New Zealand · TAUPO TOURS
Summer fills these weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 15 to lock in before you fly, what each includes and where they differ.
Ride the Waikato River from Taupo with rapids, canyon runs, spins, scenery, and local stories in a fast 35-minute jet boat trip.
“Would highly recommend this, it was so much fun, everything was well organised and the driver was excellent”
Sail Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings aboard Fearless, with local stories, a swim stop, scenic views, and a complimentary drink.
“Thorough and interesting information provided - lovely sailing yacht - good facilities. Shame we had bad weather but managed to reach carvings thanks to crew’s expertise. Would highly recommend this trip.”
Cruise Lake Taupō aboard Ernest Kemp to see Mine Bay Māori rock carvings, with live commentary, refreshments, WiFi, and mountain views.
“An absolutely fabulous experience. Knowledgeable and funny commentary throughout the trip. Awesome skipper and 2IC. Great boat ride to the carvings and they are spectacular, up close and from a distance. Worth also reading or listening to the story behind the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, in case you don't hear it all on board.”
Ride to the base of Huka Falls on a fast Taupō jet boat, with 360-degree spins, river views, local commentary, and practical tips.
“Really exhilarating ride with sharp 360 turns in very agile boat. Ricki excellent driver/guide. May be too pricey for some but we enjoyed it.”
Review of the Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo, with Huka Falls views, 360 spins, practical tips, price advice, and booking details.
“Best experience ever, the driver Ricki was awesome. Great value for money. Highly recommend this to anyone thinking about it.”
Review of Lake Taupo’s 90-minute Māori Rock Carvings cruise, with mountain views, live commentary, fishing, muffins, price, and practical tips.
“Was a great experience would recommend to everyone good laughs from the skipper”
Review of Taupō’s 90-minute Māori Rock Carving Cruise, with lake views, volcanic scenery, commentary, coffee, and a warm homemade muffin.
“Trout fishing and Maori rock curving watching is super. Tea service with the cooked fished trout on biscuit is very nice. Comfortable & non-shakable cruising was very enjoyable.”
Cruise Lake Taupō to Māori rock carvings, mountain views, trout fishing, tea, coffee, and warm muffins for $35.
“it was amazing the crew were so welcoming and great at what they do. we absolutely loved every minute of it. would totally recommend to anyone to do it. great experience and low cost to we couldn't fault anything.”
Review the 12,000-foot Taupo tandem skydive, with Lake Taupo views, 40 seconds of freefall, costs, logistics, and practical tips.
“I had an amazing skydiving experience with you today, June 19, 2025! The 12,000-ft jump, professional guides, and seamless hotel pick-up and drop-off were outstanding. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!”
Review of Taupo tandem skydiving over Lake Taupo, with flight heights, free-fall times, costs, views, safety, and practical booking advice.
“My guide/instructor Dave was brilliant, made me feel very safe from getting kitted up right through the full skydive experience. Fantastic experience and something I said I would never do, I can’t wait to do it again”
Cruise Lake Taupo at sunset to the Māori Rock Carvings, with live commentary, mountain views, onboard drinks, and comfortable viewing decks.
“Wonderful experience with a fun guide learning about the history of this wonderful place. I highly recommend.”
Review of Lake Taupo’s Tiua catamaran cruise to Māori Rock Carvings, with sailing, swimming, drinks, comfort, value, and practical tips.
“Amazing experience! The team are very friendly and presented their culture and customs, answered to questions and presented a beautiful dance for the welcoming ceremony. I highly recommend it!!”
Explore Orakei Korako near Taupo on a flexible self-guided walk with geysers, silica terraces, mud pools, a cave, and ferry rides.
“Very different experience to thermal pool site previously visited. Less touristy a good alternative to the Rotarua site. Small cafe onsite but be warned no toilets on explore site. The crossover by boat provides a good view of the area. The site is Read more”
Paddle Lake Taupo to Maori Rock Carvings on a friendly half-day kayak tour with snacks, photos, volcano views, and an optional swim.
“the trip is great very enjoy the time on the kayak paddling on the lake of Taupo. Laura has been an awesome guide, telling the story about Taupo and cravings.”
Review of Taupo’s 2-hour Waikato River kayak trip, with gentle paddling, geothermal pools, guides, photos, price, tips, and booking advice.
“Relaxing row along a beautiful lazy river with a friendly knowledgable guide. Me and my wife took the early session which ended up being essentially a private tour. Eloise was lovely and shared some interesting facts and took photos for us.”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
