The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Taupo District, North Island

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.

Kia Ora and Welcome to Rafting New Zealand. A family run business established in 1991. We raft the best rivers, providing family fun rafting for ages 3 years and up all the way through to extreme whitewater action. With professional, fun, Kiwi guides, premier gear and facilities, Maori culture and an excellent safety record, book with us to experience the thrill of rafting, Aotearoa styles. Rafting NZ is NZ's most awarded rafting company.

Tongariro River Rafting is the most experienced outdoor adventure company on the Tongariro River. We create journeys, share stories and bring people closer to nature through biking, fishing and rafting. We celebrate 25 years as a family owned and operated business in 2015. We're passionate about showing off our amazing region to visitors and are dedicated to preserving the natural environment of the Tongariro River for future generations – so much so, we founded the Blue Duck Project – with the goal of returning the rare native Blue Duck to its traditional habitat along the Tongariro River. Our adventures include Grade 3 white water rafting trips, family floats for the younger rafters or first timers, mountain biking and fishing. On your Grade 3 white water rafting trip, you will have an unforgettable 2.5 hours navigating over 60 heart-pounding rapids with an expert guide at the helm. All of our guides are highly trained professionals and our equipment is top quality. You'll even enjoy a deli style lunch after your trip (hot soup in winter). Prepare yourself for one of the most stunning white water rafting adventures in New Zealand – we know this river like the back of our paddle! “Oar-some!!”

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.

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.

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.

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave is a stunning geothermal attraction located off the beaten track between Taupo and Rotorua. Described by the Lonely Planet Guide as "arguably the best geothermal area left in New Zealand", Orakei Korako brings you into a world of gushing geysers, bubbling mud pools, and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.