Taupo

Photo taken by: Tim Parkinson (Flying Kiwi Traveller)

Taupo - things to do

Taupo - Tour Highlights

Aside from being home to New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupo is often referred to as the Queenstown of the North Island.  An adrenaline junkie’s playground!

Lake Taupo and the undulating hills surrounding it makes it the perfect playground for anyone seeking adventure; be it in the form of walking, cycling, kayaking, rafting, fishing and even Bungy jumping (just to name a few!) It is also one of New Zealand’s most spectacular places to skydive over the bright blue views that Taupo boasts. Our longest river, the Waikato, runs through Taupo providing lots of scenic spots to walk, cycle and picnic on as well as an impressive waterfall.

How incredible is it that New Zealand’s largest lake is lying right where a volcano once erupted thousands of years ago where skies as far as China saw the ash? Taupo is located most centrally of the North Island which means more exciting and unique geothermal features. If Rotorua wasn’t enough, Taupo provides an amazing natural hot spring beside the refreshingly cold Waikato River awaiting those brave enough for a dip.

If you’re interested in multi-sport and endurance sports events, plan your Flying Kiwi trip around March. Taupo is the ultimate hub for all things hardcore and hosts the famous, annual IRONMAN Triathlon. An athlete or not, it’s an exciting time to be visiting Taupo where the energy is alive!

Time spent here while on a Flying Kiwi tour:

We spend the afternoon in Taupo on route from Rotorua to Turangi.

Tours that take you here:

BOTH ISLAND TOURS:   NORTH ISLAND TOURS:
Ultimate Explorer - 27 or 28 days    Hot Rocks - 9 or 10 days
Total Aotearoa - 24 days Northern Wanderer - 8 days 
Grand Traverse - 15 days Northern Light - 5 days


Where we stay: 

Turangi Kiwi Holiday Park - A good base camp to explore the Lake Taupo region. This is actually the gateway to the Tongariro National Park, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Kaimanawa Ranges.

- Internet $2 for 250MB (24h) or $5 for 10GB (24h)
- Laundry $3 per wash & $1 per dry
- Camp Store
- Supermarket and cafes within a walking distance.
- Cabin upgrade

Things not to miss:

The Tongariro Crossing - arguably the worlds best one day walk! You'll experience some of the most active volcanic areas, as well as moonscape craters, lush native forest, lava formations, glaciers, pristine streams and lakes on this 19km hike.

Things to do:

Take a shot at the Hole-in-One. There are 3 holes on a raft in Lake Taupo, get your ball in the smallest of those and walk away with some great prize money!

 huka falls

Free Things to Do:

Visit Huka Falls. The natural drain from Great Lake Taupo into the Waikato river. A few hundred meters up stream, the river narrows from a hundred meters wide to just 15 meters wide at the falls. You can witness 200,000 litres of water per second rushing under the bridge beneath you.

Insiders Tip:

New Zealand’s largest lake is lying right where a volcano once erupted thousands of years ago, skies as far away as China witnessed the ash cloud? Taupo is located most centrally of the North Island which means more exciting and unique geothermal features. If Rotorua wasn’t enough, Taupo provides an amazing natural hot spring beside the refreshingly cold Waikato River awaiting those brave enough for a dip.

 

huka falls trail by hibiscus nomada b6bb9

Hiking Options:

The Huka Falls Trail – (1h 30min return) snakes alongside the impressive Waikato River, conveniently passing by a sneaky natural hot spring for soak. For a more leisurely option simply walk along the lakefront in Taupo, there is something here for everyone.

 

Cycle Options:

If you're seeking a challenging ride, why not hit the mountain bike trails for the afternoon in Taupo. Enjoy the views of Waikato river, Huka Falls, Bungy jumpers and even a dip in a natural hot spring. Those seeking a more leisurely ride can follow the trail around the lakefront.

Our pick of Taupo's Adventure Activities:

Robbie john skydive 

12,000ft & 15,000ft Taupo Tandem Skydive

Plummet from 12,000 or 15,000ft above snow-capped volcanoes and great lake Taupo! Experience the adventure of a lifetime with NZ's original tandem skydiving company, operating since 1992. With a large range of photography options, Qualmark endorsement and multi-lingual staff, your skydive will be unforgettable. They will even pick you up in their Hummer limousine!!

taupo bungy

Taupo Bungy 47 Metres 

This is NZ's highest water touch bungy, they specialise in getting you wet from fingertips to ankles. Dry bungies are also an option.

 
taupo swing

Taupo Extreme Swing

NZ's only cliff face swing. A feet first, mind blowing ride, swinging down towards the crystal clear waters below before arcing up to nearly 180 degrees at speeds of over 70kph. The Taupo Bungy & Swing combo combines these 2 great activities.

 Tongariro River Rafting grade 4.Chjelg

Tongariro River Rafting

Rated by the Lonely Planet as 1 of the top 10 un-missable aquatic adventures in New Zealand. In 2 hours you navigate over 60 heart-pounding, roller coaster rapids with an expert guide at the helm. Throughout the trip you’ll be treated to sights only accessed by raft. Enjoy the spectacular unspoilt wilderness and adrenalin-pumping action! All rafting equipment and lunch is supplied.