Taupo
Nestled on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupō is a vibrant town surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes and the peaks of Tongariro National Park, including Mt Ruapehu. The town buzzes with cafes, shops, and bars, while outdoor enthusiasts can choose from bungy jumping, skydiving, fishing, kayaking, sailing, horse riding, or hiking. Don’t miss the quirky L’Arte Cafe and Gallery with its mosaic outdoor living room and iconic ‘Alice’s Chair.’ Just outside town, explore the geothermal wonders of Craters of the Moon, the power of Huka Falls, or take a jet boat ride for an unforgettable view. Taupō perfectly blends natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and unique cultural experiences.
Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride
The Huka Jet is 30 minutes of pure fun and exhilaration, skimming close to cliffs, sliding past trees, feeling the adrenalin of full 360 degree spins. The excitement continues right up to the base of the foaming Huka Falls, where you get a spectacular water level view to New Zealand's most visited natural attraction. Nothing compares to watching 220,000 litres per second tumbling over the cliff face towards you. The water from the mighty Huka Falls runs down the Waikato River through a series of Hydro Power Stations. You'll get a view of the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station in the comfort of a powerful Chevrolet V8 jet boat. This unique Geothermal Power Station uses underground geothermal activity to produce hot steamy water. The Waikato Rivers beautiful environment is varied and unique and is New Zealand's longest river flowing north from our largest lake, Lake Taupō.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk
Located a few minutes north of Taupō is this geothermal park is known as "Craters of the Moon". There are well marked walkways with interpretive boards to guide you through one of the region's many active volcanic parks.
Lake Taupo Scenic Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings
Cruise the spectacular Great Lake Taupo to the remarkable Maori Rock Carvings and around the picturesque bays of Lake Taupo. Your captain will provide an informative and entertaining commentary on the volcanic creation of Lake Taupo and the Maori mythology of the region. Marvel at the amazing views of hidden bays and the spectacular snow-capped mountain peaks of Tongariro National Park. Your boat is fully enclosed so you will stay warm while still being able to take those fantastic holiday pictures.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.
Full Day Guided Fly Fishing with Chris Jolly Outdoors
The North Island of New Zealand and Taupo specifically provide some of the most spectacular fly fishing in the world. Your specialist fly fishing guide has the local knowledge and expertise to show you how and where to fulfil your dreams of catching a Rainbow or Brown Trout. Whether you're a novice or long-time fisherman you're sure to enjoy your Taupo fly fishing experience. There are many streams and rivers flowing in and out of Lake Taupo and your guide will take you to the area most suitable to your abilities and time constraints.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.
Kinloch Golf Course
Ranked in 2013 in the Top 100 in the World by Golf Course Architecture Magazine, The Kinloch Club was also rated on opening in 2007 as the top new golf course outside North America by the prestigious US Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine. The Golden Bear visited Kinloch to oversee construction of his signature Championship golf course and returned to The Kinloch Club in February of 2008 to play the course for the first time since completion. Jack was extremely happy with how his vision had come to fruition and was greatly impressed with the maturity of the golf course after it's 'grow in' stage. The Kinloch Club (Nicklaus signature golf course) is the only Nicklaus designed golf course in New Zealand.
Wairakei Golf Club
Wairakei International Golf Course in 2005 was rated by the Prestigious US Golf Digest magazine to be in the top 100 courses in the world outside of the USA. Located in the heart of the North Island and set amongst the spectacular scenery of the Lake Taupo region. Designed by Commander John Harris, Michael Wolveridge and Peter Thomson with the aim of producing New Zealand's first internationally recognised golf course, there is little doubt in any New Zealanders mind that this trio exceeded all expectations. The end result is a course that sprawls over 450 acres of natural countryside. This coupled with the 6444 metres from the championship tees and 108 large well placed bunkers has led to worldwide acclaim.
Click here for current green fees and course details.
Rapids Jet Taupo
Rapids Jet blasts up the Aratiatia rapids giving visitors a 35-minute whitewater jet boating experience. The ride heads to the Aratiatia Power Station to the base of New Zealand's biggest and longest rapids that spill from the Aratiatia Dam daily.
Onboard, there’s a huge adrenalin rush as the professional driver then shoots through the narrowest canyon on the Waikato River to the Full James Rapids. The boat then plays in the pressure waves of the awesome Nga Awa Purua Rapids (river of springs).
Rapids Jet takes on the biggest commercially jet boated rapids in New Zealand. The impressive 500 horsepower Chevy V8 jet boats muscle up and down the whitewater rapids with ease and legendary jet boat spins are thrown in too.
Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Your skydive begins with a scenic plane ride up to jump height. You’ll begin to get incredible views of Lake Taupo, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe – also known as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings.
Once you’ve reached altitude, the doors will open, you’ll sit on the edge of the plane with your tandem master seated behind you. If it hasn’t already, the excitement will have well and truly kicked in by now! Get ready...it’s time to jump! As you plunge from the plane into the fresh air, you’ll experience the best adrenaline rush of your life! Reaching speeds of up to 200km per hour, the thrill of freefall is something you’ll never forget.