6 Best Things to do in Taupo, New Zealand

Looking for the top activities in Taupo, New Zealand? You’ve come to the expert!

Whether you’re road tripping around the North Island or are looking for some unique activities, Taupo is an essential addition to your itinerary. I’ve been here more times than I can count and have realized that there’s more to Taupo than meets the eye. 

Sure, exploring the stunning Lake Taupo is a huge draw, but there’s even more to do in this quaint city.

This list of the 6 best things to do in Taupo will cover some of those bucket list items, and a few hidden gems as well! Let’s dive in.

Things to do in Taupo, New Zealand

1. See the Māori Rock Carvings on a scenic cruise

The second I found out about the Māori rock carvings, I knew I had to see them! Turns out, the carvings were so much more impressive in person than I had expected. This lake cruise to the Maori rock carvings lasts 2.5 hours and explains the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe as you see the carvings up close.

The impressive Maori rock carvings in the stone around Lake Taupo were created by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and his small team in the 1970s. You can only see the rock carvings from the water, so a tour is the best way to see more details.

Plus, Lake Taupo is absolutely stunning and there is no better way to explore it than with a cruise taking in the epic views of the snow-capped mountain ranges nearby. 

The price of this cruise is $55 NZD and there are multiple departure times. I prefer the afternoon or evening because it’s warmer, and they encourage you to jump in and swim!

What’s great about this tour is that it goes into a lot of detail about the area and the guides are incredibly friendly and make the ride so enjoyable. It’s also on an eco-friendly electric yacht and you get a complimentary glass of wine or beer – can it get any better?

If spending the day on the beautiful Lake Taupo exploring Indigenous culture sounds good to you, booking this day cruise is for you! Be sure to pack your camera because there are lots of photo-worthy moments here.

2. Get up close to the Māori Rock Carvings by kayak

If you’d rather get up close and personal with the Māori rock carvings, this half-day kayaking tour is the way to do it!

Kayaking is great because it lets you get closer to the artwork for a better view. You will even get the opportunity to jump in the water for a refreshing dip or cliff jump if you’re feeling adventurous.  

The lake is absolutely stunning with crystal clear water and beautiful views of the Tongariro Mountains. While I kayak often and am comfortable on the water, this tour is great for even beginner kayakers. 

The water is calm making for a relaxed ride as you paddle across Lake Taupo from Acacia Bay. This picturesque paddle will have you passing native bush, steep cliffs, and through mini inlets that only a kayak can navigate. There’s a reason why Lake Taupo is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand, and you’ll find out why!

The tour is led by a professional guide who knows the lake and will share the cultural significance of the Maori rock carvings. And, these carvings are so impressive! You’ll be floating right at the base of the cliff, taking it all in. What more could you ask for?

3. Get your adrenaline pumping on a Huka Falls jet boat ride

Are you always on the hunt for that next adrenaline rush? Well, this is it! This Huka Falls jet boat ride in Taupo is the kind of experience that leaves you buzzing with energy after a heart-pumping adventure.

Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s top waterfalls, is the main attraction of this tour, but the boat ride to the falls is a ton of fun, too. The jet boat does these cool trick turns and spins as you make your way up the whitewater. 

I’m warning you now: you will get wet! If the boat ride doesn’t leave you soaked, visiting the falls sure will! You get right up and close to the falls and are guaranteed to get wet!

Since you’ll be starting up the river, it’s helpful that this tour offers round-trip transportation from your hotel in Taupo. The ride itself is about 30 minutes, and there are multiple start times throughout the day.

If you’re going during the cooler months, definitely bring some warm clothing. The tour provides life jackets and even spray jackets if it’s chilly. Cameras are okay to bring (but they will probably get wet!), but video cameras are a no-go for safety reasons.

If you’re looking for some adventure and want a unique way to visit the famous Huka Falls, booking a seat on this jet boat ride is a ton of fun!

4. Explore the Orakei Korako geothermal area

New Zealand’s North Island is full of geothermal activity, so it’d be crazy to visit Taupo and not experience this natural wonder! Orakei Korako is one of the best places to experience it, and it just so happens to be only 30 minutes outside of Taupo. 

I snagged tickets for this self-guided tour, which made my visit seamless! You have to take a ferry to reach the park, and these tickets include your ferry ride (see, I told you it’s easier this way!). 

Once you reach the park, you can explore the 2.5 kilometer (1.5 mile) boardwalk that weaves all through the park. Not that I love the smell of sulfur, but I love seeing the bubbling mud pools, geysers, boiling hot water, and ornate colors that occur naturally here. 

Orakei Korako is also home to Rauatapu Cave, which is one of two geothermal caves like it in the world. I was amazed as I saw how big this cave was and fascinated to learn exactly what went on inside it. 

There’s a good reason this entire park was named one of the world’s best thermal areas by Lonely Planet! And the fact that it’s right outside of Taupo makes this a certain “can’t miss” activity.

I spent about 2 hours here, which was just the right amount of time. That way, you can easily add this activity to the mix of your Taupo itinerary!

5. Go jet boating on the Waikato River 

I know I already have jet boating to Huka Falls on this list, but this is seriously one of the most fun activities in Taupo, and this Waikato River jet boat ride is too good to pass up. Just check out the 1,200+ 5-star reviews here!

Your heart will be racing as the captain reaches Mach-5 speeds and turns on a dime, and the scenery of the Waikato River is simply gorgeous.

The Waikato River is New Zealand’s longest river, and it’s honestly stunning at every bend. This jet boat ride will take you through the Nga Awa Purua rapids, which are just a bit away from the ever-famous Aratiatia Rapids.

When I went on this jet boat ride, the captain didn’t hold back at all in these rapids, so I ended up soaking wet and with a huge smile on my face! I appreciated that this tour was a quick 35 minute adventure, so I could fit it into my busy Taupo itinerary. 

This jet boat ride wasn’t solely thrilling, our captain did a good job of explaining the natural landscape and some history of the area, which made the whole experience more immersive. This is great for families, or any traveler who likes a thrilling activity. But it surely highlights just how strikingly beautiful Taupo is!

6. Hike the Tongariro Crossing using a shuttle service

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is without a doubt one of the best NZ hiking trails. Its popularity is certainly helped by the fact that the area was the film setting for Mordor in Lord of the Rings. But even though the 19 km (12 mile) hike is popular, it isn’t easy.

There’s also the issue of parking because the trail is not a loop. You’ll begin in one car park and end in another if you intend to hike the entire trail. It’s not possible to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing without arranging for a shuttle or a friend who is able to drop you off and pick you up.

The easiest thing to do is to book this one-way shuttle service. You’ll drive your car to a parking lot at the end of the hike and the shuttle will take you to the start. There are multiple shuttles running throughout the morning, so you can choose which time works best for you (just keep in mind that the trail can take around 8 hours to complete).

Once your on the shuttle, it takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the start of the hike. During the ride, our shuttle driver shared some interesting facts about the area along with lots of safety tips. He also gave us a traditional Maori blessing and took all of our photos before we started the trek!

If you’re thinking of doing the Tongariro Crossing, I say do it! It’s one of my favorite hikes in all of New Zealand. Just make sure you’re prepared by booking the shuttle in advance and bringing the appropriate gear (hiking boots and poles!).

Where to Stay in Taupo, NZ

Now that you have a list of must-do tours in Taupo ready, it’s time to find a place to stay! Luckily Taupo has a ton of options for all travelers. Whether you’re looking for something more budget-friendly or looking to splurge on luxurious accommodations, there’s something for everyone. These are our top picks!

Hilton Lake Taupo – $$$

The Hilton Lake Taupo is a high-end accommodation that treats you to views overlooking the valley and Lake Taupo with spacious junior suites or apartment-style rooms available. You’ll love the extra living space and walk-in showers along with furnished private balconies to take in the view. There’s also an outdoor thermally heated pool, tennis courts, gym, restaurant, and lounge bar. Rooms are around $300-$400 NZD a night and you can check availability on Booking.com.

Baycrest Thermal Lodge – $$

A room with your own private hot tub, sign me up! The Baycrest Thermal Lodge is just off the main road opposite Lake Taupo and has stellar views of the lake. You can choose between ground-floor apartments with a private hot thermal pool or first-floor apartments with a spa bath and balcony. The owners are SO nice and the outdoor heated saltwater pool feels like a tropical escape! Rooms start around $317 NZD per night and you can reserve online here.

Taupo Debretts Spa Resort – $

With a wide variety of accommodations available, Taupo Debretts Spa Resort is a great option for families! You can stay in the lodge with a standard room or book an entire cabin to stay in. The resort is only a couple of minutes from the lake or take advantage of the natural hot springs on site. There are pools and waterslides to enjoy, a playground, and a spa. Basic rooms start at only $97 NZD and cabins are around $155 NZD a night and you can reserve both on Booking.com.

Thanks for reading!

No matter what activities you end up doing in Taupo, I am certain you’ll enjoy your time here! Whether you want to explore the stunning Lake Taupo, see the Māori Rock Carvings, or take an epic hike, you’ll never be bored in Taupo.

Thanks for reading my blog! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my other North Island blogs. I’ve traveled this island extensively and have put together a ton of resources to help you plan an epic adventure. Here are a few to get you started:

17 BEST Stops on the Taupo to Wellington Road Trip

6 BEST Wine Tours in Napier +My Personal Review

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Rotorua: An Ideal 3-Day Itinerary