Top Taupo Day Trips

Take a break from the busy-ness of sightseeing and enjoy a couple of hours on the water aboard a classical sailing yacht. Sail on Lake Taupō, admiring mountain views and the Māori Rock Carvings, which can only be seen from the water. If the weather’s good, you can swim or simply sit on the deck and relax with a blanket to keep you warm.

Cruise the scenic bays of Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy volcanoes of UNESCO World Heritage–listed Tongariro National Park. See the Māori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule.

Carved in the 1970s by one of Aotearoa’s master Māori carvers, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot, so hop on board a charming replica steamboat and take a scenic cruise out to the carvings instead. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your steamboat crew, and along the way enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Zoom along the Waikato River on a jet boat during a speedy, thrilling excursion. With a guide in the lead providing commentary on the local sights, surf the Nga Awapurua Rapids, shoot through canyons, and admire the purity of the clear waters. This small-group tour can accommodate 11 people per boat.

Embark on an unforgettable cycling excursion from Spa Park to Aratiatia, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Taupo. This guided tour ensures an unforgettable blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and outdoor exploration. Scenic Cycling Route: Traverse the picturesque Spa Park Bike Trail, meandering alongside the pristine waters of the Waikato River. Revel in the stunning vistas of native forests, undulating hills, and geothermal wonders. Pause at the Otumuheke Stream thermal area to unwind in natural hot pools amidst tranquil surroundings. Witness the dramatic spectacle of the Huka falls and the Aratiatia Dam release, as torrents of water rush downstream against the backdrop of the surrounding terrain. Benefit from the expertise of a seasoned guide who will share insights into the area's natural and cultural heritage throughout the excursion. All necessary cycling equipment, including bikes, helmets, and safety gear, will be supplied.

Travel from Taupō to Auckland with unforgettable stops along the way. Explore Rotorua’s famous geothermal wonders at Te Puia, where geysers, bubbling mud pools, and rich Māori culture come to life. Continue to the lush green hills of Matamata for a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, wandering past iconic Hobbit Holes and enjoying the charm of the Shire. The journey finishes with a scenic drive north, arriving in Auckland — New Zealand’s vibrant “City of Sails.”