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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.
Quick Pick: My Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
My personal FAVORITE thing to do in Taupo is this Māori Rock Carvings boat tour! Not only do you get to enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo, but you also get up close to the famous rock carvings and learn all about them! Check out the 600+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This tour is popular, so book your spot here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart.
Things to do in Taupo, New Zealand
1. See the Māori Rock Carvings on a scenic cruise
- Price: $55 NZD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am, 2 pm, or 5 pm
- Highlights: Learning the history of the Maori Rock Carvings, sailing on an eco-friendly electric yacht, swimming in Lake Taupo, complimentary glass of wine or beer, small group experience
- Inclusions: Onboard commentary by a local guide, complimentary beverage, postcard souvenir
- Rating: 5 stars (see the 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
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.
Book this tour with over 600 5-star reviews here!
2. Get up close to the Māori Rock Carvings by kayak
- Price: $150 NZD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 1: 30 pm
- Highlights: Getting up close to the Maori Rock Carvings, kayaking around Lake Taupo, learning all about the carvings, swimming in the lake,
- Inclusions: Local guide, kayaking and safety equipment, morning or afternoon departures, transportation to start point (can be arranged), coffee, tea, and snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
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 chill 3-hour 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?
Reserve your spot on this top-rated tour here, before it sells out!
3. Get your adrenaline pumping on a Huka Falls jet boat ride
- Price: $149 NZD
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Time: 10 am to 4 pm
- Highlights: Getting up close to Huka Falls, thrilling jet boat ride, seeing the scenery of the Waikato River
- Inclusions: Jet boat ride, all fees and taxes, guide, safety equipment
- Rating: 5 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
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!
Check availability and reserve this tour in advance here!
4. Explore the Orakei Korako geothermal area
- Price: $49 NZD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Exploring the geothermal activity in Orakei Korako; seeing mud pools, geysers, and hot springs; self-guided tour for more flexibility
- Inclusions: Entrance to Orakei Korako thermal park, ferry tickets, self-guided tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
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!
Don’t miss out – secure this tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go.
5. Go jet boating on the Waikato River
- Price: $145 NZD
- Duration: 35 minutes
- Time: 10:30 am to 3:15 pm
- Highlights: Thrilling jet boat ride, exploring the scenic Waikato River
- Inclusions: Guide, jet boat ride, life jackets and safety equipment, parking and bathroom facilities
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
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!
Don’t miss out on this thrilling experience – book your tour here.
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
6. Hike the Tongariro Crossing with a shuttle from Taupo
- Price: $130 NZD
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 5:15 am to 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Convenient shuttle service to the Tongariro Alpine crossing trailhead, multiple pick up locations in Taupo
- Inclusions: Shuttle service, map
- Rating: 4 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
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.
For $130 NZD per person, this 10-hour shuttle service picks you up from various locations in Taupo and drops you off at the Mangatepopo car park, the starting point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. If you don’t have a car, this is the only way to get you to the hike from Taupo.
The shuttle leaves bright and early at 5:15 am and you’ll be on the trail by around 7 am. You’ll have a full 8 hours to immerse yourself in the stunning alpine scenery. The shuttle will be waiting for you at the Ketetahi car park at the end of the track at 3:30 pm to bring you back to Taupo for a 5 pm return time.
The shuttle service is super accommodating with multiple pickup points, just make sure you’re visible and waiting outside your pickup location 10 minutes before the scheduled time. If you’re staying somewhere else, shoot them an email – they might be able to accommodate you.
Check availability and reserve your spot on the shuttle here!
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.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
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