RETaupō, Tūrangi & Ruapehu NATULake
ADVENTURE GET ON THE WATER Make the most of the lake by kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and swimming, and seeing the iconic Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings.
or treat yourself to a daytime excursion. THE SQUEEZE Wriggle through a narrow rock crevice to find a naturally heated waterfall with New Zealand River Jet, in the Tutukau Gorge.
R&R
HUKA FALLS RIVER CRUISE Providing the best seats in the house with an open-air rear deck and front platform to soak up the views while sailing exceptionally close to the falls.
THE GREAT LAKE TRAIL A series intermediate level trails follow the lake’s edge through native forest. Discover a secret waterfall in Waihaha Valley and several secluded swimming spots. Base yourself in Kinloch for convenience.
CULTURE
CRATERS MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK Enjoy 50km of bike trails combining entry level trails, technical cross-country tracks and downhill assaults. All riders must be Bike Taupō members, join online at bikeTaupō.org.nz.
TOP TIP: Parts of the Great Lake Trail require a shuttle drop-off and a boat pick-up. Leave a chilly bin at the Tipsy Trout café in Kinloch and it’ll be waiting on the boat for you later.
Family
TAUPŌ TANDEM SKYDIVE Want to see Taupō from a new angle? Hurl yourself out of an aeroplane. AJ HACKETT TAUPŌ BUNGY Or why not toss yourself off the edge of a 47m-high platform over Waikato River? It’s the country’s highest water-touching bungy.
Fun
HOLE IN ONE CHALLENGE To win $10,000, all you have to do is hit a golf ball 102m onto a floating pontoon on Lake Taupō. And get it in the hole of course.
ARATIATIA DAM RELEASE ts even A spectacular attraction with
AJ HACKETT SWING So you’ve done a Taupō skydive and a bungy – what next? How about swinging over the Waikato River at 70kmph? ERNEST KEMP CRUISES This replica traditional steamboat is often seen chugging across Lake Taupō. With both covered and outdoor areas, this is a fantastic all-weather option to visit the Mine Bay carvings.
several viewing points, at 10am, noon, 2pm – and in the summer at 4pm, too. FISHING CHARTERS Numerous companies provide Lake Taupō fishing charters, with space to accommodate everything from small intimate days or evenings on the lake, to larger group outings. Poloma Charters provide overnight Lake Taupō fishing charters for up to six passengers, securing plenty of time for barbecues, sightseeing and water sports.
TŪRANGI
SAIL BARBARY Park yourself on a beanbag and sail to Mine Bay on a relaxing ‘Sundowner Cruise’
TAUPŌ
ADVENTURE R&R New Zealand’s Only Swim-up Bar At Lake Taupō Holiday Resort, kids love the giant pool facilities; adults love the cocktails served from a swim-up bar.
Doughboats Motorised doughnutshaped boats. Pack a chilly bin, rev her up and enjoy a two-hour sojourn on Lake Taupō. Evening slots are magical.
URE CULT Taupō Pedal Boats Take a three-
Spa Thermal Park Where geothermal waters from Otumuheke Stream meet Waikato River, it forms a natural hot pool. Slink on in. Trout fishing From backcountry fishing on tributary rivers to hooking one straight off the beach, trout fishing is varied and year-round rewarding. Numerous companies provide Lake Taupō fishing charters.
wheeled/three-person aqua trike or get the gang together for a fourperson pedal boat. Summer only. Golf With seven golf courses in the region, Taupō is a golfer’s paradise. The Jack Nicklaus designed Kinloch Club and the Wairākei Golf + Sanctuary both rate amongst the best in the world.
Family
Wairākei Terraces With a natural outdoor setting, this adults-only (14 years and over) venue sits below the striking Wairākei silica terraces. The Deck With some of the best direct lake views, located above Waterside Restaurant, it's your go-to for cocktails and comfort food
Fun
Taumarunui
events
Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs With hot outdoor pools, spa treatments and private areas, plus a hydroslide and two heated racing slides. BELOW © Huka Falls River Cruise TOP RIGHT: Wairākei Terraces © Felicity Witters
Tūrangi
TONGARIRO NATIONAL TROUT CENTRE The Department of Conservation runs this centre, 4km south of Tūrangi. Walk through the museum and aquarium, feed the trout, see whio ducks and during school holidays, kids can learn to fish.
pō Ta Iu TŪRANG
WILD TROUT FISHING The region is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world. Find a fishing guide or ask for advice at the Tūrangi i-SITE or local tackle shop. Make sure you get a fishing licence before you cast off.
Ph Ōakune TAUO
RUAPEHU
KAIMANAWA FOREST PARK Popular for hunting and hiking, walks range from 20 minutes to a full two days.
RUAPEHU See Map Section - pages 111 to 123
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