7 minutes south to Turangi, the Trout Fishing Capital of the World.

Even if you’re just passing through, you should stop at the Licorice Café in Motuoapa. This award-winning cafe is one of the best in the area and is a highlight for many travelers driving through the central North Island.

5 minutes away is Te Rangiita, a charming little settlement where the houses are right on the seafront. In many parts of the world, staying on the waterfront is a luxury only available to the rich and famous. Here at Lake Taupo, it’s a lifestyle available to all.

Pukawa – South Lake Taupo

This beautiful lakeside settlement looks directly towards Taupo and Mount Tauhara. With native bush teeming with birds, a safe swimming beach, excellent boat launching facilities, and a nearby water ski slope, Pukawa is the ideal vacation destination.

You can try your hand at fly-fishing near the mouth of Pukawa Creek or hike along the lake shore and through the bushes to around Omori or Kuratau. 1 to 1.5 hours on foot. Chances are once you get here, you park the car and just walk everywhere. That’s because Pukawa really is that kind of magical place that makes you want to reconnect with nature.

Omori – South West Lake Taupo

Yes it’s true; the locals sing “That’s Omori” and when he gets here, he will soon find out why Omori has the locals singing. This hillside and lakeside settlement has some of the best views of Lake Taupo, Mount Tauhara and the Kaimanawa mountain ranges. But that is not all.

Omori is a little paradise complete with its own boat ramp, jetty, general store, croquet lawn, tennis court, volleyball court, water ski slope, picnic area, and safe swimming beach. Chances are you love it here so much; you never want to leave.

And to top it off, Omori also has two boutique wineries; Omori Estate and Kuratau River Wines producing premium wines and olive oils. As both wineries are located near the Kuratau River, enjoy a wine or two while taking in the stunning views of the river.

Kuratau – Southwestern Lake Taupo

Kuratau is one of the most popular vacation spots on this side of the lake, and like Omori and Pukawa, it has stunning views of the lake. Nestled amidst bird-filled native bush and sheltered from the prevailing winds, Kuratau is the ideal spot for a family vacation. Kuratau is also formed around a natural sandbank and the mouth of the Kuratau River, offering sandy beaches, safe swimming, boating and fishing.

Rent a kayak from Kuratau Kayaks and explore the Kuratau River or head out on the lake or go fishing, sightseeing or picnicking on Lake Taupo with local operators; Fishing trips on Lake Taupo. There is also a great local store, tennis court, children’s play area and many amazing walks through the jungle and lake.

Whareroa – South West Lake Taupo

This well kept secret is gaining popularity as more and more people in search of the great outdoors are discovering the joys of Whareroa. This modern settlement has both a quiet small town atmosphere and excellent facilities including boat ramps, ski slopes and fabulous fishing on the lake. Best of all are the long, sandy beaches, perfect for picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, or just kicking back and relaxing.