By Dan Hutchinson

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.

**Taupō plays host to some worldclass events**

Destination Great Lake Taupō general manager Patrick Dault said Kiwi hospitality was a core part of the visitor experience.

“We’re honoured to have this accolade, especially because it’s the result of authentic endorsements from visitors who’ve been here, stayed and enjoyed our special brand of Taupō hospitality.”

It was the second international travel industry accolade for Taupō this month, having been named in CNN’s Best Travel Destinations for 2025.

“We’ll take it because we put a high value on hospitality in Taupō and our hosts are quite clearly stepping up to the mark.

“A proper welcome makes all the difference to a guest experience and that’s something that Taupō people know how to dish out,” Dault said.

Booking.com area manager for New Zealand Melissa Ellison said they were thrilled to see Taupō recognised on the global stage.

“[We] are looking forward to continuing to support our local partners as they welcome visitors to the region’s world class hospitality and scenic landscapes.”

And it was not just scenic landscapes, water activities, skiing, hot pools and other adventure sports that were bringing people to Taupō.

The district hosts more than 420 events each year. Major events last year included the New Zealand round of Supercars, the World Championship Ironman 70.3, Around the Lake Cycle Challenge and several big-name concert acts.

“Our community lives and breathes events. Taupō is fast-becoming the events capital of New Zealand,” Dault said.

“We’re all about rolling out the red carpet, not the red tape.

“There’s a bed for every head in Taupō and a warm welcome for everyone whether you’re here with the crowd for one of our popular big events or looking for some quiet time away from the buzz.

“Of course we’re not just talking about places to stay, our myriad of tourism operators are also out there welcoming visitors and helping them make exceptional memories.”

Taupō was fourth on the list of most welcoming destinations, with Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, Cazorla in Spain and Urubici in Brazil, topping the list.

Other destinations in the top 10 were St Augustine in the United States, Orvieto in Italy, Manizales in Colombia, Quedlinburg in Germany, Ko Lanta in Thailand and Chester in the United Kingdom.

Taupō topped a list of Kiwi places, with Havelock North, Whitianga, Cromwell, Lake Tekapo, Waihi Beach, Cambridge, Twizel, Russell, and Wānaka rounding out the top 10.