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CNN | Where to go in 2025
Taupō ranked as one of the best places to visit by CNN

Written By: - 13 Jan, 2025


The secret is out!

We already knew Taupō was a special destination—now CNN is ranking it too.

Taupō is named along with Almaty, Kazakhstan; the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Nashville, Tennessee; and Stockholm, Sweden as where to visit in 2025.

New Zealand’s South Island often gets more attention when it comes to natural beauty. But travelers heading to the North Island in search of cinematic landscapes need look no further than Taupō says the CNN Travel article.

Not to be missed are the lake’s Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, which include a 14-meter bas-relief created by famed artist Matahi Brightwell representing the face of his ancestor, Ngatoroirangi.

Just a few kilometers from Taupō is Huka Falls, said to generate enough power to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just 11 seconds.

In terms of food, the town’s culinary scene is gaining increased recognition — it recently wrapped up its inaugural Treats of Taupō food festival.

Destination Great Lake Taupō general manager Patrick Dault says he was “mighty chuffed” to hear Taupō made the exclusive list, especially due to the attention it would get.

To celebrate the feature, Dault shared some of the best activities to enjoy when visiting the city—including a visit to The Kinloch Club at Kinloch Manor and Villas.

  1. See Huka Falls – Aotearoa’s most visited natural attraction
  2. Discover Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
  3. Mountain bike the Supervolcanic Trail Network
  4. Hike the incredible Tongariro Alpine Crossing
  5. Launch out on New Zealand’s highest cliff-top bungy
  6. Experience spectacular Orakei Korako geothermal wonders
  7. Make family fun at Debretts Hot Springs
  8. Land a trophy trout
  9. Jet boat the Aratiatia Rapids to a movie location'
  10. Follow the Craters of the Moon geothermal trail
  11. Test your golf swing on a championship course
  12. Experience pure relaxation at Wairakei Terraces
  13. Follow the Graffiato street art trail
  14. Take on the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
  15. Chase waterfalls in the Western bays
  16. Explore ancient forests in Pureora Forest Park

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