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Water & beach · Taupo

Top 10 water & beach things to do in Taupo

Boats, beaches, and the parts of Taupo you only see from the water. Ferry rides, sunset cruises, snorkel runs, and the occasional sailing day for travellers who measure good cities by their coastline.

  1. Waihora Bay Shared Tour from Kinloch Marina, Taupo1

    1. Waihora Bay Shared Tour from Kinloch Marina

    · 2.5 hours

    Come and explore the Northern end of the remote Western Bays of Lake Taupō with Venture Beyond. This 2 1/2 Hr journey departs from Kinloch Marina just a short 20 minute drive from Taupō township. Visit the Otupoto falls and others while exploring towering cliffs, dramatic coastlines , and pristine ravines only accessible by boat. Stop off for locally supplied coffee, tea and a chocolate biscuit or two a seasonal swim or foraging before cruising the coastline on our way back to Kinloch.

  2. Taupō to Auckland via Rotorua and Hobbiton, Taupo2

    2. Taupō to Auckland via Rotorua and Hobbiton

    · 12 hours

    Travel from Taupō to Auckland with unforgettable stops along the way. Explore Rotorua’s famous geothermal wonders at Te Puia, where geysers, bubbling mud pools, and rich Māori culture come to life. Continue to the lush green hills of Matamata for a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, wandering past iconic Hobbit Holes and enjoying the charm of the Shire. The journey finishes with a scenic drive north, arriving in Auckland — New Zealand’s vibrant “City of Sails.”

  3. Chasing Waterfalls The Adventurer from Kinloch Marina, Taupo3

    3. Chasing Waterfalls The Adventurer from Kinloch Marina

    5.0· 8 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Departing from Kinloch, our unique small group tours take you to discover some of the hidden gems of Lake Taupo only found in the remote Western Bays and only accessible by boat. Come away from the crowds and visit majestic rock faces, private beaches, crystal waters and waterfall visits.

  1. Western Bays Sightseeing Tour from Kinloch Lake Taupo, Taupo4

    4. Western Bays Sightseeing Tour from Kinloch Lake Taupo

    5.0· 3 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Departing from Kinloch, our unique small group tours take you to discover some of the Hidden Gems of Lake Taupō only found in the remote Western Bays and only accessible by boat. Come away from the crowds and visit majestic rock faces, private beaches, crystal waters and waterfall visits.

  2. Evening Lake Taupō Boat Charter Kakariki Catamaran, Taupo5

    5. Evening Lake Taupō Boat Charter Kakariki Catamaran

    5.0· 2 reviews· 2 hours

    Enjoy a fun-filled day on Lake Taupō with Kakariki Private Boat Charters. Perfect for any occasion, this 12-meter catamaran accommodates up to 24 passengers. Bring your own drinks or choose from a fully licensed bar, with BBQ and catering options available. Whether you're here for a stag do, hens party, or family gathering, you can swim, fish, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on board. Set your own pace and create unforgettable memories on the water. - Up to 24 guests on the spacious Kakariki catamaran - Flexible BYO or licensed bar, with BBQ & catering options - Activities include swimming, biscuit towing, and fishing - Ideal for celebrations, corporate events, and family outings

  3. Hidden Lake Kayak Tour in Taupō’s Secret Gem, Taupo6

    6. Hidden Lake Kayak Tour in Taupō’s Secret Gem

    5.0· 2 reviews· 4 hours

    Imagine gliding across a glass-like lake, surrounded by native forest with nothing but the sound of your paddle dipping into the water and bird song. This is the experience of The Hidden Lake kayak tour. We'll take you on a journey to Taupō’s secret sanctuary, a peaceful and untouched place where the beauty of nature takes centre stage. From the intriguing sight of a sunken forest beneath the water to the secluded tranquillity of a hidden canyon, this is more than a tour—it's an escape. The sheltered location means this peaceful and unforgettable adventure can be enjoyed in any weather. Tour Highlights: Paddle over the mysterious sunken forest Explore hidden waterways and the beautiful canyon Enjoy close encounters with native birdlife Perfect for families, beginners, and nature lovers Runs year-round in most weather conditions

  4. Kakariki Day Time Cruise to Maori Rock Carvings, Taupo7

    7. Kakariki Day Time Cruise to Maori Rock Carvings

    5.0· 1 reviews· 2 hours

    Explore the stunning Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo during a lively daytime cruise aboard Kakariki. This 2-hour journey offers a casual atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks, play your favorite music through the boat's sound system, and even take a refreshing swim. Get up close to the impressive 14-meter high carvings, perfect for unforgettable photos. With multiple departure times, this cruise is ideal for groups looking for a fun, social experience on the water. - 2-hour cruise to the stunning Maori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay - Bring your own food and beverages; enjoy a party vibe on board - Swimming is encouraged, so come prepared with your swim gear - Departures at 9am, 11:30am, and 3pm, subject to demand and weather conditions *7:30pm Cocktail Cruise Kakariki sunset cruises depart daily for the month of January only. Includes: a glass of wine/beer or soft drink PLUS you can BYO (Bring Your Own) prepared food & beverages.

  5. Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo, Taupo8

    8. Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

    4.9· 1464 reviews· 35 min

    Enjoy a 35 minute Jet Boat ride on the Waikato River. The high-speed ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Shoot through canyons, spin on crystal clear waters and surf the foaming tail of the awesome Nga Awapurua Rapids. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day and can be shared with maximum 11 people per boat.

  6. 2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo, Taupo9

    9. 2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo

    4.9· 173 reviews· 2 hours

    One of Taupō’s best kept secrets… the sheer beauty and tranquillity found on the crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River will take your breath away. Begin your kayaking journey at the source of NZ’s largest river and drift past various islands, nature reserves, swimming spots, the drop zone of Taupō Bungy before swimming or soaking your feet in warm geothermal pools enroute. This is an extremely scenic, guided tour that is perfect for beginners, families, couples, and friends. The tour is approx. 1.15 hrs on the water (2hrs return trip including transport) depending on group size and river flow. We start & finish at the store (54 Spa Rd, Taupo), then transport you to and from the river. A 5 minute walk from the store to the river may be required.

  7. The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak, Taupo10

    10. The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak

    4.9· 171 reviews· 4 hours

    Glide your kayak over Lake Taupo's crystal clear waters as you paddle to the awe-inspiring Maori Rock Carvings on this 4-hour guided tour.  Soak in the view across the Lake to 3 live volcano's while you hear the history of the carvings, various Maori legends and facts of the local area from your guide before enjoying rock jumps and a swim in Australasia's largest freshwater Lake. A must-do while in Taupo!

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