Top 20 Experiences in taupo
Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
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.
Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise
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.
Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo
Our electric yacht is 100% sustainable, emissions and noise free, making it climate safe, and Lake Taupo’s best sailing experience. We have been sailing to the iconic Maori Rock Carvings since 1982! This all-year-round activity offers relaxation, fun and adventure on the water, the Kiwi way. Get right up close to this culturally significant 46 foot (14m) high rock art. Excellent, amusing and current commentary on lake, the volcanics and the carvings. Free refreshments including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and mulled wine (winter only). We are licenced but you are welcome to bring your own. BYO Swimming is encouraged. Sail Barbary is the only boat in Taupo rated 'Qualmark Gold' by Tourism NZ under the 'sustainable business' category.
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
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.
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit
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 Lake Taupōs largest charter yacht “Kindred Spirit” and enjoy the superior comfort with a large deck space and a lounge under deck for up to 12 people. 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).
Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo
Explore Lake Taupo as you kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. You will start your half day tour from the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay before paddling out on the lake below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets that can only harbor a kayak. The experienced guide will explain the carving's cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them. On the way back stop for gourmet refreshments and can take the opportunity to swim or go for a rock jumping into the clear waters of the beautiful lake. If the breeze comes up, you can raft your kayaks together and sail back – bliss! Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Departure time is at 8:30am and 1:30pm in summer and 10:00am and 1:30pm in winter from our base in Acacia Bay. Allow approx 4 hours per trip (3 hours on the water).
Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
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.
Taupo Return Shuttle
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 take 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.
The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak
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!
General Entry to Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort Water Park
Ahhhhhh… the bliss of sliding down into the natural mineral pools of the Taupo DeBretts hot springs. With two huge mineral pools set amongst beautiful landscaped resort surroundings, it’s the perfect spot to relax and soothe tired, aching muscles. Taupo is one of New Zealand’s most active thermal regions, and DeBretts enjoys a prime location at a natural ‘hot spot’ – a geothermal spring known as Onekeneke. For more than a century, people have flocked here to enjoy its famous relaxation and medicinal benefits. At Taupo DeBretts, we cool the way-too-hot volcanic waters down to a far more inviting temperature range of 38 to 41°C (100.4 to 105.8°F), all the while preserving the abundance of health-enriching mineral components. Opening hours: 8.30 am to 9.30 pm, last entry 9pm.
Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako
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.
2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo
One of Taupo's best kept secrets, the sheer beauty and tranquility found on the crystal clear waters of the Waikato River will take your breath away on this 2-hour small group guided kayaking tour. Begin your kayaking journey at the source of New Zealand’s largest river and drift past various islands, nature reserves, swimming spots, the drop zone of the Taupo Bungy before soaking in the Natural Hot Pools. Complimentary photos are included
Kayak the Waikato River Taupo
Waikato River Float Cruise lazily down the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, on this gentle kayak tour. The tour starts near the control bridge in town and meanders down the slow moving crytal clear waters of the Waikato River. Kayak past stunning cliff faces, lush native forests, islands, river wildlife and swimming holes. You will kayak under Taupo Bungy’s platform where hopefully someone will be hurling themselves down into the water. Cheer them on! We may also stop at rock face for those adventurers ones to go for a Rock Jump (optional).Towards the end of the trip you will stop by a natural hot springs popular with the locals and tourists alike where you can get out for a soak. You will end the trip at Reid’s Farm with some refreshments.
Stand Up Paddle Board Hire - Lake Taupo
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!!
Lake Taupo - Maori Rock Carvings Package (Mountain Biking & Kayaking)
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.
Tongariro Crossing Return Transfer from Turangi
Welcome to the heart of Tongariro National Park amongst our sacred Volcanic 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 experienced local transport services. Highly recommended from Manuhiri - Visitor’s ensured safety from our destination Turangi Taupō, World famously known for trout fishing, hiking, biking, river rafting, relaxing walks, geothermal hot pools, stays and a quint friendly environment. Shuttles & transfers are self-guided and naturally has our Maōri blessings, FREE safety photography, FREE use of walking poles, and a FREE cold drink at the END. Department of Conservation Transport Concessionaire Approved.
Great Lake Trail Lake Taupo 2-Day Mountain Biking Tour
Western Bay Scenic 2 Day Mountain Biking Tour Ride the Great Lake Trail on this 2-day Grade 3 mountain biking tour, a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Great Lake Taupo region. You will be biking the 19.5 km Kawakawa section (Orakau & K2K) on Day 1 and the 21km W2K section on Day 2. The Great Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network. You will be riding along undulating pumice trails through native forest and wetlands, where the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Dramatic scenery combines with serene lake views, powerful waterfalls, native bird song and incredible trail quality to deliver an unforgettable experience.