About Taupo

While in Taupo there are many activities you can do, these range from high adrenalin to casual and laid back. The choice is yours! Below is a description of the activities we think may interest you the most.

Jet Boating in Taupo has never been so good, as there are now several operators in the area. The Huka Falls Jet boats take you on a fast and thrilling ride to the Aratiatia Dam, and then on the powerful and picturesque Huka Falls where you can see the enormous scale of just how much water passes over the falls per second, with new boats the Huka Jet the ride is fast and furious!.

Right next door to the Huka Jet is the Prawn Park. Here you can practice you golf swing and smack golf balls into some of the prawn grounds. You can take Shawn the prawns walk where you will get to tour the hatchery, Hand feed baby prawns, enjoy some native bush walks, feed the wild but friendly Rainbow trout, and also soak your feet in the geothermal foot bath. You can end your time at the prawn park with a meal at the Prawn Restaurant where you can dine inside or alfresco on the banks of the Waikato River.

Taupo Quad adventures operate quad bikes from their premises 24km north of Taupo. This is the best quad bike operator in the area, their bikes are well looked after and you also have the choice of riding the sporty yellow rear wheel drive or the big red 4x4 bikes. Trips on the bikes are tailored to suit your time frame and riding ability. You can explore their exciting purpose built quad bike trails through native forest of New Zealand. You can even do a 1, 2, or 3 day adventure into the Tongariro Forest Park where everything is supplied and all you have to bring is your willingness to experience a unique adventure.

The Rapids Jet takes you down river to the internationally acclaimed Nga Awapurua Rapids on the upper Waikato River. The ride on this boat is not for the faint hearted! The Rapids jet team will take you over these rapids at speed and will leave you "ooohhhing" and "aaahhhring" as the boat seems to leave the water and take off again as you launch from rapid to rapid.

While in Taupo you may want to leave your car keys in your hotel room and venture out on a mountain bike supplied by Life Cycles of Taupo. This is where you can get modern disc braked, full suspension mountain bikes to explore some of the most beautiful mountain biking tracks around the Wairakei thermal area. These tracks are "world famous in new Zealand" and unknown to many who enter the district

The Honey Hive is a great attraction for the kids and adults alike. Here you can sample many different varieties of honey. You can also see the bees hard at work through a bee proof window. There are also many different types of bee product available for sale from liqueur and fruit wine to skin care products.

You can feel the Fear & Do it anyway at Rock 'n Ropes. This is a purpose built ropes course, an ultimate adult playground that has been rated one of New Zealand's top adventures. You can see how brave you are and climb to the top of a very tall pole and jump for the trapeze, and if that's not enough there is a giant swing to get the blood pumping.

If you feel like going really fast, how about jumping from a perfectly good airplane and falling towards Lake Taupo at 200km per hour!! If this sounds like you then Taupo Tandem skydiving is the place you need to be. They have an on-site café, free pick-up in Taupo, experienced multilingual instructors, and handy cam and free fall camera options. They have a range of packages to take up ranging to the 15 000 feet jump. Gives a great perspective of Lake Taupo.

Taupo's very own floatplane is a unique and interesting way to see the area. Taking off and landing right here on the colossal lake Taupo. The floatplane can take you anywhere be it western bays, your boat, secluded beaches for an hour or two of hiking, beach combing or just relaxing. You can always take up one of eight different package deals flying to Mt Ruapehu, Emerald lakes, Mt Tongariro and the old lava flows. Or for something different you can fly to White Island of the coast of the eastern bay of plenty.

If casual is your thing then how about a canoe or kayak trip on Lake Taupo to the Maori Carvings, or guided trip up the Waikato River with a relaxing soak in natural hot pools. Taupo Canoe & Kayak also to day trips to the Mohaka river and multi day wilderness trips to the Whanganui River. You can also hire a kayak and explore the Taupo Lakes and rivers yourself.

If you have ever wanted to skydive but not had the courage, then how about a Parasail? Big Sky Parasail operates a 9 metre purpose built winch boat. Taupo's fastest elevator to the sky has never been so easy. No experience necessary, and you can go to 400 or 800 ft. You can even go tandem with your buddy beside you and relax high in the sky looking at the greater surrounding area of Turangi, Mt Tauhara, and Mt Ruapehu. It truly is breathtaking up there!

How would you like exclusive access to 3 800 hectares of back country trails, and two wheels to see it all? At Tongariro mountain bikes you can have it all! From one of the most popular rides in the north island, the 42 nd Traverse or the Tree Trunk gorge. Breathtaking views and mind boggling rides. Experience views of the Tongariro World Heritage Site, see and do things most would only dream about!

How would you like to fly out to Mt Ruapehu, land on the Kaimanawa Hills see the wild horses, and also land on a secluded mountain? You can have all of this with Helistar Helicopters. You can even fly out to lunch or dinner at the Omori Estate, Poronui Ranch, or a special dining experience at Oreti Village. This is a must do if you would like to enjoy the likes of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mt Ruapehu from the air.

If you prefer to come to Taupo for the fish then you have come to the right place. There is a plethora of ways to catch them and people who can aid you in getting them. Whether it is on a boat trolling or jigging for them or in remote rivers only accessible via 4x4 or helicopters Taupo and its rivers and lake has it all. Anything you can dream up can be catered for; even multi day camping, fishing and hunting trips!