People are getting a little more than fast food when they turn up to the drive through at McDonalds Taupō these days.

A cyclist struck by the side mirror of a ute towing a horse float during the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge enduro is recovering in Tauranga Hospital from serious injuries.

The opening of a new Northern Health School (Te Kura Awhina Ora o te Raki) classroom in Taupō marks a significant milestone for the local unit, says teacher and unit leader Maaike Clapcott.

Check out what’s going on around the district.

Taupō is getting ready to sparkle this Saturday with the return of the Tremains Santa Parade, followed by Christmas in the Park at the Tongariro North Domain, a day of festive fun for the whole whānau.

Two young Taupō dancers got the opportunity to perform with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in a “kiwiana” version of The Nutcracker recently.

Tauhara College’s head students for 2026, Maya Williams and Harrison Pool and deputies Angela Schur and Isaiah Apiti feel it is good to already have the support of students, evidenced by winning through the selection process.

Taupō-nui-a-Tia College’s head students for 2026, Leroy Walker and Samara Thatcher and deputies Will Mortimer and Adah Williams are glad to have got through the selection process.

OPINION: New Zealand’s proposed new earthquake-rating framework is set to reshape the commercial property landscape, altering how buildings are valued, financed, and insured — and offering a possible lifeline to one of the country’s most iconic heritage structures, the Chateau Tongariro.

The Taupō District Council has now finished work on the Tauhara Road and AC Baths Avenue roundabout.

Ingham Group has bought two Ford dealerships in Rotorua and Taupō.

A vision that began with a conversation nearly two decades ago has now grown into a $10 million success story