Taupo Activities
There is so much to see and do in Taupo and the surrounding area. Below are just a few suggestions.
Taupo Markets
Take the opportunity to interact with local artisans and craftspeople at the Market Central Taupō on Sundays, rain or shine. Meander through the diverse offerings at the markets of food trucks, artesian stalls and local produce stands while listening to live local music and enjoying the lake views.
Bungy Jump
Toes over the edge, you're about to leap from New Zealand's only cliff-top bungy. The cantilever platform positions you high out and over the crystal clear waters of the Waikato River – where you can jump solo or tandem with a friend. Whether you choose to get dunked or stay dry, this is an adrenalin-fueled thrill you'll never forget.
Craters of the Moon
Feel the heat of the Earth as you explore a geothermal valley hissing with clouds of steam and view cauldrons of bubbling mud from a viewing platform. Wooden boardwalks have been constructed to protect visitors from the heat of the soil and these are regularly moved as new vents emerge.
Huka Falls Bridge and Lookout
Take a scenic walk along the banks of the Waikato River, or simply explore the many lookout points at Huka Falls, one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand. The incredible volume of water tumbling over the falls is due to the Waikato River being forced through a channel of hard rock only 15m wide and 10m deep. The river emerges with a rush at the northern end to form the falls.
Hukafalls Jet
This half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and hot water streams. Hold on tight as you'll be travelling in a state of the art jet boat at an incredible 80km an hour!
Taupo International Motorsport Park
Taupo Motorsport Park is one of New Zealand's Premier Motorsport facilities. With incredible activities on site, including a 400m Go Kart track. Set on incredible grounds, TaupoMP is an incredible place to visit, no matter what your speed is.
Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Skydiving in Taupo is truly an unforgettable experience – you'll see volcanoes, coast-to-coast views of the North Island and the incredible shores of Lake Taupo. Choose from our four heights – 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 15,000 ft or the new 16,500 ft skydive for up to 70 seconds in free fall!
Use the Skydive Reservation option to book from the website ($0.00). Use reference Stay66.nz in the notes for the best advice and deal.
Opepe Scenic Reserve Walk
Perfect for families and just a short drive from Taupo on SH5, explore native bush and discover local history in this scenic and historic reserve.
Tongariro National Trout Centre
Nestled in a peaceful bush setting, the Tongariro National Trout Centre provides a peek into the world of trout at Taupo. You can wander through the Genesis Energy Freshwater Aquarium and hatchery facility, look through an underwater trout viewing chamber or take a stroll along the Tongariro River. The River Walk Visitor Centre is open to the public, full of interesting displays about the Taupo trout fishery and freshwater sustainability.
Use code Stay66 for a 10% discount at checkout.
Aratiatia Rapids
Aratiatia Rapids is one of the most popular natural attractions in New Zealand's North Island – a must see on your visit to Taupo. Watch thousands of litres of water rush from the dam gates to transform the peaceful gully into raging rapids.
Aratiatia Dam and Aratiatia Rapids are located on the Waikato River, downstream of Lake Taupo, about 16km from Taupo town centre. The dam opens three times a day in winter and four times a day in summer.
Wairākei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa
Immerse yourself in our minerally rich, silicsa-based hot thermal pools surrounded by beautiful nature and native birds chirping. We have four thermal pools with varying temperatures, which lie at the bottom of our famous Wairākei Terraces. If you desire something more relaxing, a spa treatment in our Health spa will definitely help with that.
The Terraces walkway is a 20-30 minute loop walk providing a historical insight into Waiora Valley and the geothermal acitivity in our area. The Café is open everyday and well known for their refreshments and fresh food made daily. We are located about 10-minutes drive north of Taupō town. Nau mai, haere mai ki Wairākei Terraces and Thermal Health spa.
Wilderness Hunting & Fishing
Based in the Poronui Valley since 1987, Helisika provides fast and convenient access to many exceptional hunting and fishing areas due to their close proximity to the Kaimanawa National Park. Within this remote terrain, Helisika offers access to a large number of private hunting blocks and DOC areas throughout the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Ranges.
Helisika also offers access to a number of remote rivers for exhilarating rafting/kayaking adventures and an exclusive mountain bike track in the middle of the Kaimanawa Ranges for the ultimate heli-biking experience.
