Lake Taupo is one of the most popular tourist and holiday spots in New Zealand. Boasting a beautiful lake centered in the middle of the city centre it provides you with some stunning scenery and activities which you and your family will be sure to enjoy.
From bungy jumping, fly fishing and much much more we will take a look into where the best adventure activities in lake Taupo are.
Read on below to find out what you can do around lake Taupo to make your stay that much more fun.
Best Adventure Activities In Lake Taupo
1. Dough Boats
One of Taupo’s most exciting and unique adventure activities is a ride on Dough Boats, which are donut-shaped boats with an electric engine that can take up to six passengers in a scenic ride along the coast.
Dough Boats is a family owned and operated business that has a reputation for serving the community with relaxing and laid-back activities throughout the day and night.
Each Dough Boat can be rented for two hours and travels up to five knots, with coloured lights that make an evening booking even more memorable.
Passengers can even enjoy a bluetooth speaker and pizza delivery as they cruise along still waters.
Prices start at $119 for two people, with a $19 increase for every person after that, so you’ll get the best value out of the activity if booked in a group.
Customer Review
Stuart Macadam left this google review:
“This is the best tourist activity in Taupo. Hands down. It was a truly magical experience. The views were spectacular and we had a wonderful time travelling slowly across the water.”
Address: Berth 21, Lake Taupo Marina, Redoubt St
Phone: 028 416 7587
Services: Group or couple bookings and pizza delivery options
2. Chris Brennan Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing is one of the best ways to experience the rich aquamarine life Taupo has to offer, including the renowned rainbow and brown trout.
This is why a Fly Fishing experience with Chris Brennan, whose 25 years of experience make him an excellent guide, is an activity on the ‘must do’ list in Taupo.
Because he’s a local with guiding experience from the age of 17, Chris provides an unparalleled experience in his Winter Fly Fishing days on local rivers like the Tongariro and Hinemaiaia.
Chris has a reputation for making the experience fit for a range of skill levels, so whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced fly fisher looking for some local tips, consider his guides.
Customer Review
Ken and Kathy left this testimonial:
“Chris, Thanks for the great fishing. You had just the right mix of teacher, guide and excellent host. We look forward to returning to the river with you.”
Address: Taupo
Phone: 07 3773247
Services: Winter fly fishing and hunting guides
3. Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
If you’re interested in exploring the natural landscape of Taupo, the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave is known as one of the most breathtaking thermal areas in New Zealand.
The Orakei Korako are the most active geysers in New Zealand, flanked by hot springs, bush areas and a stunning valley.
It’s an award-winning spot, noted by The Lonely Planet Guide as the best thermal area in New Zealand today, with attractions suitable for locals and tourists alike.
The volcanic action and bush trails are accompanied by a warm cafe, MudCake, so you can take a rest with the family after a day of exploring.
The experience costs $39 per person, including a full day from 8:30-3pm with ferry trips, making the ticket great value for money.
Customer Review
Tasha Clark left this Facebook review:
“We had a fantastic time here today, it is such a beautiful place and the staff are absolutely amazing. Would recommend highly. Thank you for a great day.”
Address: Orakei Korako, 494 Orakeikorako Road
Phone: 07 378 3131
Services: Geothermal attraction experience and on-site cafe
4. Taupo Bungy
This is another exhilarating way to experience the sights of New Zealand’s geothermal regions, mostly conducted upside-down.
Taupo Bungy offers an adrenaline rush and incredible view of the Aotearoa clifftops and geothermal region while you plunge toward the Waikato River.
There is an option to bungy by yourself or in tandem with a friend, so the apprehensive adventure-seekers should be reassured that this experience is not all scary.
You can even choose to take a splash in the waters below, or simply stay dry and experience the view.
This bungy experience costs $120.50 for adults, so you’re paying a premium price for a premium experience.
Customer Review
Kauri Kalbre left this Google review:
“Did the bungee a week ago- yes, it's worth it! Everything seems very professional and organised.”
Address: 202 Spa Road, Taupo
Phone: 0800 888 408
Services: Bungy jumping and swings
5. Taupo Kayaking Adventures
If you can’t resist a good scenic tour, Taupo Kayaking Adventures is the perfect way to experience a guided journey through the largest and most stunning lakes, streams and rivers in New Zealand.
There are kayak tours, rentals, bike combos and even fishing tours available, run by passionate and experienced guides.
Whether you’re interested in tours with a group, couple or even by yourself, the waterfalls, hot pools and geothermal spots to explore will surely impress even the most seasoned adventurer.
Tours range from 2 hours, half days and overnight adventures, costing just $80 for a Waikato River Float. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful and tranquil way to take in the Taupo sights, consider the range of Kayak experiences on offer here.
Customer Review
Susan Camperdown left this testimonial:
“We went to the Maori rock carving – half day trip. The lake was calm, views of the mountains beautiful, and the carvings themselves are well worth the paddle. Our guide Jacob was fun and knowledgeable.”
Address: Acacia Bay Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo
Phone: 07 376 8981
Services: Kayak tour, kayak and bike combo, kayak fishing experience, kayak hire
6. Earnest Kemp Cruises
Earnest Kemp Cruises specialise in guided tours of the Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo, which is one of the best adventure activities in the Taupo area.
You can only experience this hidden beauty of the volcanic crater, Lake Taupo, by boat, so Earnest Kemp Cruises provide an unparalleled two hour experience getting up close and personal with this historical attraction.
As one of the most striking attractions in the area, the Mine Bay carvings stand at over 10 metres high and can only be viewed through this kind of guided cruise, so the $35 ticket is well worth the money.
Free wifi and drinks are also provided during the two hours on the water, making this form of sight-seeing even more comfortable.
Customer Review
Marcia Millard left this testimonial:
“Great hospitality and a great way to spend a couple of hours on the beautiful Lake Taupo. The cruise to the Maori carvings is a must do. Expertly navigated very close to the carvings for close up views.”
Address: 65 Redoubt Street, Taupo
Phone: 07 378 3444
Services: Maori carvings lake cruise and private charters
Where is Lake Taupo?
Lake Taupo is in the North Island of New Zealand. It is a very popular tourist area in the country and it is jam packed with adventure activities and various other sightseeing attractions.
Outside of all of the aforementioned activities mentioned above there are also things such as prawn fishing, paragliding and various campgrounds located within Taupo to go stay at and much much more.
It pays to book your accommodation ahead of time when visiting Lake Taupo as it is a popular spot all year round and can sometimes be booked out at near full capacity.
Why visit Lake Taupo?
We recommend checking lake Taupo out not only because of all of the marvellous adventure activities that we have reviewed today but for it's beautiful overall culture and scenery that you can see within the area itself.
Not only can you get a huge adrenaline rush when you visit the area but there are numerous different types of accommodations and campgrounds on offer.
Not to mention another spot I haven't yet mentioned - Huka falls. At Huka falls you can witness a truly breathtaking river and waterfall which is constantly flowing at full force. Huka falls is and has been a mainstay for tourists and locals in lake Taupo for years. Be sure to take a jet boating tour.
Lake Taupo has much much more amazing things to see and do which I haven't covered today, there is much to be explored in this wonderful tourist and holiday hotspot. Lake Taupo is great for couples, families and single adrenaline junkies!
What’s the best time of the year to visit Lake Taupo
As with most places, summer time is the best time to visit Lake Taupo but bear in mind that it can get very busy here during this time as with any popular hotspot in the summer so book your accommodations and other things in advance!
Winter time and the other seasons still offer great sightseeing and adventure activities as most of these places run all year round with the only difference being that obviously it'll be a bit cooler in the winter so if you're not too fussed about that you can just hit up Lake Taupo whenever you like during the year.
The advantage of going during the winter or autumn months are obviously that it may be less crowded and you may get slightly cheaper accommodation with a more vast choice of available places to boot.
Now that you know what there is to do in Lake Taupo and which activities are the best ones it's time for you to get out there an experience this wonderful place!
Page Contents