TAUPO ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

View this page for more information on some of Taupo’s many activities and attractions which you can enjoy during your stay at Great Lake Holiday Park.

Lake Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. It was created from a huge volcanic eruption in 186AD which blew a 660 square kilometre hole in the earth. The Taupo area is part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone which stretches from White Island to the Tongariro National Park. Taupo is well known as a holiday destination and the lake and its surrounding environment offer a wide range of adventure activities, family fun, and cultural attractions. Or just take a relaxing break amidst breathtaking lake, bush and mountain scenery, enjoy one of many walks in the area, and sample cuisine from our wonderful selection of cafes, bars and restaurants.

The home of rainbow and brown trout, Lake Taupo is world famous as a trout fishing attraction. There are wonderful opportunities for the independent fisherman, or we can arrange a trip with one of the local charter boats or fishing guides which include provision of your fishing license and equipment. Trout cannot be bought commercially but if you catch one most restaurants will prepare it for you.  

Other water activities include boating, canoeing, jet-boating, kayaking, parasailing, waterskiing, whitewater rafting, and a variety of lake cruises. Some offer a relaxing experience, others are just an adrenalin rush.

Or relax in one of Taupo's two thermal swimming complexes with large swimming pools, private hot pools, hydro slides, cafes and barbeque areas. Try jumping out of a plane from 15,000 feet and experience the rush of over one minute in freefall and incredible views of Lake Taupo, bungy jumping from the world's first cantilever platform which extends out 47 metres above the Waikato River, or go climbing, cycling, hiking, horse riding, hunting, rock n ropes, mountain biking, quad biking, car racing, or on a scenic ride in a helicopter or our local floatplane. Just ask at reception. For golfing enthusiasts, there are five golf courses in the area including the Wairakei International Golf Course. Or for something a little different, try the Great Lake Hole in One on Taupo's lakefront.

In addition to its range of local activities, Taupo is also famous for its thundering Huka Falls just a few minutes north of the town. The Waikato River which can be up to 100 metres wide, narrows into a canyon only 15 metres wide. The water is forced through the canyon at about 220,000 litres per second creating spectacular falls. A viewing bridge crosses the river just above the falls, and there are several viewing platforms. Or view the falls from below courtesy of a jet boat company or river cruise.

Drive just 25 minutes north of Taupo to reach the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. A ferry takes you across Lake Ohakuri to a world of gushing geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs, silica terraces and a rare geothermal cave.

For a local cultural experience, visit Wairakei Terraces just north of Taupo. View the manmade silica terraces and experience a traditional welcome and challenge, a living Maori village, traditionally cooked hangi, and cultural performance. In addition, there are tours of the Wairakei geothermal power scheme. We can book this great experience for you. Our Taupo Museum and Art Gallery is now the permanent home of the living exhibit the New Zealand Ora - Garden of Wellbeing as well as offering static displays of Taupo history, an excellent audio visual, a carved Maori meeting house, and exhibitions by local and regional artists. In addition, there are a variety of sculptures located around the town, and a lake cruise will give you the opportunity to view the Maori carvings at Mine Bay which can only be seen from the water.

Taupo also has a variety of art galleries and studios including Lava Glass where you can view the amazing art of glass blowing.

Take the family to visit the Aratiatia rapids where water is released through the dam several times daily by the hydroelectric power station, or combine it with your visit to the Huka Falls.

Try ceramic painting and jewellery making, the indoor climbing wall at the Taupo Events Centre, skateboarding, mini golf on the lake front, take a ride on the Lion express train at the domain or a tour on the double decker bus.

Visit the Honey Hive for a wide range of local and New Zealand honey products and view a live bee hive, Lilliput Farm to see a range of animals and birds and go for a pony ride, Prawn Park where you can go fishing or just dine in the restaurant, Riverside Markets for local crafts and food, Taupo Adventure Park for quads, go karts, mini golf, laser tag, an animal park, and the café in a log cabin, or a variety of family fun at Puzzle World. The Starlight Cinema Centre has five theatres which show a variety of movies.

Experience some of our local volcanic features through interactive displays and audio visuals at the Volcanic Activity Centre, or a walk around the Craters of the Moon.

Take a picnic down to the lake front, take the family swimming, go for a walk beside the lake along our Lions walk, or try the warm water at Hot Water Beach where a hot underground stream filters out into the lake.

Our reception team is always happy to help with ideas for your stay and make activity bookings for you.

 

DAY TRIPS

Taupo's central location also makes it an excellent base for your holiday plans. There are a variety of day trips to activities and attractions within easy travelling distance of our township.

Tongariro

In September 1887 the sacred mountain peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe were gifted to the people of New Zealand by the Paramount Chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa, Horonuku Te Heu Heu Tukino. This gift formed the nucleus of our dual World Heritage area; the Tongariro National Park. It is listed as a dual heritage site because of its unique, active volcanic attributes and also its special cultural significance. The Whakapapa Ski Area on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu and the Turoa Ski Area on its southern slopes combine to provide 1800 hectares of adventure playground; the largest lift accessed terrain in New Zealand with the highest lift and the longest vertical descent. The skiing and snowboarding facilities on Mount Ruapehu cater for everyone from beginners through to experts. Local facilities include equipment hire, a kids' centre for professional childcare services with on-snow activities included, Snow Schools on both ski areas which offer a variety of learners' facilities, medical centres, and cafes. A wonderful day out for the family. Check with our reception for the daily snow report.

Our world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an 18 kilometre 8 hour alpine trek over stunning volcanic terrain. A visit to the Whakapapa Visitor Centre at the base of Mount Ruapehu will also provide you with information on many shorter walks in varying landscapes throughout the park. We can arrange bus transport to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for you.

Or we can arrange a helicopter trip for you which includes spectacular views of Lake Taupo and gives you the chance to view the national park from the air including the craters of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, Turangi.

At the southern end of Lake Taupo, visit the Tongariro National Trout Centre to see the underwater trout viewing chamber, trout hatchery, feed the fish at the children's pond, and enjoy a picnic. Check in advance for the dates of children's fishing days. Go on a river walk or try Tokaanu's hot pools. Go fishing or rafting on the Tongariro River. Trips can be arranged at reception.

 

Waitomo/Otorohanga

The Waitomo Caves are a network of spectacular caves resulting from millions of years of land movement, rain and river erosion. Take a boat ride to see millions of glowworms and unique limestone cave formations, and visit the Waitomo Discovery Centre. For the more adventurous, try underground abseiling, climbing, blackwater rafting, or the flying fox. We can book many of these activities for you.

Otorohanga is a fifteen minute drive from the Waitomo Caves and is home to the Kiwi House and Native Bird Park. Take the family to see kiwi, our national icon, in the park's nocturnal house, and other native species in its outdoor enclosures and walk through aviary. The park carries out a successful breeding programme including kiwi, waterfowl, tuatara and native reptiles. Otorohanga is also the official 'Kiwiana town of New Zealand' which means it celebrates and displays things which are uniquely New Zealand.

 

Hawkes Bay 

A day trip to Napier gives you the chance to see amazing Art Deco architecture following the rebuilding of the city after the 1931 earthquake. Visit one of the many wineries in the area for lunch, or follow one of the local wine trails. As a marine adventure for the family, visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand on Napier's Marine Parade and view sea creatures, reptiles, exotic fish, native birds and interactive displays.

 

Rotorua

Rotorua offers a variety of Maori cultural experiences, spectacular thermal areas, and adventure activities. Or you can ride on the gondola up Mount Ngongotaha for a great view of the town and lake.

 

Tirau

Just over an hour north of Taupo, visit Tirau for antiques shopping, the early history museum, toy and doll museum which is located in a castle, shell and jade factory, and a variety of boutique shops. Tirau's information centre is built in the shape of a sheep dog, and the wool shop is in the form of a sheep. Both are made of corrugated iron which provides the theme for many of the shop fronts.

Just south of Tirau, visit the sheepskin and pottery store at Lichfield, and the timber museum at Putaruru.