About | 3 Days in Taupo with kids
Taupo has a huge array of activities to suit every family. Whether you’re in search of a weekend relaxing by the beach and exploring the different bays and hidden swimming spots, a time full of thrills, a look into Taupo’s geothermal side or a little bit of everything.
For our three days in Taupo with kids, we chose to have a bit of everything. We walked through a geothermal wonderland, let prawns come and eat from our hands and feel the tickle of them on us and we enjoyed looking into some of Taupo’s best swimming spots. And what was so great about it was everything was so close to town.
Come and enjoy a fantastic time in Taupo with the kids, there are heaps of family-friendly things to enjoy.
Day 1
Leaving early in the morning while it was still dark, we set off on our three day trip to Taupo. Driving from Auckland to Taupo with kids can be a bit of a mission but leaving early meant they were nice and sleepy in the back for at least the first two hours.
Acacia Bay
First stop, was Acacia Bay. We got out and stretched our legs. What a great day it had turned out to be.
I am always so transfixed with how clear the water is in Taupo. It’s so mesmerizing and welcoming. Coming from a place where the water quality isn’t so good, it was easy for us to fall in love with the place then and there. And this little jetty is the perfect place to get in! Coming on a Friday when school was still in, we were lucky enough to enjoy the whole place to ourselves!
Rangatira Point Track
Just a short drive from Acacia Bay, and being such a brilliant day, we decided to make the most of it and visited another great swimming spot, Rangatira Point.
The Rangatira Point Track takes you to several places where you can stop off by the lake and have a swim but the best spot by far is the one at the very end, at Rangatira Point. I had this on the list of places I wanted to see but couldn’t exactly remember what it was and how long the track went for, just that I knew I wanted to check it out. So we were kind of trudging on, not sure of what to expect for what seemed like forever (but don’t worry, it’s only a 1.5-hour return walk, even shorter if you start at the parking spot further down the road, making it a lot shorter). When we finally ended up at Rangatira Point we knew exactly why. Clear blue water that was just so inviting, I was kind of mad at myself for not remembering to bring togs! But this is now on the list for next summer!
Heading back into town, we spotted some people parked on the side of the road and noticed that they were actually picking blackberries. There were heaps of blackberry bushes right along the roadside so we stopped and picked some – yum! First time for the kids so they loved it, too!
Taupo Debretts Hot Springs
We loved that we had access to the Taupo Debretts Hot Springs and that they were just a stone throw away (we were staying at the neighbouring Taupo Debretts Holiday Park). To be able to come back tired after a fun-filled day out and relax and unwind here felt like a little bit of heaven.
The best part was the massage lounger that felt amazing. The boys liked the cold pool – there they were able to splash around, have fun and put their head underwater – then come back over to the warm pool to warm up. There were some floaties that we could use as well and they provided lots of fun and laughs! The play area was a huge hit, too.
Day 2
Huka Prawn Park
Walking around Huka Prawn Park we discovered lots of fun and quirky ways of playing around with water. We had the most fun trying out all of the different pedal boats and water trikes on the Boating Lake. The forest canopy provided us with some shade from the hot sun and we went for a little bush walk that took us down to the stunning Waikato River.
The most memorable part though? The feel of heaps of prawns on you as you hold some food out to them! Absolutely amazing and an experience we won’t forget soon.
Maori Rock Carvings
It was a great day to get out on the lake and as we headed out further, we couldn’t believe how far out we were and still be able to look down and see the bottom of the lake. The kids then bunkered down with some colouring-in sheets and a cold drink as the boat chugged across Lake Taupo and towards the Maori Rock Carvings.
The Maori Rock Carvings took four summers to complete and started as a vision from a grandmother’s wish to carve the likeness of her ancestor, Ngatoroirangi, a visionary Māori navigator, onto a Totara tree, though not being able to find a totara tree, Matahi went to the lake for inspiration. It’s a beautiful part of Maori culture, art and a labour of love. Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell chose a great spot to make his canvas.
Great Lake Walkway
A great way to see the lake is by walking or riding around the edge of the lake along the Great Lake Walkway. The lake has so many great spots and the best way to go around and see them all is on foot or bike. It allows you to slow down your journey, stop whenever you want and find the best spots to photograph, swim or relax by the lake while saying a friendly hello to the locals as they pass by.
Day 3
Taupo Debretts Hot Springs
We spent one last time at Taupo Debretts Hot Springs before we had to say goodbye. It was nice and early in the morning when there was only a few other bathers and steam was still rising off the water. It was quiet and peaceful – except for our own boys splashing about. The perfect way to end our time at Taupo Debretts!
Huka Falls
The Huka Falls is a must-do when you’re in Taupo! We’ve must’ve been here a few times now but it never seems to get old and it’s a great way to break up the day. Fun fact: it can fill an Olympic swimming pool in just 11 seconds!
Hipapatua Recreational Reserve / Reid’s Farm
We had driven by the sign a couple of times and seeing that it was right by the river I was intrigued to see what it was, so when we left Huka Falls we dropped into Hipapatua Recreational Reserve and I’m so glad we did! The Waikato River looked amazing in the early morning, the water being a beautiful mix of blues and greens.
Seeing a tree you could climb up, the boys quickly climbed it to get a good look. It was deep, but so clear we could see to the bottom. The boys asked if they could go in and I told them to go for it! We don’t come by amazing spots like this every day so why not make the most of it. Taupo, yet again, taking us by surprise.
Beach
We had spent quite the day in Taupo already and though it was about time to be wrapping it all up and heading home, we didn’t want it to end. The day was perfect, it was so hot and being there at the beach was the best place we could be. Summer was coming to a close and we wanted to make the most of the beautiful weather we had been given.
And so we grabbed some lunch on the way and enjoyed it by Taupo Swimming Beach, then went for a quick swim. But knowing we had a big drive ahead of us, we grudgingly packed up our stuff and dragged our feet back to the car.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & cave
Car all packed up, we headed on home but we had one last place to stop in to, Orakei Korako. The day was still hot so when we saw they had ice creams available, we quickly grabbed some, headed outside and found a table with a shaded umbrella to enjoy them under. Overlooking the geothermal field which was just across from the lake, we eyed it up and couldn’t wait to get over there. But first, time to relax, cool down and take it all in.
We had brought one bottle of water with us which would have usually been okay, but thankfully the friendly staff told us that it would be a few degrees hotter on the other side so we brought two more bottles of water – and lucky we did because we downed them all while doing the walk!
The ferry took us to the other side of the lake – it was just a short ride and we began walking along the boardwalk and were immediately immersed in this geothermal wonderland. You’ll find New Zealand’s largest and most active geothermal area here, with 23 active geysers, stunning silica terraces and bubbling mud pools. It was all so awe-inspiring and interesting and we loved the array of vibrant colours.
And then, that was that. Our time had ended and it was time to head home and sit in Auckland traffic. We all immensely enjoyed our time away, Taupo has a special place in our hearts and we know that it has so much more to give so it’s not goodbye, it’s see you again next time!
Where we stayed
There are lots of different accommodation options to suit every family in Taupo but we personally love the holiday park feel and Taupo Debretts Holiday Park didn’t disappoint.
Taupo Debretts Holiday Park
We stayed for two nights at the wonderful Taupo Debretts Holiday Park. It’s located close to town and close to the lake which meant there was lots to do in the area, yet we could always drop in, have some lunch or grab our togs whenever we wanted. We love that Taupo has so many things to do in such a little area – which means we get to enjoy more and be on the road less.
We stayed in a spacious two-bedroom lodge and it had everything that we needed – even a glimpse of the lake in the background. The kids loved the jumping pillow, we made up some games that we played and all enjoyed as a family. The best part – being able to grab our togs and towel and enjoy a short stroll over to Taupo Debretts Hot Springs whenever we wanted with our 3-day pass to the pools (you can grab it at a discounted price if you stay at the holiday park).
More fun things to do in Taupo with kids
There are so many cool things to do in Taupo with kids, take your time, let yourself fully relax and enjoy a great time with your family. Here’s a short list of just some of the things that are on our bucket list of things we want to do in Taupo with the kids next!
- Jetboat or Cruise to the bottom of Huka Falls to see them up close
- Mt Tauhara – we really wanted to hike to the top of this mountain during our trip but didn’t end up fitting it in. Next time!
- Craters of the Moon, what looks like another great geothermal spot.
- Taupo Street Art – good way to explore the town.
- Spa Thermal Park – we’ve already been here but always love coming back!
- Tongariro National Trout Centre – already been but next time want to let the kids have a go at catching a trout.
- Aratiatia Rapids – would be cool to watch, plus, it’s free!
- Volcanic Activity Centre – looks interesting and fun!
- Waikato River Float Tour – ahhhhh this looks amaaaaazing
- Lost Lagoon of Kuratau – a bit of a hidden gem that we really want to find.
- Bulli Point – great spot to jump in to Lake Taupo.
Find a full list of totally awesome things to do in Taupo with kids.
What’s on your bucket list? Do you know of any good spots? Favourite one? Let us know in the comments!
