Taupō Skin Cancer Centre was created by Taupō Medical Centre after seeing how many people in our community needed easier access to focused skin cancer care. Our work is skin cancer checks, dermoscopy, mole mapping, biopsies, and removals. The goal is simple: find concerning spots early, explain what we see clearly, and offer treatment locally wherever it is appropriate.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Most skin cancers are curable when found early. A regular full-body check helps us see changes in moles and spots before they become a problem, and if we find something, we can often biopsy or remove it here in our dedicated theatre.
Your skin check takes place in a private room. We'll look at your skin from head to toe (including scalp, between toes, and under nails). If you've booked a spot or mole check, we focus on up to three spots you're worried about. Full-body checks can include mole mapping to track changes over time. We’ll talk through our findings and explain whether any follow-up is recommended. No pressure, just clear, practical care.
A dedicated skin cancer team, from mole checks and mole mapping through to treatment.
Dermoscopy Registered Nurse
Paula is our full-time dermoscopy Nurse, trained in skin surveillance and digital imaging. Paula performs mole checks, spot checks, full-body skin examinations, and mole mapping.
General Practitioner
Dr. Lufkin is a General Practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer medicine. John leads our Minor Operations Centre, performing biopsies, excisions, and follow-up care.
Skin checks, mole checks, mole mapping, and treatment — from your first appointment through to minor surgery, everything under one roof.
Patient journey in two steps. Step one: choose a mole check, spot check, or full-body skin check — mole mapping is available where appropriate. Step two: return for annual review if all clear, or use on-site minor operations if treatment is needed.
Your skin check
with Paula Middlemiss
Concerned about up to three specific moles or spots? Book a mole check or spot check — our dermoscopy nurse will examine them using a dermatoscope, a specialised magnifying tool that sees beneath the skin's surface, and assess whether further action is needed.
with Paula Middlemiss
A thorough head-to-toe examination to check every mole and spot across your entire body. Mole mapping with digital dermoscopy can be included to record moles and track changes over time. Recommended annually, especially if you spend time outdoors, have had a previous skin cancer, or have a family history of skin cancer.
What happens next
No concerns? Great news. We’ll see you next year for your annual review. Early detection and regular monitoring provide the best peace of mind. You will receive a reminder text when your next skin check is due
with Dr. John Lufkin
If a procedure is needed, our skin cancer Doctor can treat it right here at the Taupō Skin Cancer Centre. In rare cases where hospital or private care is needed, we'll refer you straight away and follow through.
Common questions about skin checks, mole checks, and mole mapping.
Based at Taupō Medical Centre, we provide skin cancer care to patients across the central North Island.
Our home centre for Taupō, including Acacia Bay, Wairakei, Kinloch, Tūrangi, Mangakino, and nearby communities.
Serving Rotorua and nearby communities across the Rotorua Lakes district, including Ngongotahā and Reporoa.
Convenient for Tokoroa, Putāruru, Tīrau, and the wider South Waikato.
For patients travelling from Taumarunui, National Park, Ohakune, and other central North Island communities.
Taupō Medical Centre Specialist Rooms
Taupō Skin Cancer Centre is based at 118 Tūwharetoa Street in central Taupō, next to Taupō Medical Centre, with patient parking available on site.
Open in Google Maps (opens in new tab)Early detection saves lives. Get in touch to make an appointment.
