Taupo Tours, Tickets & Excursions

Carved in the 1970s by one of Aotearoa’s master Māori carvers, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot, so hop on board a charming replica steamboat and take a scenic cruise out to the carvings instead. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your steamboat crew, and along the way enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Spin and speed your way to Huka Falls during a thrilling jetboat ride on the Waikato River. Hold on tight as you zip over the crystal-clear waters past rugged cliffs and native bush on New Zealand's longest river. Feel the power of the thundering waterfall up close as it blasts into the turbulent pool. Round-trip transport is included from hotels in Taupo.

Zoom over the waters of the Waikato River on a jet boat during this 35-minute excursion. With a guide in the lead to providing commentary on the local sights, surf the Nga Awapurua Rapids, shoot through canyons, and admire the purity of the clear waters. This small-group tour can accommodate 11 people per boat.

Take a break from the busy-ness of sightseeing and enjoy a couple of hours on the water. On board a charter yacht, the Kindred Spirit, sail on Lake Taupo, admiring the mountain views. Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings, which can only be seen from the water. If the weather’s good you can swim, or simply sit on the deck and relax with a blanket to keep you warm.

Relax aboard a sailing yacht on Great Lake Taupo during this sightseeing cruise to Maori rock carvings. Accessible solely by water, this impressive rock art on the cliffs of Mine Bay was created by a master carver in 1976. You’ll come up close to the 22-foot-high (10-meter) gallery and enjoy postcard views from the deck. Relax with a complimentary glass of wine or beer if you sail in the evening.

Experience the thrill of New Zealand’s volcanic landscapes on a self-guided tour of the Orakei Korako geothermal area. Follow the 1.5-mile (2.5km) boardwalk around the park and stop to admire startling silica terraces, peer into bubbling mud pools and watch hissing geysers. Be sure not to miss the Ruatapu Cave, one of only two geothermal caves in the world and home to a mesmerizing thermal mirror pool.

Paddle a kayak to the magnificent Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo with a half-day tour from Acacia Bay. You’ll learn the cultural significance behind the towering inscriptions, which were completed in 1980, and enjoy great views across the crystal-clear lake to the Tongariro Mountains. Approaching the Maori rock carvings by kayak means you can see them up close, passing native bush and tiny inlets, then floating right at the base of the cliff. Both morning and afternoon departures are available and beginning paddlers are welcome.

Relax into the natural hot spring waters of Taupo’s DeBretts Spa Resort after a busy day of sightseeing. Or, splash around and have some fun in the outdoor playground and waterslides. This spa resort caters to many interests. There are two large mineral pools to enjoy, as well as a waterfall feature, bubbling hydrotherapy jets, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Transport for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is essential. If you are staying in Taupo and you do not have a vehicle this is the only option that takes you to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Taupo. If you have a vehicle and you would like to drive yourself please look at our Ketetahi park n ride. Another great option for fast and slow hikers.

Kayak down the beautiful crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River on this small two hour guided kayaking tour. Drift path various islands, nature reserves, and locations of interests and soak in the natural geothermal hot pools. This tour will let you uniquely experience the river and its surroundings.

Searching for a convenient and relaxing way to explore the longest river in New Zealand, the Waikato? Discover the secret beauty of the river on this kayaking tour. Spend roughly two hours winding through the river’s slow-moving waters past forests, islands, swimming holes, and the famous Taupo Bungy platform. Finish the tour by soaking in natural hot springs and a enjoying a refreshment at a riverside campground.

Take in the scenery of Lake Taupo during this half-day kayaking tour from Taupo. After a brief paddling lesson, set out in your kayak from Jerusalem Bay. Follow your guide along the shoreline of New Zealand’s largest lake to rock cliffs where you can see Maori carvings. Stop at a scenic spot for snacks and an optional swim on a tour that is suitable for all levels of experience.

Take time to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, with the convenience of round-trip transfers from Turangi. Plan to spend between five to eight hours on this self-guided hike, depending on your fitness level and pace. Your driver provides commentary during the transfers, and the package includes use of walking poles, a Maori cultural experience, and a cold drink.

We are located in central Taupo and are the first Escape Room in New Zealand to achieve a Qualmark certification. Our fully themed escape rooms have regularly changing clues meaning you can come back again and again for a fresh new challenge every time. Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less. The Candy Factory Difficulty Levels: Standard 4/5, Advanced 4/5 Storyline: You decide to break into a candy factory to explore the wonders inside! You quickly realize not everything is as it seemed - explore the factory and escape without getting caught! Suitability: This room (while still difficult enough for adults) is our most family-friendly theme. If you love a fun story, this is the room for you!

Explore the northeastern end of Lake Taupo by both land and water with a combo bike and kayak tour from Taupo. You'll start by biking from Acacia Bay to Kinloch along the W2K section of the Great Lake Trail on a 2- to 2.5-hour ride. Then enjoy lunch before hopping in a kayak to paddle from Whakaipo Bay to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less... The Cabin in the Woods Last Clue Change: November 22 Difficulty Levels: Standard 4/5, Advanced 5/5 Storyline: Venture into a creepy forest to investigate for yourself the ghost stories that have been circulating about the lady in the cabin in the woods. She is supposedly mad, but your curiosity has got the better of you and you start snooping in her cabin for answers - don't spend too long though, if you stay longer than an hour you'll become crazy just like the lady in the cabin! Suitability: *EPILEPSY WARNING* There are bright lights that flash in this room. This room is suitable for all ages at parental discretion. Please note there are fake cobwebs and props in this room that can look scary.

We are located in central Taupo and are the first Escape Room in New Zealand to achieve a Qualmark certification. Our fully themed escape rooms have regularly changing clues meaning you can come back again and again for a fresh new challenge every time. Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less...... The Wild Tea Party Difficulty Levels: Standard 3/5, Advanced 4/5 Storyline: An invite to attend a Garden Tea Party was too intriguing to pass by. On arrival you enjoy a cup of tea with your host......but then you feel strange and realise you have been given shrinking tea! You need to find your way out of the garden and QUICK or you'll be small forever!

Confinement Taupō has four exciting, fully themed escape rooms. Each room has a unique theme, storyline and clues that will keep you wondering what lies ahead as you work your way through each space solving clues.

Western Bay Scenic 2 Day Mountain Biking Tour Ride the Great Lake Trail on this 2-day Grade 3 mountain biking tour, a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Great Lake Taupo region. You will be biking the 19.5 km Kawakawa section (Orakau & K2K) on Day 1 and the 21km W2K section on Day 2. The Great Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network. You will be riding along undulating pumice trails through native forest and wetlands, where the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Dramatic scenery combines with serene lake views, powerful waterfalls, native bird song and incredible trail quality to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy Lake Taupo in an active yet relaxing way with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental. You can set off across the water at your own pace, paddling along the shore or checking out sights such as the Maori Rock Carvings.