Location: Taupo
Top Things to do in Taupo
9 Hidden Gems Things to do in Taupo That You Shouldn't Miss
This adrenaline-pumping city offers an abundance of skydiving, jetboating and bungee jumping. Discover the marvels of Orakei Korako thermal park, featuring caves, hot springs and boiling mud pools. Gaze across Lake Taupo to see the spectacular volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park, and make sure to visit Huka Falls, one of the great watery wonders of New Zealand.
Restaurants in Taupo
1. Sail Barbary - Eco Sailing Taupo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,053 reviews
Our electric yacht is 100% sustainable, emissions and noise free, making it climate safe, and Lake Taupo’s best sailing experience. We have been sailing to the iconic Maori Rock Carvings since 1982! This all-year-round activity offers relaxation, fun and adventure on the water, the Kiwi way. Get right up close to this culturally significant 46 foot (14m) high rock art. Excellent, amusing and current commentary on lake, the volcanics and the carvings. Free refreshments including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and mulled wine (winter only). We are licenced but you are welcome or bring your own. Swimming is encouraged. Sail Barbary is the only boat in Taupo rated 'Qualmark Gold' by Tourism NZ under the 'sustainable business' category.
2. Tread Routes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 94 reviews
Tread Routes - Taupo Mountain Biking - provides shuttles, bike hire, and package tours for all the best trails around Taupo, including the Great Lake Trail, Timber Trail, and the Huka Falls Trails.
3. Real Kiwi Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
My focus is to take the hassle out of travelling by offering fun and affordable tours that show case the numerous 'must see' local attractions. There are many aspects of life in New Zealand that you won't find in a travel book or on the internet, so let me make it easy for you to explore the 'Real' New Zealand and open the door to our fascinating culture. Let me be your own personal kiwi host.
4. Canoe & Kayak Taupo Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 551 reviews
Explore Lake Taupo and the Waikato River with Taupo's specialist Kayak Store - Canoe and Kayak Taupo! Choose from 2 fully guided tours: *Maori Carvings Tour (4 hours) Kayak on Australasia's largest fresh water lake to the impressive Maori Carvings (15m high) while gazing towards 3 live Volcano's across beautiful Lake Taupo. Combine kayaking on crystal clear waters, swimming, exploring nearby caves, learning about the cultural and historical significance while being entertained by your qualified, friendly and knowledgeable guide. The carvings are only accessible by water and this is an experience not to be missed during your stay in Taupo.*Waikato River Float Trip (2 hours) Cruise the Waikato River on the ultimate scenic kayak tour. You will kayak past various Islands, paddle underneath the Taupo Bungy site and even stop at natural hot pools for a soak in waters up to 40 degrees. No experience necessary, all equipment and guides are provided. We look forward to hearing from you.
5. Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
Waipahihi Botanical Garden is an amazing park of native trees and colourful bushes, shrubs and plants which boasts spectacular views over Great Lake Taupo.
6. Spa Thermal Park and Riverbank Recreational and Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Reviewed By batchhen2017 - Timaru, New Zealand
This is so close into town, its very available and easy to find. What a delightful thermal river and hot pools (man made little pools in rocks ) at the side of the larger pool. I was pleasantly surprised how modern the facilities are, changing rooms and toilets very clean. Someone told me its had an upgrade. This is a beautifully made attraction and its free to use, how about that in NZ? It was only 2d when I went, but the fog lifted and I had a lovely soak. I was expecting it to be hotter like 35 to 39d but it was prob about 3od. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and stunning scenery around the river.
7. L'Arte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By PGNZ - Waipukurau, New Zealand
Still a great place to visit. Great for Coffee and Food and fun to wander around the arts and crafts. Almost always buy something for the Garden
8. Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 393 reviews
Reviewed By Louey5 - Auckland, New Zealand
These hot pools are so amazingly beautiful surrounded in natural bush and the water is really hot! The steam adds so much atmosphere and the silica makes your skin feel great.
9. Mount Tauhara
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By GTI15
Mount Tauhara is the significant summit above Taupo. It is accessed by driving out of Taupo on SH5 towards Napier and turning left onto Mountain Road. A free car park is available at the end of the road. An information board is there to guide you, eg a suggested round trip of 3 to 3.5h. Take comfortable boots, plenty of water and consider a walking pole. The track leads out of the car park up a steep field, over a stile and into thick forest (which defends you from the sun on a hot day). Other way marks include some water tanks, a seat and a big felled log with 2016 carved in it. A true TripAdvisor trip adviser :-) watch your feet as there are lots of roots to trip you up and branches to bang your head. The gravel track can be slippery and I imagine more difficult when wet. Finally you arrive at the summit trig point at 1,088m and 550 m climbing. It’s worth following the patchy track to some obvious rocks which make and excellent look out and rest platform. Return by the same route.
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