Taupo Activity Highlights

Taupo | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Snow capped volcanoes, hot springs, boiling mud pools and silica terraces show of Lake Taupo's fascinating and violent past.

Taupo Activity Highlights Overview

Attractions and activities in Taupo make full use of the spectacular geography in the region. Whether you're relaxing or throwing yourself into a challenging adventure, the beauty of the landscape is all around you.

» Taupo Activities Directory

A Whole Lake of Things to Do

The Lake Taupo area is a huge playground for fishing, sailing and other water sports.

• Catch rainbow or brown trout on Lake Taupo or go fly fishing with a local guide up one of the many rivers in the area
• Hire a boat or take a scheduled cruise on Lake Taupo
• Jet boat or river boat cruise to the Huka Falls
• Visit Huka Falls and watch as over 200,000 litres of water falls over the cliff face every second

Lake Taupo Information

Geothermal Interest Wherever You Look

There are hot springs and geothermal wonders all around the region.

• Do the Craters of the Moon walk—an active thermal area with mud pools, craters and steam
• Enjoy a relaxing hot soak in the thermal baths Visit Wairakei Geothermal Visitor Centre
• Take a tour of a geothermal Prawn Park hatchery and then move on to the restaurant for a meal of prawns
• Explore Orakei Korako Geyserland, 25 minutes north of Taupo, a valley of geysers, hot springs, mud volcanoes and silica terraces

Adventure and Thrills or Quiet Relaxation

Scare yourself silly with daredevil antics or float peacefully through the perfect landscape.

• Be a daredevil—try parasailing or skydiving
• Bungy jump over the Waikato River
• Enjoy a scenic floatplane flight over the Lake Taupo area, including Mount Ruapehu
• Watch the rapids at Aratiatia—water is released from the dam at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm daily
• Wander through the beautiful Pureora Forest Park, just one hour from Lake Taupo

The Southern Side of the Lake

Around Turangi everyone talks trout—it's a fisherman's dream come true.

• Experience the thrills and spills of white water rafting on the Tongariro river
• Flick your rod and catch a trophy-sized trout
• Relax in the hot thermal pools in the small village of Tokaanu
• Visit the National Trout Centre, an interpretative centre operated by the Department of Conservation

Mine Bay Carvings at Lake Taupo

Master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell carved Ngatoroirangi, his first ever rock carving, onto the cliff face at the southern end of Mine Bay, Lake Taupo.

The best way to view the carving is by sea kayak. Trips begin with a launch trip to the site, then visitors transfer to kayaks to view the carvings.

Natural heritage and Māori culture

Experience the pristine natural rainforests and discover traditional Māori culture.

• Gain a fascinating insight into the customs and history of the Māori people—visit a replica Māori Village, watch cultural performances and taste a traditional hangi (feast)
• Walk through ancient rainforest in Whirinaki and Pureora Forest Parks, where some of New Zealand's rarest flora and fauna still thrive
• Hike through vast ancient beech forests in the rugged Kaimanawa Forest Park
• Walk the famous Tongariro Crossing or one of the other volcanic trails in the Tongariro National Park
• Take a jet boat or river cruise to the foot of Huka Falls and feel the thunder
• Visit the National Trout Centre at Turangi and discover New Zealand's angling heritage

Useful Taupo Links

To help plan your Taupo holiday choose from the main categories below:

• Taupo Accommodation
• Taupo Tours
• Taupo Attractions and Activities
• Taupo Transport
• Taupo Cuisine and Dining
• Taupo Shopping
• Taupo Visitor Information

Taupo Region Information

Taupo Tourism Operators