Recent stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
If you have news to share contact news@tauponews.co.nz

Whakapapa ski field’s future decided
The Department of Conservation’s Director-General, Penny Nelson, has granted Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.
‘Mirror perfect’ Lake Okataina
This Rāhina we walked a medley of short, easy trails in the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve.

River explorer does it again
He may bear the name of a famous explorer, but Peter Cook (55) is fairly laid back about his own expeditions.

Highway reopening delayed by another week
The section of State Highway 1 between Ātiamuri and Wairakei will remain closed until April 9.

Aussies wake up to a Taupō Sunrise
Taupō got a boost to its profile this week, appearing on top-rating Australian breakfast show Sunrise on Wednesday morning.
Symmetry across the lake
A pea soup fog had us creeping along Broadlands Road at snail’s pace before we broke free of the gloom on the Rotorua side of Rainbow Mountain.

The toil and trouble of Ōpepe Reserve
Today’s medley of walks may have been short on distance but certainly not short on variety, history, information or fun.

Serious crash on SH5 Rangitaiki
Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash on SH5 at Rangitaiki.

One road opens and another closes
No sooner has one road opened, than another one closes.

Working hard at a cruisy job
Taupō travel consultant Melissa Duder couldn’t have picked a worse time to start her new career – just before a global pandemic – but it has all paid off with a major award in Sydney on the weekend.
Waiouru highway to reopen soon
The Tūrangi to Waiouru stretch of State Highway 1 will reopen on Friday.

Devastation gives way to serene, green forest walk
What a Goldilocks’ day. Not too hot and not too cold, just perfect for our walk in the Kaimanawa Forest.

Sneak peak at refurbished Huka Lodge
Huka Lodge has reopened following a $25 million refurbishment.
A trip to Rotorua’s towering forest
A double rainbow plunged into the lake bidding us a colourful farewell on our journey to the Whakarewarewa Forest.

Originair touches down
Passengers on the first Originair flight from Wellington to Taupō arrived on Monday to a bit of fanfare, with a band and about 50 supporters.

Kia ora, welcome to Taupō
Taupō has been named as one of the top 10 most welcoming places in the world. The rankings are prepared by travel platform Booking.com and are based on the number of accomodation providers in a town that receive a Traveller Review Award.

New airline eyes flights to the Capital
A Taupō to Wellington air service has been restored thanks to Originair.
Sounds Air withdrew its service in late 2024 and Originair was now planning to commence flights three days a week, From February 17.
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