6 minute read
Taupō's Must-Do's
Huka Falls
Witness 220,000 litres of water spill over an 11m-high ledge every second. A bridge crosses the chasm, or book a jet boat or river cruise to get even closer.
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Great Lake Pathway (Lion’s Walk)
Gentle enough for families, this 10km walking and biking track enjoys Lake Taupō views and passes picnic and swimming spots.
Craters of the Moon
Pathways and elevated platforms rise over great plumes of steam and fizzing earth.
Ōrakei Kōrako
Between Taupō and Rotorua, this geothermal park is so remote, visitors must catch a short ferry to reach it. The self-guided walk takes roughly one hour.
Kaimanawa Forest Park
There are scores of walking tracks ranging from 20 minutes to four days here and you may encounter horses and deer.
Pureora Forest Park
Just over an hour’s drive west of Taupō town, recognised as one of the finest rainforests in the world.
The Timber Trail
Peddle your way along this 84km cycleway through Pureora forest, over two days.
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.
HUKA FALLS RIVER CRUISE
© 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.
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.
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.
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.
SAIL BARBARY
Park yourself on a beanbag and sail to Mine Bay on a relaxing ‘Sundowner Cruise’ 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.
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.
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
A spectacular attraction with 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.
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.
Spa Thermal Park
Where geothermal waters from Otumuheke Stream meet Waikato River, it forms a natural hot pool. Slink on in.
Trout Fishing
From back-country 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.
Wairākei Terraces
Wairākei Terraces © Felicity Witters
With a natural outdoor setting, this adults-only (14years 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
Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs
With hot outdoor pools, spa treatments and private areas,plus a hydroslide and two heated racing slides.
Doughboats
Motorised doughnut-shaped boats. Pack a chilly bin, rev her up and enjoy a two-hour sojourn on Lake Taupō. Evening slots are magical.
Taupō Pedal Boats
Take a three-wheeled/three-person aqua trike or get the gang together for a four-person 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.
Taupō Museum and Art Gallery
Small but rather special, contemporary exhibits feature Māori treasures and a classic Kiwiana caravan. The Ora – Garden of Well-being is on permanent display, take a virtual tour of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and deposit the kids in the children’s activity area.
Lava Glass Glassblowing Studio
Lava Glass Blowing Studio, Taupō © Abigail Naylor
Gain an insight into the art form of glassblowing at the world’s first carbon zero studio. Explore the gallery, glassblowing studio and sculpture garden, complete with 15-piece glass waterfall.
Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
These giant contemporary Māori artworks can only be viewed from the water. Towering 14 metres over Lake Taupō, jump on a day trip on one of the boats in the harbour, or hire a kayak and navigate your own way there.
L’Arté
Created by a mother and daughter duo, the space features a mosaic outdoor living room and other quirky delights, all hand-built on site
McDonalds Aeroplane
Sit inside a retired DC3 plane to eat your Big Mac. This is how Taupō made it onto the ‘10 Coolest McDonald's around the World’ list.
Taupō Karts
The motorheads in your motley crew will appreciate the 390cc go-karts which boast the biggest engine of any recreational kart in the world. Hoon around the outdoor track. Less monstrous children's karts are available for smaller speed demons.
Rock ‘n’ Ropes
Have a go at an assortment of sky-high assault courses that require a head for heights and a lot of determination. We suggest you have lunch afterwards and not before.
Timberline Racing Siberian Huskies
Kennel and Tours Learn all about huskies with owners Steve and Taniya. Watch a live sledding demonstration and then grab a cuddle with these adorable fluff balls.
Mind Junction Activity Park
Scramble your way out of the maze, play mini-golf, satisfy your inner egghead at the science-based Discovery Centre and find hidden figurines in the LEGO displays.
Huka Prawn Park
Feast of prawns © Huka Prawn Park
Pack your togs because once you've toured the farm and fed the baby prawns, the activities park features aqua trikes, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and water cannons. When hunger strikes, the on-site Riverside Restaurant serves prawn dishes aplenty.
Taupō Summer Concert, January
Held outdoors at the Taupō Amphitheatre, up to 15,000 people descend on Taupō to watch world-famous artists at the town’s premier music event.
Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival, Labour Weekend
The world’s best street artists transform Taupō’s laneways and walls into vibrant art every year.
Le Currents, December
One of New Zealand’s newest summer festivals, Le Currents combines the best indie music, rock bands and DJs.
Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival, July
Run over an entire week, the programme is a bonanza of theatre, comedy shows and free family activities.
