Lake Magic - a family escape to Taupō these school holidays!
Are you at DeBretts? Tucked into a hillside above Lake Taupō, DeBretts Spa Resort is one of those rare places that keeps everyone happy – kids, parents, even grandparents. With its mix of pools, water playground, fun slides, and tranquil day spa, it’s the perfect school-holiday base or day trip stop.
For a quiet moment in the evening or on rainy days, colouring is a great activity! We have you covered! Print them yourself or ask our team to provide you with these colouring pages: Waterslide adventure and/or Waterpark fun .
Our Day Spa is open every day. Book yourself here or ask our team to reserve a spot for a relaxing treatment.
Are you on your way to Taupō? There’s a point, just as you crest the last hill on State Highway 1, where Lake Taupō suddenly spreads out before you – blue and endless under a big sky. Steam rises from the earth in the distance, and snow-dusted peaks of Tongariro glint beyond the horizon. This is the moment families on school-holiday escape trips breathe out and know they’ve arrived.
Morning fun
Start your day with a short stroll through shady pines to Huka Falls. Even the youngest walkers can manage it, and the reward is pure drama: 220,000 litres of water thundering over the rocks every second. Parents linger with coffee; kids count how many rainbows appear in the spray. From here, a network of gentle tracks lets everyone stretch their legs. Cafes and activities will keep you busy there!
Midday activities
By lunchtime, the lake calls. Are plenty of activities on offer to suit everyone! Contact our friendly reception team or the operators directly and book your new adventure!
Afternoon: Playtime in Warm Water!
When the air cools, Taupō naturally turns up the heat.
For a memorable soak, Taupō DeBretts Waterpark offers steaming pools, hydroslides and a playground – a school-holiday haven on cooler days.
As dusk deepens, wander the lakefront boardwalk for fish and chips and all other restaurants are waiting for you. Enjoy the sunsets! Are the best and different every day!!!
If you have a spare day, drive north to Orakei Korako – a geothermal wonderland reached by a short ferry ride. An experience that highlights a new dimension of New Zealand’s volcanic core.
Insider Tips
- Book popular activities early during the holidays,
- Pack layers for Taupō’s changeable weather,
- Pop into the local i-SITE or contact our friendly reception team for updates in school holiday events