Things to do in Taupo & The Central Plateau
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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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A
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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Maori Carvings
Accessible only by boat, these 10m-high carvings were etched into the cliffs near Mine Bay by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the late 1970s. They depict Ngatoro-i-rangi, the visionary Maori navigator who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupo area a thousand years ago. There are also two smaller Matahi figures here, both of Celtic design, which depict the south wind and a mermaid.
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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Waikato River Trails
Mangakino and Whakamaru are stops on this 100km walking and cycling route, which follows the river from near the southern end of Lake Karapiro to Atiamuri, 38km north of Taupo.
reviewed
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B
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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Flyfishtaupo.com
Guide Brett Pirie offers a range of fishing excursions, including seniors-focussed 'Old Farts & Tarts' trips.
reviewed
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Ian & Andrew Jenkins
Father and son fly-fishing guides.
reviewed
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John Somervell
Well-priced guided fly-fishing.
reviewed
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Ridge Track
A 30-minute return walk from Whakapapa that climbs through beech forest to alpine-shrub areas for views of all three peaks.
reviewed
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Silica Rapids Track
From Whakapapa Village this 2½-hour, 7km loop track leads to the Silica Rapids, named for the silica mineral deposits formed there by rapids on the Waikare Stream.
reviewed
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Tama Lakes Track
Starting at Whakapapa Village, this 17km track leads to the Tama Lakes, on the Tama Saddle between Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe (five to six hours return). The upper lake affords fine views of Ngauruhoe and Tongariro (beware of winds on the saddle).
reviewed
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Taranaki Falls Track
A two-hour, 6km loop track heads from Whakapapa to the 20m Taranaki Falls on the Wairere Stream.
reviewed
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Tightline Charters
reviewed
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Tongariro River Lookout Track
A favourite is the Tongariro River Lookout Track (one hour loop), a riverside amble affording views of Mt Pihanga.
reviewed
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Tongariro River Walkway
This track joins the Tongariro River Walkway (three hours return), which follows the east bank of the river to the Red Hut suspension bridge.
reviewed
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Whakapapa Nature Walk
Suitable for wheelchairs, this 15-minute loop track begins about 200m above the visitor centre, passing through beech forest and gardens typical of the park’s vegetation zones.
reviewed
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C
Oreti Village
It’s hard to imagine a more romantic spot to while away a balmy summer’s evening than looking over the lake from Oreti’s terrace. It’s an added bonus that the French-influenced food matches up.
reviewed
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D
Outdoor Attitude
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