Top Taupo Outdoor Activities
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New Zealand is world renowned as the capital of adventure activities and the central Taupo region is one of its most action-loving destinations. Whether you fancy getting soaked, taking to the skies or keeping your feet firmly on solid ground, here’s a rundown of the outdoor activities on offer in Taupo.
On the water
With the enormous Lake Taupo at its heart, it’s no surprise that water activities are abundant in Taupo. Boating, kayaking, parasailing, wakeboarding and trout fishing are all popular lake activities, or else head to the Huka Falls or nearby Aratiatia Rapids for an high octane jet boating or white water rafting experience.
In the air
Taupo’s hair-raising selection of airborne activities are not for the faint-hearted, but if you want to get your heart racing there’s plenty to challenge even the bravest travelers. Test your nerve on New Zealand’s highest water touch bungee jump; try skydiving, paragliding or hot air ballooning; or enjoy a scenic helicopter ride over the lake.
On the ground
The Taupo region has some of the country’s best hiking and mountain biking trails, including heli-hiking and heli-biking for more adventurous trekkers. Horse riding, quad biking and rock climbing are also options in the countryside surrounding the lake, or head just south of Lake Taupo to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the country’s most famous day hikes.
Read MoreShow LessOn the water
With the enormous Lake Taupo at its heart, it’s no surprise that water activities are abundant in Taupo. Boating, kayaking, parasailing, wakeboarding and trout fishing are all popular lake activities, or else head to the Huka Falls or nearby Aratiatia Rapids for an high octane jet boating or white water rafting experience.
In the air
Taupo’s hair-raising selection of airborne activities are not for the faint-hearted, but if you want to get your heart racing there’s plenty to challenge even the bravest travelers. Test your nerve on New Zealand’s highest water touch bungee jump; try skydiving, paragliding or hot air ballooning; or enjoy a scenic helicopter ride over the lake.
On the ground
The Taupo region has some of the country’s best hiking and mountain biking trails, including heli-hiking and heli-biking for more adventurous trekkers. Horse riding, quad biking and rock climbing are also options in the countryside surrounding the lake, or head just south of Lake Taupo to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the country’s most famous day hikes.
18 results | All Taupo Tours
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Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Sail Fearless
282
Sail Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and get up close to the Māori Rock Carvings on this sailing tour. Aboard Fearless, a sleek ketch boat, you’ll set sail on the impossibly blue Lake Taupo at the heart of the North Island. Choose to rig and hoist the mainsail with the crew, or sit back and let the views wash over you as you sail to the secluded spot where Māori figures have been etched into the rock face.
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From
$26.02
From
$26.02
Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
257
Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).
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From
$22.76
From
$22.76
Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo
518
Relax aboard a sailing yacht on Great Lake Taupo during this sightseeing cruise to Maori rock carvings. Accessible solely by water, this impressive rock art on the cliffs of Mine Bay was created by a master carver in 1976. You’ll come up close to the 22-foot-high (10-meter) gallery and enjoy postcard views from the deck. Relax with a complimentary glass of wine or beer if you sail in the evening.
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From
$31.87
From
$31.87
Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise
327
Carved in the 1970s by one of Aotearoa’s master Māori carvers, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot, so hop on board a charming replica steamboat and take a scenic cruise out to the carvings instead. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your steamboat crew, and along the way enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.
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From
$22.76
From
$22.76
Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo
54
Paddle a kayak to the magnificent Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo with a half-day tour from Acacia Bay. You’ll learn the cultural significance behind the towering inscriptions, which were completed in 1980, and enjoy great views across the crystal-clear lake to the Tongariro Mountains. Approaching the Maori rock carvings by kayak means you can see them up close, passing native bush and tiny inlets, then floating right at the base of the cliff. Both morning and afternoon departures are available and beginning paddlers are welcome.
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From
$81.30
From
$81.30
Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
297
Spin and speed your way to Huka Falls during a thrilling jetboat ride on the Waikato River. Hold on tight as you zip over the crystal-clear waters past rugged cliffs and native bush on New Zealand's longest river. Feel the power of the thundering waterfall up close as it blasts into the turbulent pool. Round-trip transport is included from hotels in Taupo.
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From
$70.17
From
$70.17
Cruise Kakariki to the Maori Rock Carvings
12
The Maori rock carvings are some of the best hidden sights on Lake Taupo as you can only reach them by boat. This handy two-hour cruise is an easy way to see these impressive cliff carvings while enjoying views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Learn about the local landscape and culture from live on-board commentary.
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From
$26.69
From
$26.69
The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak
130
Take in the scenery of Lake Taupo during this half-day kayaking tour from Taupo. After a brief paddling lesson, set out in your kayak from Jerusalem Bay. Follow your guide along the shoreline of New Zealand’s largest lake to rock cliffs where you can see Maori carvings. Stop at a scenic spot for snacks and an optional swim on a tour that is suitable for all levels of experience.
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From
$74.80
From
$74.80
Taupo Adventure Combo: Jet Boat Ride and Whitewater Rafting
22
Enjoy a thrilling combo of 2 of Taupo's best water activities. You’ll have the time of your life with each adrenaline-charged experience: Spin out to Huka Falls on a Waikato River jet-boat ride and go whitewater rafting on the Tongariro River. With professional guides and all equipment provided, you’ll see all angles of Taupo’s great outdoors.
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From
$156.77
From
$156.77
Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
1137
Zoom over the waters of the Waikato River on a jet boat during this 35-minute excursion. With a guide in the lead to providing commentary on the local sights, surf the Nga Awapurua Rapids, shoot through canyons, and admire the purity of the clear waters. This small-group tour can accommodate 11 people per boat.
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From
$83.90
From
$83.90
2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo
133
One of Taupo's best kept secrets, the sheer beauty and tranquility found on the crystal clear waters of the Waikato River will take your breath away on this 2-hour small group guided kayaking tour. Begin your kayaking journey at the source of New Zealand’s largest river and drift past various islands, nature reserves, swimming spots, the drop zone of the Taupo Bungy before soaking in the Natural Hot Pools. Complimentary photos are included
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From
$44.88
From
$44.88
Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit
19
Take a break from the busy-ness of sightseeing and enjoy a couple of hours on the water. On board a charter yacht, the Kindred Spirit, sail on Lake Taupo, admiring the mountain views. Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings, which can only be seen from the water. If the weather’s good you can swim, or simply sit on the deck and relax with a blanket to keep you warm.
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From
$32.69
From
$32.69
Kayak the Waikato River Taupo
16
Searching for a convenient and relaxing way to explore the longest river in New Zealand, the Waikato? Discover the secret beauty of the river on this kayaking tour. Spend roughly two hours winding through the river’s slow-moving waters past forests, islands, swimming holes, and the famous Taupo Bungy platform. Finish the tour by soaking in natural hot springs and a enjoying a refreshment at a riverside campground.
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From
$55.29
From
$55.29
Duck N Dive Combo Sky Diving and White Water Rafting
9
Get an adrenaline rush in the air and on the water during a full-day combination tour that features sky diving and white water rafting. Experience two of the most beautiful places on the North Island as you skydive from 12,000 feet within view of Lake Taupo. Then transfer to Turangi for a rafting trip that takes on class III rapids along the Tongariro River.
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From
$237.40
From
$237.40
Stand Up Paddle Board Hire - Lake Taupo
5
Enjoy Lake Taupo in an active yet relaxing way with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental. You can set off across the water at your own pace, paddling along the shore or checking out sights such as the Maori Rock Carvings.
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From
$31.87
From
$31.87
Lake Taupo - Maori Rock Carvings Package (Mountain Biking & Kayaking)
3
Explore the northeastern end of Lake Taupo by both land and water with a combo bike and kayak tour from Taupo. You'll start by biking from Acacia Bay to Kinloch along the W2K section of the Great Lake Trail on a 2- to 2.5-hour ride. Then enjoy lunch before hopping in a kayak to paddle from Whakaipo Bay to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.
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From
$253.66
From
$253.66
Big Splash COMBO Bungy Jump and Rafting
1
Bungee jumping and white water rafting are two of the most thrilling adventure tourism activities in New Zealand. This tour package offers the chance to try both in just one day in the beautiful surrounds of Turangi and Taupo. After jumping from one of the highest bungee platforms in New Zealand, visitors enjoy an exhilarating rafting experience through pristine wilderness only accessible by boat.
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From
$180.12
From
$180.12
Great Lake Trail Lake Taupo 2-Day Mountain Biking Tour
1
Western Bay Scenic 2 Day Mountain Biking Tour
Ride the Great Lake Trail on this 2-day Grade 3 mountain biking tour, a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Great Lake Taupo region. You will be biking the 19.5 km Kawakawa section (Orakau & K2K) on Day 1 and the 21km W2K section on Day 2. The Great Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network. You will be riding along undulating pumice trails through native forest and wetlands, where the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Dramatic scenery combines with serene lake views, powerful waterfalls, native bird song and incredible trail quality to deliver an unforgettable experience.
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From
$104.07
From
$104.07