6 minute read
Taupō Must Do's
FAMILY FUN
MIND JUNCTION From mirror and optical illusions to space, magnets and sound experiments, the Discovery Centre is ideal for inquisitive minds. Figure out the giant maze, get in a round or two of mini-golf, or hang out at the awe-inspiring Lego display.
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HUKA PRAWN PARK Pack a towel to get the most out of this prawn-themed park’s water-based activities. Water cannons, paddleboards, pedalos, swan boats, water weights, bikes and more.
MCDONALD’S AEROPLANE Alongside their playground you’ll find a grounded 1943s DC3 Macca’s plane complete with cockpit.
CONFINEMENT ESCAPE ROOMS Put your heads together and try to break free from the Candy Factory, Hunting Lodge, Wild Tea Party or a Cabin in the Woods.
TAUPŌ PEDAL BOATS Take a three wheeled/three-person aqua trike or get the gang together for a four-person pedal boat. Summer only.
THE LANDING Near the airport is a new entertainment precinct. Packed full of all-weather family fun, including tenpin bowling, a multilevel
EVENTS
> Taupō Summer Concert, January
> Taupō Winter Festival, July
> Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival, Labour Weekend
> Le Currents, December
NATURE
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.
Rotopounamu Track
This 5km track circles the beautiful lake surrounded by native forest. Perfect for nature lovers and families as it takes around 2 hours.
Craters of the Moon
Paths 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. A self-guided walk takes roughly one hour.
Western Bays
Departing from Kinloch, hop aboard the Taxicat to discover some of Lake Taupō’s hidden gems: towering cliffs, hidden ravines, waterfalls and sandy bays with crystal clear waters.
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.
Waipāhīhī Botanical Gardens
Perched above Lake Taupō, these tranquil gardens are worth a visit.
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.
Kaimanawa Forest Park
There are scores of walking tracks ranging from 20 minutes to four days here and you may encounter horses and deer.
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.
Spa Thermal Park
Where geothermal waters from Otumuheke Stream meet Waikato River, it forms a natural hot pool. Slink on in.
Otumuheke Stream, Taupō © Joel McDowell
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.
Wairākei Terraces
With a natural outdoor setting, this adults-only (14 years and over) venue sits below the striking Wairākei silica terraces. playground, ninja course and a state of the art virtual reality studio.
Sail Barbary
Park yourself on a beanbag and sail to Mine Bay on a relaxing ‘Sundowner Cruise’ or treat yourself to a daytime excursion.
Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs
With hot outdoor pools, spa treatments and private areas, plus a hydroslide and two heated racing slides.
Doughboats
Motorised doughnutshaped boats. Pack a chilly bin, rev her up and enjoy a two-hour sojourn on Lake Taupō. Evening slots are magical.
Two Mile Bay Sailing Club
With a relaxed vibe and live music year round, you can kick back and share a pizza with mates.
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.
credit Doughboats
CULTURE
> Taupō Museum and Art Gallery
> Lava Glass Glassblowing Studio
> Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
> L’Arté
ADVENTURE
GET ON THE WATER Make the most of the lake by kayaking, standup paddleboarding, water skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and swimming, and seeing the iconic Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings.
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.
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 Chartersprovide overnight Lake Taupō fishing charters for up to six passengers, securing plenty of time for barbecues, sightseeing and water sports.
CRATERS MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK Enjoy 50km of bike trails combining entry level trails, technical crosscountry 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 watertouching 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.
CLIMB MT TAUHARA The 2.5km trail is fairly challenging and steep in places. Set your camera to panoramic to capture the spectacular view from the summit.
THE GREAT LAKE TRAIL A series of 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 on to 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.
HUKA TRAILS Bike a network of trails that wind along the Waikato River, connecting Taupō town with Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam, Wairākei Tourist Park and Craters Mountain Bike Park.
