Coastguard Lake Taupo was formed in 1985 and is located at the northern end of Lake Taupo.  It has a Maritime Centre at 14 Rauhotu Street, Taupo.

The main lake rescue vessel, CRV Taupo Rescue, is moored at the wharf beside the Harbourmaster's Office at the Waikato River mouth.

A second smaller vessel, CRV Mighty River Power Rescue, is stored at the Taupo Police Station, ready for rapid deployment in the upper reaches of the Waikato River or on Lake Taupo.