All Taupo Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

We are located in central Taupo. Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less. LAST CLUE CHANGE: November 2025 DIFFICULTY LEVELS: Standard 4/5, Advanced 4/5 At the heart of the enchanted forest stands the Tree of Life, the source of all life and magic. For thousands of years, the Forest Guardians and Fairies have protected it, ensuring its power remained pure. But now, a great danger has befallen the land. The wicked witch from the East has stolen the tree’s glowing core and hidden it deep within her gingerbread house. Without it, the forest will fade into darkness in 1 hour. The Guardians cannot do this alone. Only together can you outwit the witch, recover the Heart, and restore the forest before time runs out. Suitability: This room (while still difficult enough for adults) is our most family-friendly theme. If you love a fun story, this is the room for you!

We are located in central Taupo. Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less...... The Marvelous Circus LAST CLUE CHANGE: December 2023 DIFFICULTY LEVELS: Standard 4/5, Advanced 4/5 You are the new performing act at The Marvelous Circus, before you settle in there has been an unnerving discovery. The fortune teller's crystal ball has vanished overnight, and they think someone has taken it to sabotage her act. We need the crystal ball to perform the Circus Show tonight, you only have 60 minutes before the first act in, hurry, you're our only hope to recover it before the curtain rises.

Imagine gliding across a glass-like lake, surrounded by native forest with nothing but the sound of your paddle dipping into the water and bird song. This is the experience of The Hidden Lake kayak tour. We'll take you on a journey to Taupō’s secret sanctuary, a peaceful and untouched place where the beauty of nature takes centre stage. From the intriguing sight of a sunken forest beneath the water to the secluded tranquillity of a hidden canyon, this is more than a tour—it's an escape. The sheltered location means this peaceful and unforgettable adventure can be enjoyed in any weather. Tour Highlights: Paddle over the mysterious sunken forest Explore hidden waterways and the beautiful canyon Enjoy close encounters with native birdlife Perfect for families, beginners, and nature lovers Runs year-round in most weather conditions

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.”