Things to Do in Taupo

Get up and close to Huka Falls in Taupō on a thrilling 30-minute jet boat ride. Zoom past rock cliffs, enjoy thrilling 360° spins and experience exclusive water-level views of the majestic Huka Falls.

Departing from Kinloch, our unique small group tours take you to discover some of the hidden gems of Lake Taupo only found in the remote Western Bays and only accessible by boat. Come away from the crowds and visit majestic rock faces, private beaches, crystal waters and waterfall visits.

Set sail on a timeless journey to see the Māori Rock Carvings aboard a beautiful classical sailing boat. Experience the best way to explore Lake Taupo with this environmentally-friendly sailing tour.

Discover the stunning Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō aboard a 100% electric yacht. This eco-friendly cruise offers a unique blend of relaxation and cultural storytelling, perfect for all types of travelers. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks while soaking up the sun, swimming, or even taking the helm. Engage with knowledgeable crew members as they share tales of Taupō’s volcanic landscape and Māori heritage, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether you're seeking a scenic day trip or a sunset cocktail cruise, Sail Barbary provides an unforgettable connection to nature and culture. Explore the iconic 14-meter Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, accessible only by water Enjoy a relaxed cruise with BYO food and drinks, plus complimentary drinks on evening sails Engage in cultural storytelling from the enthusiastic crew about local legends and history Experience sustainable sailing on a 100% electric yacht, perfect for eco-conscious travelers

Glide your kayak over Lake Taupo’s crystal-clear waters as you paddle to the awe-inspiring Maori rock carvings. Soak in views of live volcanos on your guided tour and learn about local legends.

Departing from Kinloch, our unique small group tours take you to discover some of the Hidden Gems of Lake Taupō only found in the remote Western Bays and only accessible by boat. Come away from the crowds and visit majestic rock faces, private beaches, crystal waters and waterfall visits.

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with your choice of convenient transfer options. See the Emerald Lakes, explore the Red Crater Ridge, and admire the landscape.

Imagine gliding across a glass-like lake, surrounded by native forest with nothing but the sound of your paddle dipping into the water and bird song. This is the experience of The Hidden Lake kayak tour. We'll take you on a journey to Taupō’s secret sanctuary, a peaceful and untouched place where the beauty of nature takes centre stage. From the intriguing sight of a sunken forest beneath the water to the secluded tranquillity of a hidden canyon, this is more than a tour—it's an escape. The sheltered location means this peaceful and unforgettable adventure can be enjoyed in any weather. Tour Highlights: Paddle over the mysterious sunken forest Explore hidden waterways and the beautiful canyon Enjoy close encounters with native birdlife Perfect for families, beginners, and nature lovers Runs year-round in most weather conditions

Relax and see the historic Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupo, and the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Tongariro National Park with a trout fishing demonstration included.

Explore the stunning Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo during a lively daytime cruise aboard Kakariki. This 2-hour journey offers a casual atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks, play your favorite music through the boat's sound system, and even take a refreshing swim. Get up close to the impressive 14-meter high carvings, perfect for unforgettable photos. With multiple departure times, this cruise is ideal for groups looking for a fun, social experience on the water. - 2-hour cruise to the stunning Maori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay - Bring your own food and beverages; enjoy a party vibe on board - Swimming is encouraged, so come prepared with your swim gear - Departures at 9am, 11:30am, and 3pm, subject to demand and weather conditions *7:30pm Cocktail Cruise Kakariki sunset cruises depart daily for the month of January only. Includes: a glass of wine/beer or soft drink PLUS you can BYO (Bring Your Own) prepared food & beverages.

Step aboard Tiua and combine an eco friendly sailing experience on Lake Taupo with the comfort of an all-weather boat. Admire the magnificent Māori Rock Carvings and stop for a swim along the way.

Enjoy a fun-filled day on Lake Taupō with Kakariki Private Boat Charters. Perfect for any occasion, this 12-meter catamaran accommodates up to 24 passengers. Bring your own drinks or choose from a fully licensed bar, with BBQ and catering options available. Whether you're here for a stag do, hens party, or family gathering, you can swim, fish, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on board. Set your own pace and create unforgettable memories on the water. - Up to 24 guests on the spacious Kakariki catamaran - Flexible BYO or licensed bar, with BBQ & catering options - Activities include swimming, biscuit towing, and fishing - Ideal for celebrations, corporate events, and family outings

Explore a geothermal wonderland of bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, boiling hot springs, and beautiful silica terraces. View Ruatapu Cave, one of two thermal caves in the world.

Enjoy incredible views from coast to coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Jump from 12,000 with 40 seconds of freefall! Capture your skydive with our high quality camera options, all of which will be explained on your arrival. Friends and family are welcome to watch, with plenty of room at the drop zone for spectators. Make your skydive one to remember with Taupo Tandem Skydiving, New Zealand's original drop zone. Since 1992 we've jumped over 300,000 people!

Dare to do a tandem skydive from 12,000, 15,000, or 16,500 feet with 45, 60 or 70 seconds in free fall - then enjoy a serene parachute ride back to earth.

Enjoy a 35 minute Jet Boat ride on the Waikato River. The high-speed ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Shoot through canyons, spin on crystal clear waters and surf the foaming tail of the awesome Nga Awapurua Rapids. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day and can be shared with maximum 11 people per boat.

There's no better way to enjoy an early evening than on the Lake with friends and family. Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings and take in the spectacular views of Lake Taupo framed by Tongariro National Park's majestic mountain peaks.

Welcome to the heart of Tongariro National Park amongst our taonga treasured Volcanic Maunga Mountains Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu like nowhere else in the World. On Journey enjoy our learnings about Manaakitanga – caring & safety of visitors and Kaitiakitanga – guardianship to preserving life. Locals of Maōri descent born and raised in Turangi Tongariro providing a niche transport service to Aotearoa New Zealand’s known best one day adventure hike to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with award winning experienced local transport services. Highly recommended from Visitor’s. Ensured safety and experience from our destination Turangi Taupō, World famously known for trout fishing, hiking, river rafting, geothermal hot pools, stays and a quint friendly environment. Shuttles & transfers are hiking self-guided and naturally has our Maōri blessings, FREE safety photography, FREE use of walking poles, and a FREE cold drink at the END. UNESCO Transport Operator Approved.

Cruise on a large catamaran and take in the spectacular views of Lake Taupo framed by Tongariro National Park's majestic snow-capped mountain peaks. Discover the spectacular Maori rock carvings.

We are located in central Taupo. Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less...... The Marvelous Circus LAST CLUE CHANGE: December 2023 DIFFICULTY LEVELS: Standard 4/5, Advanced 4/5 You are the new performing act at The Marvelous Circus, before you settle in there has been an unnerving discovery. The fortune teller's crystal ball has vanished overnight, and they think someone has taken it to sabotage her act. We need the crystal ball to perform the Circus Show tonight, you only have 60 minutes before the first act in, hurry, you're our only hope to recover it before the curtain rises.

Explore Lake Taupō on an eco-friendly electric sailboat Sail Barbary. Enjoy stunning views as you set sail to explore the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

We are located in central Taupo. Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less. LAST CLUE CHANGE: November 2025 DIFFICULTY LEVELS: Standard 4/5, Advanced 4/5 At the heart of the enchanted forest stands the Tree of Life, the source of all life and magic. For thousands of years, the Forest Guardians and Fairies have protected it, ensuring its power remained pure. But now, a great danger has befallen the land. The wicked witch from the East has stolen the tree’s glowing core and hidden it deep within her gingerbread house. Without it, the forest will fade into darkness in 1 hour. The Guardians cannot do this alone. Only together can you outwit the witch, recover the Heart, and restore the forest before time runs out. Suitability: This room (while still difficult enough for adults) is our most family-friendly theme. If you love a fun story, this is the room for you!

Explore the world’s youngest geothermal site with lush valleys, native flora and fauna, hot springs and more. Admire geothermal features, crater lakes, and explore hiking trails with an entry ticket.

One of Taupō’s best kept secrets… the sheer beauty and tranquillity found on the crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River will take your breath away. Begin your kayaking journey at the source of NZ’s largest river and drift past various islands, nature reserves, swimming spots, the drop zone of Taupō Bungy before swimming or soaking your feet in warm geothermal pools enroute. This is an extremely scenic, guided tour that is perfect for beginners, families, couples, and friends. The tour is approx. 1.15 hrs on the water (2hrs return trip including transport) depending on group size and river flow. We start & finish at the store (54 Spa Rd, Taupo), then transport you to and from the river. A 5 minute walk from the store to the river may be required.

Enjoy the thrill of Grade 3 whitewater rafting over 60 rapids with an expert guide on the Tongariro River.

Step aboard Tiua, Taupō Sailing Adventures’ luxurious sailing catamaran and cruise Great Lake Taupo in comfort and style.. Our sailing experience offers a quiet and gentle way to connect with the natural beauty of Lake Taupō. With her stable twin-hull design, Tiua provides a smooth ride and plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the journey. Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupo which combines the relaxing feeling of an eco friendly sailing experience with the comfort of indoor and outdoor seating. With the spacious saloon and covered cockpit she is perfectly set up to go out in any weather and keep customers out of rain and the cold if needed. [Tee-ua] Māori 1. (verb) To move with the wind

Take a 47-meter leap off New Zealand’s highest water-touch bungy jump platform over the stunning Waikato River. Bungy solo or tandem with a mate. Water touch option available.

Glide your kayak over Lake Taupo's crystal clear waters as you paddle to the awe-inspiring Maori Rock Carvings on this 4-hour guided tour.  Soak in the view across the Lake to 3 live volcano's while you hear the history of the carvings, various Maori legends and facts of the local area from your guide before enjoying rock jumps and a swim in Australasia's largest freshwater Lake. A must-do while in Taupo!

Soar above Lake Taupō on a parasailing adventure. Choose between a refreshing Sky Dip or a thrilling freefall-style drop, and enjoy breathtaking views of sparkling waters and volcanic peaks.

Hold on tight on an exciting 30-minute jet-boat ride on the Waikato River! Spinning and speeding your way to Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most spectacular falls, see the country’s beauty rapidly unfold as you zip past rugged cliffs and native bush.

Soar above Taupo's picturesque farmlands, lush landscapes, and geothermal power stations. Marvel at the Waikato River's powerful flow crashing into the pool below on a scenic helicopter ride.

Join this completely self-guided tour for an extraordinary geothermal experience! A unique natural geothermal attraction, situated between Rotorua and Taupo. View up close, geysers, mud pools, hot springs, silica terraces, New Zealand's natural bush and a very rare thermal cave. Said to be "Arguably the Best Thermal in New Zealand". The attraction is a self guided walk of 2.5kms and takes between 1 and 1.5 hours to complete. Open 365 days of the year (including Christmas Day) from 8m through to 4:30pm. A short return ferry trip to the attraction is included and runs on demand.

Experience the thrill of riding on New Zealand's only whitewater jet boat with this tour in Waikato. Navigate the Waikato river's biggest rapids with exclusive commercial access.

Escape the hectic life and enjoy your sailing experience on our classical sailing yacht Fearless for timeless charm and authentic sailing. Explore the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Only view-able from the water, the likeness of Ngātoroirangi towers 14-meters above Lake Taupō. Powered by the wind, this eco-friendly experience lets you explore nature in its purest form - quiet, clean, and unforgettable. And when the wind picks up and the yacht heels gracefully into the breeze, guests feel that exhilarating surge of adrenaline - a moment of pure connection as they face fearless, the raw power of the water. Relax on the large deck space, listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle in under some blankets. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent)

Visit one of the least-known but most spectacular thermal parks, Orakei Korako or Waiotapu. Enjoy a short hike in the area and admire the colors, then explore Huka Falls and the Taupo region.

Confinement Taupō has four exciting, fully themed escape rooms. Each room has a unique theme, storyline and clues that will keep you wondering what lies ahead as you work your way through each space solving clues.

Take on an exhilarating swing solo or tandem. Reach speeds of 70 kp/h as you free-fall feet-first over the majestic Waikato River.

Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less... The Cabin in the Woods Last Clue Change: Feb 2025 Difficulty Levels: Standard 4/5, Advanced 5/5 Storyline: Elm Forest is a place of whispered legends, where people vanish and ghostly figures roam. As paranormal investigators, you venture into its depths, drawn by reports of distant screams and eerie lights. The cabin holds a dark secret - witchcraft, sacrifices, and a deadly curse. You've entered now you must escape....You have 60 minutes before the curse sets in, escape or be one of the many that have been claimed forever. Suitability: *EPILEPSY WARNING* There are bright lights that flash in this room. THIS ROOM HAS OCCULT RELIGIOUS-THEMED CONTENT. R13-themed room. This room is dark, and those with poor eyesight may find it difficult.

The only way to completely experience Waimangu Volcanic Valley - By a nature walk & boat cruise. Discover incredible geothermal landscapes and some astounding sights that are only accessible by boat.

Ernest Kemp Cruises cruising Lake Taupo for over 30 years. We specialise in visiting the Maori Rock Carvings daily. Enjoy the history of the area and this unique replica steamboat. Friendly skipper and crew offer a live commentary and a colour brochure explaining the meaning of the carvings. Lots of great photo opportunities with viewing and seating both inside and out. Bring a towel in summer months your skipper may decide there is time for a swim in our crystal clear lake. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Free wifi on board. 4 cruises daily in the summer months, from 90 - 120 minutes. Our popular 5 pm Cocktail Cruise includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza, this is all included in the ticket price. Sit back and relax you will have great experience on board Ernest Kemp Cruises.

Ride the Sky Waka gondola over Whakapapa's volcanic terrain. Enjoy panoramic views, dine at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, and explore the heart of New Zealand’s North Island on foot.

Daily Scenic Cruises – Maori Rock Carvings Please note we are changing our afternoon departure time from 1.30pm to 1.00pm from 1st November 2024. Our Daily Scenic Cruises depart from Berth #4 at the Taupo Boat Harbour on Cruise Cat. You’ll love cruising in comfort and style with fabulous views from both the top and bottom decks. Cruise Cat is fully enclosed with large outdoor decks to enjoy close up views of the Maori Rock Carvings.  Children are welcome, and we have colouring-in sheets and wheel certificates available for them.  Cruise Cat is also wheelchair and push chair/stroller accessible. An informative commentary is given on the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo, and you’ll enjoy a complimentary hot homemade muffin and tea/coffee as you take in the fabulous views of secluded bays and the spectacular snow capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

Soar over the Huka Falls and the Waikato River on a scenic helicopter flight. Admire the Maori Rock Carvings from the air and see the Craters of the Moon.

Transport for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is essential. If you are staying in Taupo and you do not have a vehicle this is the only option that takes you to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Taupo. If you have a vehicle and you would like to drive yourself please look at our Ketetahi park n ride. Another great option for fast and slow hikers.

PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT OPENING HOURS ARE 9AM to 5PM - WEATHER PERMITTING. Get a hole-in-one and win vouchers or the ultimate prize of $10,000 cash!

Uncover the beauty of Lake Taupō as you sail to the iconic 14-metre Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, uniquely accessible only by water. Experience a laid-back atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks while enjoying engaging stories about the lake's rich history from the crew. With our 100% electric yacht, enjoy a serene sailing experience free from engine noise and fumes. Whether you're looking to swim, relax, or take the helm, this eco-friendly adventure offers something for everyone, making it perfect for families and friends alike. - Daily electric cruises to the stunning Māori Rock Carvings - BYO food and drinks with a Bluetooth sound system on board - Enjoy complimentary drinks on evening cruises - Swim stops available, weather permitting, with friendly crew assistance

Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls, Taupo & Hamilton Gardens! This is all of the most popular North Island attractions in an epic two-day tour.

Looking for exciting things to do while visiting Taupo? Then look no further! Parasailing is one of New Zealand’s top-rated activities and with us, you’re in great hands. Want to fly solo or with a friend or two? No problem as long as you’re over 70 kgs. You can fly up to 1000 feet for stunning views of Lake Taupo. All flights are 12 minutes long and come with an optional ‘freefall’ decent. Enjoy an optional refreshing dip in the clear lake waters with the Sky dip near the end of your flight. Rise into the air behind the boat and enjoy the peaceful silence of the skies. Take in the panoramic views of Lake Taupo and the tranquil waters below while you drift through the clouds.

Visit the bubbling Mud Pool, Witness the Lady Knox Geyser erupt at 10:15 AM, explore Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal - a surreal place on the Earth, Redwood forest and Crystal Clear Blue Springs.

Want the ultimate freedom?? Get yourself out on the beautiful crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo in the most unique way possible - On a Stand Up Paddle Board. Taking the Lake by SUP means you can get to those secret spots that boats can't and experience with the best of Taupo's scenery and wildlife without the crowds. You cannot get any closer to the Extraordinary Maori Rock Carvings then on a SUP!!