Top Taupo Full-day Tours

Experience the thrill of New Zealand’s volcanic landscapes on a self-guided tour of the Orakei Korako geothermal area. Follow the 1.5-mile (2.5km) boardwalk around the park and stop to admire startling silica terraces, peer into bubbling mud pools and watch hissing geysers. Be sure not to miss the Ruatapu Cave, one of only two geothermal caves in the world and home to a mesmerizing thermal mirror pool.

Taupō’s Mine Bay Māori rock carvings are a striking attraction but they’re impossible to access on foot. Hop on board a charming replica steamboat and take a scenic cruise out to the carvings. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the 1970s carvings from your crew, and along the way enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a couple of hours on the water. On board a charter yacht, the Kindred Spirit, sail on Lake Taupo, admiring the mountain views. Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings, which can only be seen from the water. Depending on the weather, you can cool off with a 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.

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.”