All Taupo Tours & Excursions in 2026

Spin and speed your way to Huka Falls during a thrilling jet boat ride on the Waikato River. Hold on tight as you zip over the crystal-clear waters, past rugged cliffs and native bush on New Zealand's longest river. Feel the power of the thundering waterfall up close as it blasts into the turbulent pool.

Carved in the 1970s by a master Māori carver, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot. Hop aboard a replica steamboat and sail out to the carvings. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your crew, and enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe.

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.

The Māori rock carvings at Lake Taupō’s Mine Bay are a must-visit attraction, but it’s impossible to get there on your own unless you have access to a boat. Admire this work of modern indigenous art—carved in the 1970s—on a relaxing electric yacht cruise. A free drink is included on sunset cruises, or you can bring your own picnic. Admire views of the lake and the volcanoes on the skyline.

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.

Set sail onto Lake Taupo aboard a 53ft luxury catamaran. Dive into the deep-blue crystal waters, making use of the complimentary snorkeling equipment, before hopping back on board to investigate the stunning Māori rock carvings on the cliff faces that circle the lake, only viewable from the water. Then enjoy a drink while snuggling into the onboard beanbags before heading back to shore.

Take in the scenery of Lake Taupo during this half-day kayaking tour from Taupo. After a brief paddling lesson, set out in your kayak from Jerusalem Bay. Follow your guide along the shoreline of New Zealand’s largest lake to rock cliffs where you can see Maori carvings. Stop at a scenic spot for snacks and an optional swim on a tour that is suitable for all levels of experience.

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.

Experience the best views of Lake Taupō and Taupō township from 1,000 feet above the water. Enjoy an unforgettable parasailing adventure with breathtaking 360° panoramic views, optional Sky Dips and freefall descents, and take-offs and landings directly from our purpose-built parasail boat. It's the perfect mix of excitement, stunning scenery and unforgettable memories. Whether you're flying solo, tandem or triple, our friendly, experienced local crew will ensure you feel comfortable from start to finish, making this an adventure suitable for both first-time flyers and thrill-seekers. With no experience required and no need to enter the water, it's one of the easiest and most exhilarating ways to experience Taupō. Every flight is tailored to the day's conditions, ensuring a safe, smooth and memorable experience while showcasing one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes from a truly unique perspective.

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.

An iconic Kiwi-born activity, bungy jumping is a must-do, bucket-list experience during any visit to New Zealand. Set on the edge of a dramatic cliff just minutes from Taupō township, the Taupō Bungy experience pairs adrenaline with genuinely stunning scenery in a way few sites can match, with sweeping views over the Waikato River and surrounding native bush framing every leap. At 47 metres high, it's New Zealand's highest water-touch bungy jump platform and the only Bungy in the Central North Island, making it a standout stop for those exploring beyond Queenstown and Rotorua. Choose from solo, tandem, or body harness jumps, with the option to touch or fully immerse yourself in the water below for an extra rush. Whether it's your first jump or your fiftieth, the combination of height, scenery, and choice makes Taupō Bungy an unmissable adventure for thrill-seekers of every kind.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike is a fantastic way to see Tongariro National Park, but without you’re own vehicle, it’s pretty tricky to actually reach the crossing from Taupo. Hop aboard this return shuttle and concentrate on taking in the park’s volcanic vistas and vivid green crater lakes, rather than worrying about the travel.

Experience the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and geothermal wonders on this guided eBike tour along the stunning Waikato River Trail. Starting from our shop at 8.45am (summer), 10.45am or 12.45pm, you’ll ride to the spectacular Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres of water thunder through a narrow volcanic gorge every second. Continue alongside the crystal-clear river toward the dramatic Aratiatia Rapids, timed perfectly to witness the dam release transform the rapids into a roaring torrent. Along the way, enjoy views of Huka Prawn Park, geothermal landscapes, native bush, and steaming waterways near Wairakei Resort Taupo. Suitable for confident riders, the mostly Grade 2 trail includes some Grade 3 sections easily managed with premium eBikes.

Take time to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, with the convenience of round-trip transfers from Turangi. Plan to spend between five to eight hours on this self-guided hike, depending on your fitness level and pace. Your driver provides commentary during the transfers, and the package includes use of walking poles, a Māori cultural experience, and a cold drink.

Experience the thrill of freefalling from 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) above Lake Taupo on this New Zealand tandem skydiving adventure. Prepare for your flight with pickup in a stretch Hummer, then gear up and gather your courage on the flight up to altitude. After jumping from the plane with a tandem master, enjoy 40 exhilarating seconds of freefall followed by unbeatable views of both coasts and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park as you glide back to earth by parachute.

Kayak down the beautiful crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River on this small two hour guided kayaking tour. Drift path various islands, nature reserves, and locations of interests and soak in the natural geothermal hot pools. This tour will let you uniquely experience the river and its surroundings.

Enjoy a fun-filled day on Lake Taupō with Kakariki Private Boat Charters. Perfect for any occasion, this 12-meter catamaran accommodates up to 24 passengers. Bring your own drinks or choose from a fully licensed bar, with BBQ and catering options available. Whether you're here for a stag do, hens party, or family gathering, you can swim, fish, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on board. Set your own pace and create unforgettable memories on the water. - Up to 24 guests on the spacious Kakariki catamaran - Flexible BYO or licensed bar, with BBQ & catering options - Activities include swimming, biscuit towing, and fishing - Ideal for celebrations, corporate events, and family outings

Departing from Kinloch, our unique small group tours take you to discover some of the hidden gems of Lake Taupo only found in the remote Western Bays and only accessible by boat. Come away from the crowds and visit majestic rock faces, private beaches, crystal waters and waterfall visits.

The Taupō Swing is more than just a giant swing - it's a feet-first, freefalling rush over the mighty Waikato River, offered from the same dramatic cliff-top site as Taupō's iconic Bungy Jump. Swinging out at speeds of up to 70kph, participants soar and swoop through the air over the river, with the choice of a countdown or a surprise release to ramp up the anticipation. It's the North Island's only cliff-face drop of its kind, giving riders all the thrill of freefall as a feet-first alternative to bungy jumping. Choose to swing solo or tandem with a friend, and take in sweeping views over the Waikato River from high above—an unforgettable adventure whether it's a standalone experience or the perfect pairing with a Taupō Bungy Jump.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Taupo from a completely unique perspective with a Huka Falls helicopter ride. Soar above the picturesque farmlands, taking in the lush green landscapes and the intricate patchwork of fields below. Marvel at the impressive sights of geothermal power stations, where you can witness the steam rising from the earth, a testament to the region's geothermal activity. As you soar above, enjoy a flight over the Taupo Township, Taupo boat harbor, and many more of Taupo’s iconic features. The highlight of the ride is undoubtedly the majestic Huka Falls, where you can see the powerful flow of the Waikato River as it crashes into the pool below, creating a stunning spectacle of nature's raw power.

Swap Taupō’s bars and restaurants for an alternative evening activity: a leisurely sail aboard an electric yacht to the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings. These traditionally inspired modern carvings, dating from the 1970s, are a must-visit attraction in Taupō. With this handy cruise, you don’t need your own boat to reach them. Bring a picnic and your bathing suit, as swimming is encouraged in fine weather. Complimentary drinks are provided.

Soar over the stunning landscapes of Taupo on the Western Bays Explorer helicopter tour. Witness the Craters of the Moon and the majestic Huka Falls from above, before gliding towards Kinloch, home to two world-class golf courses. This aerial adventure includes breathtaking views of hidden rivers and Otoputu Falls cascading into the lake, plus a return flight showcasing the Maori Rock Carvings and Taupo Township. Ideal for groups and adventure seekers, this tour offers a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty. - 25-minute helicopter flight over Taupo's breathtaking scenery - Views of Craters of the Moon, Huka Falls, and Maori Rock Carvings - Minimum of 2 passengers required, with a total capacity for 3 - Experience the thrill of flying over hidden gems of the Western Bays

Explore the stunning Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo during a lively daytime cruise aboard Kakariki. This 2-hour journey offers a casual atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks, play your favorite music through the boat's sound system, and even take a refreshing swim. Get up close to the impressive 14-meter high carvings, perfect for unforgettable photos. With multiple departure times, this cruise is ideal for groups looking for a fun, social experience on the water. - 2-hour cruise to the stunning Maori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay - Bring your own food and beverages; enjoy a party vibe on board - Swimming is encouraged, so come prepared with your swim gear - Departures at 9am, 11:30am, and 3pm, subject to demand and weather conditions *7:30pm Cocktail Cruise Kakariki sunset cruises depart daily for the month of January only. Includes: a glass of wine/beer or soft drink PLUS you can BYO (Bring Your Own) prepared food & beverages.

Kick off your adventure with a breathtaking helicopter flight over Lake Taupo, where you'll soar above iconic sights like Huka Falls and the mesmerizing Maori Rock Carvings. After your 12-minute scenic flight, prepare for an exhilarating skydiving experience. From 15,000 feet, plunge into freefall for 60 seconds, taking in stunning views of Mount Ruapehu and the expansive lake below. Once the parachute deploys, enjoy a gentle descent back to earth, filled with adrenaline and memories of an unforgettable day. This combo offers a unique way to explore Taupo's beauty from both the air and the ground.