Top Experiences in Lake Taupo

Want to see & do it all? Starting in the adventure capital Queenstown, this tour covers the South Islands glaciers, mountain passes and pristine coasts before heading to the action-packed North Island. Adventure activities aplenty throughout the trip, with accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. From to Queenstown to Auckland and everything in between, this tour has New Zealand covered.

A journey from Auckland’s bustling cityscape to Taupō’s scenic lakes on a luxury private tour will lead you to marvel at the breath-taking geothermal scenery, stunning waterfalls, and World Heritage-listed Forest reserves. Located in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island lies the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo, is also a super volcano! Get right up close to explore lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise around the Western Bays of the Lake to see the huge Māori rock carving at Mine Bay. Investigate the hidden bays, beautiful coastline and feel the thrill of cascading waterfalls at Huka falls. Be prepared to have your taste buds tingling, with the chance to try an array of exotic artisan honeys in a special tasting room.

Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to 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, surrounded by over 40 smaller carvings..

Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around.
Relax on our charter yacht “Kindred Spirit” and enjoy the superior comfort with a large deck space and a cosy lounge under.
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 under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks.
Kindred Spirit sails under full sails as much as possible or gently meanders, when it is truly calm, by a quite inboard diesel engine.

Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).

An independent four-day tour package departing Wellington daily with three nights 4 to 4.5 star accommodation in Rotorua and Auckland. Visit Te Puia, with its impressive geysers, bubbling mud pools, and cultural Maori performances, Visit the famous Hobbiton Movie Set for a fully guided tour of this unique attraction as well as a boat tour through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where hundreds of tiny glowworms lights guide the way. Finally, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland on the final day. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for all transfers and activities listed.

We’ll visit all the highlights: secluded beaches, glacier-fed lakes, Māori villages, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you can imagine!

The North Island is filled with surprising contrasts: from the idyllic Coromandel' golden beaches, to the geothermal wonderland of geysers, through the Middle Earth-esque countryside, have underground adventures in caves lit by glow worms, and admire lush rainforests and even a volcanic desert.

But wait! There’s still the South Island to explore! Sailing between islands, you’ll get a grand entrance into this magnificent part of the world where you’ll get to enjoy marine wildlife, visit the home of bungy, traverse mountain passes, explore glacier country and then forge golden memories in the Abel Tasman.

You’ll see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin encounter to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want.

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour.

Enjoy the action packed city of Taupo on this self-guided audio tour of the city. You will see how the stunning lake city of Taupo has gently transformed by taking you on a journey which will highlight its geothermal history and the massive lake on which it sits where water based and adrenaline activities keep many tourists busy.

Thermal Getaway hosts unique insight for travellers wanting to experience a fulfilling and enriching journey that will create lasting memories. Uncover under cave wonders, geothermal hotspots, discover vibrant cities and be immersed in the awe-inspiring Māori heritage that holds a special bond with this ancient land. A huge range of family attractions for adults and kids, adventure and adrenaline activities, as well as peaceful nature-based experiences that will get you back in touch with the real world. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience.

Cruise Great Lake Taupo in style and comfort on our luxury catamaran Tiua. Tiua brings smooth sailing to effortless entertaining, as a high-end charter vessel. She blends her original character and style with the latest comfort and class.
Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupo which combines the relaxing feeling of an eco friendly sailing experience with the comfort of being able to go out in any weather and keep customers out of rain and the cold with her spacious saloon and covered cockpit.

[Tee-ua] Māori

1. (verb) To move with the wind

Synonyms – to relax and immerse oneself in nature and luxury with family and friends.

You’re probably wondering what makes this tour a little fancier than some of our others with similar itineraries? Well, it’s pretty simple – along with a number of extra-special itinerary inclusions, the biggest difference is you'll stay in comfortable twin-share hotel accommodation.

That’s right: say au revoir to busy budget dorm rooms – you get a twin-share room to lay your head down each night.

Haka Plus Tours are great for couples or friends who are travelling together. If you’re travelling alone, we’ll match you with someone for an instant road trip pal! Or if you’d prefer a room to yourself, that’s no trouble at all. You have the option to upgrade to a private room as well.

We kick off in Auckland and 20 days later we wave goodbye in Christchurch. Along the way you’ll get to see some of the most breathtaking scenery New Zealand has to offer. This includes national parks, rainforests, hidden pools, UNESCO World Heritage Areas, and probably more beaches than you have toes.

Starting from Wellington, we hit up some great spots and places while we make our way up to New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, through the North's hottest destinations. (Note that this tour can also be done from north to south – Auckland to Wellington)

If you have some time to spare after your tour wraps up in Auckland, we have a great three day tour taking in the Bay of Islands which showcases the Northland region of New Zealand.

Activities can be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.

As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation with us the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on the day the tour starts makes for a stress free morning.

Accommodation is included on the last night of your tour, but we can also book a few extra nights for you if you would like to extend your stay.

The pirate-flagged Sail Fearless has got to be the not-so-buried treasure of Great Lake Taupō . With a heart of gold and extensive knowledge of New Zealand and lake Taupo it is no wonder Fearless (David) has won so many awards for his affordable Maori rock carvings cruises.

So come on board Fearless for simply the best sailing experience on Great Lake Taupō. This is the more intimate cruise option to the famous Maori Rock carvings, with sleek lines and a maximum of only 18 passengers. 

Guests can relax on beanbags and snuggle under blankets, or give the crew a hand.

The North Island is filled with surprising contrasts: from the idyllic Coromandel where you can soak in a hot pool dug in the sand, venture through a geothermal wonderland of geysers, take a side-trip to Middle Earth-esque countryside, and admire lush rainforests and even a volcanic desert – you’ll be amazed by it all.

This small-group guided tour of the North Island will visit Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, and Wellington, with the option to visit Hobbiton, and the Tongariro Crossing along the way.

As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events including a Māori cultural night and traditional Māori hāngī dinner cooked in an underground oven.

You’ll see a massive range of optional activities available to add to your tour, from bungy jumping and white water rafting to canopy forest zipline tours and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want.

An independent three day tour departing Auckland daily with two nights 4 - 4.5 star accommodation in Rotorua prior to your tour concluding in Wellington on day 3. The tour includes a full day in Rotorua with a morning guided tour of Te Puia. On day one the tour travels to Rotorua via Waitomo where you will experience a guided tour of the glowworm caves. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for all transfers and activities listed.

An independent four-day tour package departing Auckland daily with three nights 4 to 4.5 star accommodation in Rotorua and Wellington. Get the most out of this unique opportunity by marvelling at the shimmering lights of tiny glow worms during a magical subterranean experience at the Waitomo Caves and then enjoy a trip to the Hobbiton Movie Sett. On Day 2 take in Rotorua’s impressive geysers, bubbling mud pools, and cultural Maori performances at Te Puia. and a sightseeing tour of Wellington on your final day. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for all transfers and activities listed.

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!!

Choose between Waiotapu or Oarakei Korako geothermal areas for your first stop on this 7-hour day trip. Then see Huka Falls, Lake Taupo and the surrounding areas. Admission fees to the thermal area of your choice are included, but lunch is at your own expense. This guided small-group tour operates with a maximum of 11 passengers and includes pickup from your centrally located accommodation in Rotorua.

Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years, as part of the group - It can be booked as a private group tour - please ask TripAdvisor/Viator to contact us for the  custom price
Guaranteed departure - Due to low numbers and sustained losses caused by Covid 19, until further notice we will need a minimum of 4 people (or price equivalent) to run tours

Visit and experience the heart of New Zealand's North Island... Lake Taupo is not only home to one of New Zealand's greatest waterfalls but also the biggest lake! Whether it's the stunning landscape or the various activities - Lake Taupo is one New Zealand's must do's!!

The Great Lake Tour can be altered in any way to fit your needs!

Please be aware that this is a booking request. We will be in touch as soon as possible following your booking time to confirm your tour. This is to allow for customisations and ensuring you get the best out of your desired tour.
After we have confirmed your booking, we also confirm a final tour price. This can be paid in-person or simply by bank transfer. We will take away the $5.00 booking fee which you have paid to make this booking.

This is an independent three day tour departing Wellington daily with two nights in a 4 - 4.5 star accommodation in Rotorua prior to your tour concluding in Auckland on day 3. The tour includes a full day in Rotorua with a guided tour at Te Puia. On day three the tour travels to Auckland via Waitomo where you will experience a guided tour of the glowworm caves. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for all transfers and activities listed.

Maori Rock Carvings Package

Our Great Lake Taupo Mountain Bike and Kayak Package is without a doubt the best way to experience the spectacular scenery by bike from the Great Lake Trail, and view the amazing Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay by water. You will meet us at our base in Acacia Bay, where we will load your bike then set off by road to Kinloch to ride the W2K (Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay) section of the Great Lake Trail. Your ride will take approximately 2 - 2.5 hours, ending at the beautiful Whakaipo Bay where you gourmet lunch awaits you. After lunch, you will head down to the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo to begin your kayak trip to the famous Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Allow up to 8 hours for this trip. 

Enjoy the surreal landscapes and mysterious appeal of a majestic and active geothermal site on this private day tour from Auckland on a luxurious vehicle. Soak in hot steam, marvel at boiling mud pools and watch a geyser erupt in spectacular fashion at one of New Zealand’s most impressive geothermal wonderlands. Look for the luminous green waters of the ominously named Devil’s Bath. Experience a land of fire and ice, Lake Taupō, a stunning natural cauldron, ringed by beautiful snow-capped mountains, and feel the thrill of cascading waterfalls at Huka falls. Be prepared to have your taste buds tingling, with the chance to try an array of exotic artisan honeys in a special tasting room.

Daily Scenic Cruises – Maori Rock Carvings

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.