Nestled in the heart of the North Island, Taupō is a vibrant town known for its stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled lifestyle. Sitting on the shores of our largest lake, it boasts breathtaking views of the water, lush forests, and the distant peaks of Tongariro National Park.

Bayleys Taupō and Turangi branch manager Yvette Westerman was born and raised in the region and says it’s a location you just can’t beat.

“If you have a holiday home here, it’s just a two-hour drive to either coastline, three-hours to Auckland, depending on traffic and four-hours to Wellington. But with that in mind it’s also an ideal spot for a permanent home with people easily able to travel for work.”

Swapping oceanside for lakeside also has some major benefits too.

“Firstly, there’s no sharks! But jokes aside, that means there’s less maintenance on your boat and your home without all the salt in the air and water.”

It’s also a hotspot for major events and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a raft of sporting and adventure activities.

“We're known as one of the best events towns in the world. There are gatherings like the supercars, boat racing and we had the World Ironman competition in December. There’s pretty much something on every weekend.”

“So, if you’ve got a holiday home it’s really easy to Airbnb out, because there's always something happening, and you get a great return too.”

Taupō even made CNN’s 25 best places to visit in 2025 list.

But while it might be great to visit, Westerman says it’s also a fantastic place to stay and lay down roots.

“We’ve got a lot of commercialisation and industrialisation which means lots of job opportunities. Council employs hundreds of staff, plus there’s also geothermal and engineering fields which is a huge market in the region.”

“There’s also been a lot of growth here so there’s always a need for teachers, doctors and nurses.”

She says it’s also close enough to other main centres to enable remote working patterns.

“That means you can have the Auckland salary but have the Taupō house price.”

Speaking of pricing Westerman says right now the median sits at $878,000, but there’s plenty of stock either side of that too.

So, what are the four up and coming areas across Taupō, and what can you expect from each of them?

WHAREWAKA

Nestled along the lakeside, Westerman says Wharewaka has experienced significant growth following a couple of significant developments.

“These subdivisions have gone in over the last five to seven years, but with real growth probably in the last three or four years.”

There’s Nga Roto Estate and Kokomea where over 500 homes have been built in the past six years.

“It's got a large retirement village and more development to come. So, the whole area has been growing like crazy. There's a real vibrancy and it’s easy to get to the airport and SH1.”

Alongside the new homes is a newly established commercial hub with a supermarket, gym, cafés, and convenience stores.

But the area isn’t entirely new, with a selection of older housing close by too.

“That older area you’re probably buying for proximity to the lake. Some of them are literally on the lake’s edge, they’ve got great views and are that older, more traditional home style.”

“So, the suburb is a mix of half older and half newer homes.”

With lots of great schooling, Westerman says the area has a big appeal for young families, investors and with the newer retirement area it’s also suitable for downsizers too.

“With that prime lakeside location, it also suits people who love outdoor recreation, but also a comfortable lifestyle with added convenience.”

So how much will a property likely set you back? Right now, the median sales price for a spot in Wharewaka is $790,000.

NUKUHAU

Positioned just across the Control Gates Bridge, Westerman says Nukuhau has experienced steady growth with new residential developments, including Huka Heights and expanding subdivisions near the Waikato River.

“It’s really convenient too. So, you're talking a 3 minute drive into town or an easy walk downhill across the bridge.”

She says the area has become known for its modern and affordable homes with a mix of new and older subdivision projects.

“There’s a wide appeal to first home buyers, investors, and even people looking for a second home upgrade all whilst being within an easy drive to town.”

“Especially for investors, Taupō as a whole has a great rental return, meaning a property here is a really great investment for long- or short-term rental options.”

There’s also the added convenience of local amenities too.

Right now, the median sales price in Nukuhau is $778,600.

HILLTOP

A hugely popular area that runs from the lake right up to the hilltop is aptly named Hilltop.

“Down the bottom of that area is what we call the bird area, because all the street names are birds like Kaka Street and Kiwi Street.”

“Hilltop is an older area and probably one of the earliest parts of Taupō’s development.”

But there’s still the ability to buy a large quarter acre section and get a big plot of land there.

“You typically get really nice, terraced views of the lake and the mountains.”

People also buy there for the convenience and local amenities too.

“They generally purchase for the school zone and its really close proximity to the lake and town.

You’re looking at a 2–3-minute drive so it’s quick and easy.”

Westerman says Hilltop is typically where you’ll find older character homes to buy.

“A lot of them have an older exterior but the interiors have been renovated. The suburb is similar to Ponsonby in Auckland with that older, more classic style of home that’s being upgraded.”

It’s the kind of housing stock she says attracts a range of buyers.

“So, you're getting anything from first home buyers to families who want to get in there for the schooling, or even second home buyers who are looking for a larger property on a larger section with the most amazing views.”

“The amenities are great too. There’s the hospital, a restaurant, a little pub and some dairies. For anything bigger it’s just a short drive into town.”

So how much will a home in Hilltop set you back? Right now, the median sales price is $795,000.

ACACIA BAY

Westerman says Acacia Bay is further away from Taupō’s town centre and sits facing the mountains.

“So, you're a bit more sheltered from that southwesterly wind that is coming straight off the mountain.”

It’s an older suburb with larger sections, all with breathtaking views.

“Because it's an older area, you've got the old bach style properties that sit close to the water and look out over town, but there’s also renovated homes and some lifestyle development too.”

“There’s also the ability to get a modern home out that way on an acre section. Acacia Bay's probably our next development zone space where the town's going to push out to.”

Even though it’s further away Westerman says there’s still an element of convenience.

“It's a good school zone location for Taupō’ Primary. There are dairies, convenience stores and a cafe that even landed itself in a traveller’s guide. It’s very cute and filled with mosaics and art.”

Right now, the median sale price for a property in Acacia Bay is $982,500.