Aussies wake up to a Taupō Sunrise
Taupō Doughboats Laurel Kells explains the roundabout way to get around the lake.
Taupō got a boost to its profile this week, appearing on top-rating Australian breakfast show Sunrise on Wednesday morning.
Up to 4 million Australian viewers watch the show each morning and this week it was the turn of the Taupō District.
Destination Great Lake Taupō general manager Patrick Dault said the Australian market is “absolutely critical” for the district and they had to come up with a creative pitch to get the show here.
The opportunity was secured by Tourism New Zealand and coordinated by Destination Great Lake TaupōDGLT marketing automation executive Jordyn Clarkson.
Dault said the Australian show was on the road non-stop doing the usual activities like jet boating and bungy jumping so they tried to come up with something different for the live event.
“We just wanted to show fantastic Taupō is and the passion the locals have for it.”
The broadcast featured seven live weather crosses from 5.30am-9am, from the famous Hole in One Challenge site on Lake Taupō’s waterfront, and highlighted four distinctive local experiences.
Lakeman Brewery, Chris Jolly Outdoors Fly Fishing, the Hole in One Challenge and Taupō Doughboats all featured on the show.
Dault said the Doughboats was getting contacted by in-bound tour operators on the day of the broadcast.
“[The] broadcast showcased a tremendous mix of what makes our region special, giving Australian viewers a glimpse of the Taupō region’s world-class fly fishing, authentic and growing food scene, and a taste of what makes Taupō a firm Kiwi-favourite when it comes to domestic holidays.”
Taupō has recently been named one of CNN’s top 50 places to visit in 2025 plus, and is ranked in the top 10 most welcoming destinations globally by Booking.com.
Sunrise weather presenter Sam Mac shared the spotlight with Taupō operators in multiple interactive segments.
DGLT and Tourism NZ estimated the marketing value was worth more $1.2 million
The timing of the promotional opportunity was designed to encourage off-peak visitation by showcasing regional experiences during autumn.
Dault said featuring businesses like Jimmy Coops and Lakeman Brewery meant they could tell the unique story of James Cooper’s “farm-to-plate” approach. Having the company’s big hairy Lakeman mascot on hand for the show didn’t hurt either.
Chris Jolly Outdoors Fly Fishing celebrated one of Taupō’s favourite attractions as owner Simon guided Sam Mac through a fly fishing demonstration, highlighting the region’s renowned as a world-class fishing destination with crystal-clear waters and abundant trout.
At the iconic Hole in One Challenge, Sam joined local talent Bailey at attempting the unique golfing challenge on Lake Taupō – the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
Taupō Doughboats’ owner Laurel introduced Sam to the innovative lake experience, showcasing local entrepreneurship and a memorable new way for visitors to enjoy the lake.
The broadcast emphasised the district’s diverse landscapes, hospitality, and the variety of compelling activities to be found within close-proximity of Taupō and the local communities of Tūrangi, Mangakino, Kinloch, and the Western Bays.