Taupo has a rich maritime history from early Maori waka, Armed Constabulary whaleboats and lake ferries to the recreational and tourist vessels of today. In an area with few roads, boats were an essential way to move around the lake.

Various boats ferried locals and visitors from north to south and collected cargo from round the lake. The most enduring service was provided by the SS Tongariro, built and launched in Taupo in 1899, which plied the lake for 25 years between Taupo Boat Harbour and Tokaanu Wharf.

The lake remained the highway until the road along the eastern-side of the lake, along with the necessary bridges, was completed to a reasonable standard for motor cars in the mid 1920s.