Top Taupo Outdoor Activities

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.