7 minute read
Lake Taupo
Huka Falls Trail
LAKE TAUPO Surrounded by beautiful forests and volcanic mountains, Lake Taupo is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the southern hemisphere. It’s a hub for activities year round – world class trout fishing, scenic cruises, kayaking and sailing are all very popular. For the adrenaline junkies, there’s bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, white water rafting and mountain biking. It really is nature’s ultimate playground.
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SEE • Witness the power of more than 220,000 litres of water per second barrel over the 11 metre high waterfall at Huka Falls
DO • Get up close to the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on a kayaking tour • Cycle along the forested shores of Lake Taupo and see the volcanic peaks of Mount Tongariro • Play a round of golf at the international acclaimed Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary
EAT & DRINK • Try a brioche doughnut filled with crème at the Taupo Saturday Markets
WHAT’S ON Graffiato: Taupo Street Art Festival October (dates to be confirmed) Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 14 November
Whanganui National Park
Pureora Forest Park
Taupo Huka Falls 1 Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary
Lake Taupo
National Park Village Pukawa Bay 2
Turangi
Mt Ruapehu Mt Tongariro Mt Ngauruhoe Whakapapa Village
Kaimanawa Forest Park
Tongariro National Park Ohakune
Kaweka Forest Park
1 Hilton Lake Taupo ◆◆◆◆◆ 2 Oreti Village ◆◆◆◆ 72 72 ATTRACTION
B U Y N O W - B O O K L A T E R B U Y N O W - B O O K L A T E R
HUKA FALLS JET Experience a unique combination of excitement, thrills and natural landscapes along a beautiful river environment lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff faces and hot springs. From the boat you have the best water level view and you’ll be taken to the base of the mighty Huka Falls.
Includes: • 30 minute jet boat ride • Use of life jackets • Use of spray jackets in cooler weather • Return transfers from Taupo accommodation
Operator: Hukafalls Jet Limited Duration: 1 hour Departs: Daily from Taupo every 30 minutes, from 8:30am – 4pm (Oct – Mar), 10am – 4pm (Apr – Sep) Family prices also available. Minimum height 100cm.
1 Apr 20 – 31 Mar 21 Adult Child 5-15 yrs $138 * $94 *
LAKE TAUPO SCENIC CRUISE A must do tour in Taupo to see the Maori Rock Carvings. Chris Jolly Outdoors have been the trusted provider for 40 years, with exceptional service. Learn the rich history of the region in complete comfort. Suitable for all weathers featuring fabulous viewing platforms, on board bar facilities, and push chair access.
Includes: • 90 minute cruise • Local guide • Informative commentary • Onboard activities for children • Unlimited hot drinks and a homemade muffin
Operator: Chris Jolly Outdoors Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Departs: Daily from Lake Taupo Marina at 10:30am, 1:30pm, 5pm (Dec – Mar), 10:30am, 1:30pm (Apr – Nov) 1:30pm departures include a trout fishing demonstration.
1 Apr 20 – 31 Mar 21 Adult Child 5-16 yrs $51 * $21 *
TAUPO TANDEM SKYDIVING Tick one off your bucket list and skydive in Taupo. Free fall for up to 75 seconds with views of snowcapped volcanoes, Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings and of course, iconic Lake Taupo. With extremely high safety standards, and a huge range of camera options, you’d be crazy to jump anywhere else!
Includes: • 12,000 or 15,000 feet tandem skydive • Safety briefing and use of safety equipment • Expert tandem master • Certificate of completion • Transfers from Taupo or Rotorua Operator: Taupo Tandem Skydiving Duration: 2 – 3 hours Departs: Daily every 70 minutes, from 8:10am – 5:20pm (Oct – Mar), 9:20am – 5:20pm (Apr – Sep) Children must be big enough to fit the skydiving harness.
1 Apr 20 – 31 Mar 21 12,000 feet 15,000 feet Adult/Child $294 * $378 *
TAUPO FLOATPLANE See great Lake Taupo, the Bay of Plenty, and Tongariro National Park the best way – in a floatplane! Experience one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions in a unique and spectacular way as you cruise over the water, enjoying unrestricted views of sparkling lakes, snowcapped mountains and volcanoes, geothermal wonders, rolling surf beaches and lush forest. Taupo’s floatplane offers a huge ‘menu’ of different tours, ranging from 10 minute scenic flights to six hour adventures.
Includes: • 10 minute scenic flight in a high-wing Cessna 206 float plane Operator: Taupo’s Floatplane Duration: 30 minutes Departs: Daily from Taupo Bay every 30 minutes, from 8:30am – 4pm on demand Minimum 2 adults. Flights subject to weather conditions.
TONGARIRO RIVER RAFTING Unforgettable adventures await you on the Tongariro River as you navigate 60 rapids in a 13 kilometre stretch. Perfect for first-time rafters or seasoned professionals, trips offer safe and exciting thrills for the whole family all year round. Just bring your swimwear and your sense of adventure and Tongariro River Rafting will provide the rest including deli style food in summer and hot soup and a trip to the hot pools in winter.
Includes: • Use of warm clothing and safety equipment • Deli style lunch • Return transfers from selected Taupo accommodation Operator: Tongariro River Rafting Duration: 4 hours Departs: Daily from The Rafting Centre, Turangi 9am, 2pm (Nov – Mar), 9am, 1pm (Apr), 12 noon (May – Oct)
Adult Child 10-16 yrs 1 Apr – 30 Sep 20 $133 * $119 * 1 Oct 20 – 31 Mar 21 $146 * $132 *
88 Pukawa Road, Pukawa Bay, Turangi (TUO) MAP PAGE 70 REF. 2
2 Bedroom Loft
From $ 342 *
❖ Surrounded by tranquil bush ❖ Self-contained apartments are great for families and groups ❖ 180 degree panoramic lake and mountain views from the restaurant 640 Wairakei Drive, Taupo (TUO) MAP PAGE 70 REF. 1
Economy
From $ 118 *
❖ Two geothermally heated swimming pools and six outdoor hot tubs ❖ Nine hole, par 34 golf course on-site ❖ Interconnecting rooms ideal for a group or family
Location: On the southern shores of Lake Taupo with stunning views overlooking the lake and Pukawa Bay. Distances: Town centre 15km. Property Features: Pool (indoor solar heated, seasonal), Restaurant, Bar, Tennis court, DVD library, Parking (free), 20 rooms. Room Features: Air-conditioning, Balcony, Kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, Tea/coffee making facilities, Ironing facilities, Washer/dryer, Hair dryer, All rooms non smoking. Max Capacity: 2 Bedroom Loft – 4, 2 Bedroom Balcony/2 Bedroom Executive – 5, 4 Bedroom Loft & Balcony Combined – 8. Location: Set in a stunning thermal valley in the heart of the Wairakei Tourist Park, a short drive from Taupo’s city centre. Distances: Town centre 8km. Property Features: Golf course (9 hole), Pools (2 heated outdoor), Spas (6), Restaurant, Bar, Room service, Day spa, Fitness centre, Massage facilities, Sauna, Tennis courts, Squash court, Children’s playground, Bicycle hire, Fireplace, Guest laundry, Lift, 24 hour reception, Parking (free), 187 rooms. Room Features: Air-conditioning (except Economy, Family Villa, Waiora King), Balcony or patio, Tea/coffee making facilities, Cable TV, Laundry, Ironing facilities, Hair dryer. Max Capacity: Economy/Tauhara Twin/Waiora Twin – 4, Tauhara King/Waiora King/ Spa Suite – 2, Family Villa – 3.
HILTON LAKE TAUPO ¿¿¿¿¿
Guest 80-100 Napier Road, Taupo (TUO) MAP PAGE 70 REF. 1
From $ 243 *
❖ Originally built in 1889, the hotel has Victorian styling throughout ❖ Contemporary rooms have lake and thermal valley views ❖ Great base to try trout fishing
Location: A short drive from Taupo town centre with views over New Zealand’s largest lake and mountains. Distances: Town centre 4km. Property Features: Pool (heated outdoor), Restaurant, Bar, Gym, Steam room, Sauna, Gas fires (2), Tennis court, 113 rooms. Room Features: Air-conditioning, Kitchen (1 Bedroom, 3 Bedroom, Presidential Suite), Tea/coffee making facilities, Cable TV, Safe, Docking station. Max Capacity: Guest/Guest Plus/Junior Suite/1 Bedroom – 3, Deluxe/Relaxation – 2, 3 Bedroom/Presidential Suite – 7.