Activities in Taupo
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Great Lake Walkway
This pleasant path follows the Taupo lakefront south to Five Mile Bay (8km). It’s a flat, easy walk along public-access beaches.
reviewed
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Spa Park Hot Spring
The hot thermal waters of the Otumuheke Stream meet the bracing Waikato River at this pleasant and well-worn spot under a bridge, creating a free natural spa bath. Take care: people have been known to drown while trying to cool off in the fast moving river. It's near the beginning of the Huka Falls Walkway, about 20 minutes from the centre of town.
reviewed
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Huka Falls Walkway
Starting from the Spa Park car park at the end of County Ave (off Spa Rd), this scenic, easy walk takes just over an hour to reach the falls, following the east bank of the Waikato River. Continuing on from the falls is the 7km Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids walking track (another two-plus hours).
reviewed
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Kiwi River Safaris
Two-hour white-water rafting trips on the Rangitaiki ($110), Wairoa ($115) and Tongariro Rivers ($110), including free pick-up from Taupo and lunch. Also runs kayak tours down the Waikato River (adult/child $45/25).
reviewed
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Paradise Tours
Three-hour tours to the Aratiatia Rapids, Craters of the Moon and Huka Falls. Also offers day tours to Tongariro National Park, Orakei Korako, Rotorua, Hawke’s Bay and Waitomo Caves.
reviewed
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Whirinaki Rainforest Experiences
Runs fascinating and educational ecocultural guided walks in the Whirinaki Forest Park (one- to three-day trips $155 to $745). Transport from Taupo, meals and camping necessities are included.
reviewed
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Wilderness Escapes
Well-regarded, long-standing operator offering half- or full-day kayaking trips to the Maori carvings, as well as sunset paddles on the lake.
reviewed
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Formula Challenge
Thrill seekers with petrol-head tendencies should head to the Taupo Motorsport Park, a state-of-the-art 3.5km racetrack and drag circuit that has staged the A1 Grand Prix. There’s often something to watch here, from sidecar races to ‘drifters’ and, on occasion, the police testing their skills. Best of all, this outfit allows you to get behind the wheel in a V8 or Formula Challenge racer.
reviewed
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pureORAwalks
Nature-Culture walks in Pureora Forest Park, Lake Rotopounamu and Whirinaki Forest Park, offering insight into Maoritanga (things Maori) – including local history, legends and traditional uses for flora and fauna.
reviewed
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Track Drive
reviewed
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Huka Falls River Cruise
For a photo-friendly ride, this boat offers a relaxed jaunt (80 minutes) from Aratiatia Dam to Huka Falls.
reviewed
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Rapids Jet
This sensational 35-minute ride shoots along the lower part of the Aratiatia Rapids – rivalling the Huka Falls trip for thrills. The boat departs from the end of the access road to the Aratiatia lookouts. Go down Rapids Rd and look for the signpost to the National Equestrian Centre.
reviewed
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Rock’n Ropes
A vertiginous and challenging high-ropes course that includes balancing in teetering ‘tree-tops’, negotiating a tricky two-wire bridge and scaling ropes. The combo includes the swing, high beam and trapeze.
reviewed
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Fish Cruise Taupo
Representing 18 different boats belonging to the Taupo Launchmen's Association, this is the best place to book a private charter – whether for fishing or for a cruise.
reviewed
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Izardair
Luxury light aircraft flights over Taupo, Orakei Korako or the volcanoes.
reviewed
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Kai Waho Experience
Whisks you to a remote pa in wilderness east of the lake for a day of Maori culture and a hangi-cooked feast.
reviewed
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Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
30 minutes (Departs Taupo, New Zealand)
by Viator
Hold on tight during an exciting 30-minute jet-boat ride on the Waikato River! Spinning and speeding your way to Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most spectacular…Not LP reviewed
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Taupo Adventure Combo: Jet Boat Ride, Helicopter Flight, Scenic Cruise and Whitewater Rafting
Varies (Departs Taupo, New Zealand)
by Viator
Take this action-packed challenge in Taupo that will have you experiencing the best of the North Island’s great outdoors from the water and sky! A choice of…Not LP reviewed
from USD$166.67 -
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Life Cycles
Rents bikes.
reviewed
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Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Various packages that include DVDs, photos, T-shirts etc ($398 to $679) are available.
reviewed
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Moehiwa Horse Ventures
Treks through pasture, pine forest and riverbeds.
reviewed
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Pointons Ski Shop
Taupo is tantalisingly close to the ski fields, being 1¼ hours drive from Whakapapa and two hours from Turoa. This shop hires gear and stays open from 7am to 7pm throughout the season.
reviewed
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Big Sky Parasail
Parasailing flights from the lakefront, taking off hourly; bookings essential.
reviewed
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Taupo Horse Treks
Conducts treks through some fine forest with good views over the Craters of the Moon.
reviewed
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Wairakei Resort
Nine-hole course set in verdant surroundings, 1km up the road from the international course.
reviewed