Taupō

A unique history, interwoven with legends and stories from a time past, has formed the identity of the remarkable Great Lake Taupō region. Many of the stories and customs of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi (tribe) relate to the stunning natural environment and its fascinating historical landmarks. Lake Taupō is considered to be the heart of the North Island. To the south of Lake Taupō lie the majestic volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park, themselves carrying legends from long ago. Visitors are drawn to the region’s geothermal hot pools, beautiful secluded bays and world class tourist activities like jet boating, skydiving, white water rafting, bungy jumping and scenic boat cruises. The region is also home to excellent hiking, cycling and mountain biking trails. Find out more at GreatLakeTaupo.com

Major Centres: 

Taupō
Turangi

Airports: 

Taupō Domestic Airport

Backyard Tours

+64 22 314 2656

Tēnā koutou katoa, nau mai haere mai. Custom transfers from Turangi to Tongariro National Park, Ruapehu and Taupō; Airport, Bus, Train. Tongariro Alpine Crossing transfers include our unique Māori cultural experience from our Rotoaira Homestead. Contact us and BOOK NOW. 

NEW Wairua Journey greets and welcomes you with quality assurance to enjoy and experience from the Maunga - Mount Tongariro - to the Awa - Whanganui River.  Authentic local’s will share with you their Culture, Knowledge and Stories along the way with photography opportunities and where memories will be made everlasting.

Chris Jolly Outdoors is introducing the first experience of its kind this summer on Lake Taupō! Taurikura Māori Cultural Experience aboard Cruise Cat is the creation of Atera and Henare Pitiroi, working together with the students of the local Te Kura Kaupapa. They have created an educational interactive cultural experience for guests to learn to work the poi, play traditional Māori games, sample Rewana bread and even get their own washable moko. As the boat cruises on Lake Taupō, guests will hear the songs and learn the history and stories of the Tūwharetoa people.

Hukafalls Jet

0800 485 253

Operating on this stretch of the river since 1990, Hukafalls Jet has an outstanding record of professionalism and safety. The half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs. Combine 360° spins and passing nature by incredibly close at disorientating speeds for an amazing must-do visitor experience, before even reaching the awe inspiring majesty that is the Huka Falls. From the unique vantage point on the jet boat you have the best water level view of Huka Falls.

Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge

+64 7 378 8117

Lake Taupō Hole in One is a fun activity for all ages. Try hitting a golf ball 100 metres over the moana and onto a floating pontoon and you could win yourself $10,000 - it's a challenge. Est. in 1993 from an idea written on the back of a beer coaster; the iconic Lake Taupō Hole in One Challenge is an all-weather year-round fun activity. The Hole in One has become a ritual stop for many holiday makers, boasting the best views over the Lake to the Mountains and is the perfect place to for taking that ultimate holiday snap shot. Get a hole in one in either the blue or white flag and win a trip with one of our awesome Taupō tourism whanau, guaranteed to have a great Taupō experience.

Owhaoko

+64 7 222 4070

Remote access in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest.

Accessed only via helicopter from either Taupō Airport or Helisika Base.

 

Owhaoko, a secluded cabin hidden in the remote New Zealand wilderness on exclusive ancestral lands. Only accessible by helicopter, a stay at this cabin is a privilege experienced by only a few.  Enjoy complete immersion in nature and complete solitude – there are no roads, no people, no cell coverage, no stress. Just wild perfection.

Rafting New Zealand

+64 7 368 0352

Experience the Best Rafting Adventures in Aotearoa, New Zealand with Rafting New Zealand (RNZ) - New Zealand's most awarded rafting company. A family run business established in 1991, RNZ prides itself on it's fun, friendly award winning service and impeccable safety record.With an all "Kiwi" professional guide team, Māori culture, the best raft base facilities and awesome whitewater rivers - a rafting adventure with RNZ is not to be missed! We raft daily, providing rafting adventures for all ages, abilities and expectations. Experience the thrill of rafting - Aotearoa styles!

The Haka Shop

+64 27 768 5616

PO Box 1159
Taupō 3351

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey with us as we welcome you into the Māori world. Experiencing another culture can be interesting and informative but we want to leave you excited, impressed and satisfied you chose to experience our style. We express ourselves so that you can feel our ihi - our magnetism. It is our pleasure to entertain and entice your senses in a way that is educational, informative and enlivening. We are in the business of haka and haka resources. We can provide a mobile service for your special occasion or conference to welcome you and your guests to an event in our region.

Wairakei Terraces Thermal Health Spa

+64 7 378 0913

At the turn of last century, visitors worldwide travelled to Wairakei to ‘take the waters’, testifying to their “curative properties” and “therapeutic effects”. Today a series of pools have been developed, strategically positioned below silica terraces and waterfalls with temperatures ranging between 42 and 36 degrees. Taking advantage of geothermal water that is drawn to the earth’s surface from 1.5 kilometres underground, these mineral enriched pools will warm your body to the core while nourishing and moisturising your skin. This natural outdoor setting is perfect for complete rest and relaxation and an extremely appealing experience for anyone wanting to indulge in something unique

Wairakei Terraces Walkway and Māori Cultural Experience

+64 7 378 0913

Wairakei Terraces will entertain and educate, leaving you in awe of nature’s capacity to be fashioned yet still retaining a naturalness that is pleasing to the eye as well as the senses. A guided or self-tour incorporates features of geothermal and Māori cultural interest, notably carvings that depict the history of New Zealand and Māori, and the first ever man-made silica terraces reminiscent of the iconic pink and white versions of Tarawera. Experience the very cornerstone of Māori custom and culture. Begin a journey into the mysterious world of our Māori people and participate in a traditional welcome, a guided terraces tour which includes demonstrations of traditional Māori art and craft, a traditional ‘Hangi’ meal, and a spectacular performance of song, dance and haka.

Accommodation
Adventure
Art Retail
Bushwalks
Cultural
Cycling
Dining
Fishing
Geothermal
Guided Tour
History
Horse
Hunting
Performance
Waka
Wellbeing
Wildlife

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