Taupō, a picturesque town in New Zealand’s North Island, has earned global recognition as one of the ‘most welcoming’ communities on Earth, Stuff has reported. Booking.com’s 2025 Traveller Review Awards, derived from over 360 million reviews, placed Taupō among the top 10 ‘most welcoming cities’ worldwide—making it the sole representative from New Zealand and Australasia to achieve this honour.
Joining Taupō on this prestigious list were destinations such as Sigiriya (Sri Lanka), Cazorla (Spain), Urubici (Brazil), St Augustine (USA), Orvieto (Italy), Manizales (Colombia), Quedlinburg (Germany), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Chester (UK).
The awards, now in their 13th year, assess guest reviews published on Booking.com between December 2021 and November 2024. The ranking of the most welcoming cities was determined by the percentage of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award.
A Warm Welcome in Taupō
Patrick Dault, general manager of Destination Great Lake Taupō, expressed pride in the accolade, noting it reflects genuine visitor experiences.
“We are honoured by this recognition, especially because it comes from authentic endorsements by visitors who’ve stayed and enjoyed our unique Taupō hospitality,” Stuff quoted Dault.
“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 seeking a peaceful escape. And it’s not just about where you stay—our tourism operators go above and beyond to ensure exceptional memories for every visitor.”
Taupō Leads the Pack in Aotearoa
Within New Zealand, other standout destinations recognised for their hospitality included Havelock North, Whitianga, Cromwell, Lake Tekapo, Waihi Beach, Cambridge, Twizel, Russell, and Wānaka. Havelock North was named the country’s most welcoming town in the 2024 awards.
Global Highlights of the Traveller Review Awards
This year, Booking.com acknowledged 1.71 million travel partners across 212 countries and territories. Italy led the way with the highest number of award recipients (207,703), followed by France (155,203), Spain (147,700), Germany (102,031), and the United Kingdom (88,209).
Globally, apartments remained the most celebrated accommodation type, with over 847,000 awards. Holiday homes and baches secured the second spot with 259,105 awards, surpassing hotels, which received 190,670 awards.
Taupō’s inclusion in this prestigious list reaffirms its reputation as a welcoming destination that offers not just stunning landscapes but also unparalleled hospitality, creating memorable experiences for visitors from around the globe.
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