Taupo, with its freshwater lakes, bubbling geothermal areas, trout fishing, street art and native bush walks makes it a great family holiday destination. Spend the day by the lake, go on a scenic drive or sit in warm geothermal waters, no matter what you do you’re going to #lovetaupo and all it has to offer.
Pools
AC Baths – Family-friendly pool with hydroslides, a Tarzan swing, sauna and cafe.
Taupo DeBretts Water Park – the whole family is going to love this water park made for a full day of fun!
Wairakei Terraces – bathe at the bottom of silica terraces in thermal (adult only) hot pools but because you have to be 14 years or older to enter this would make a great date night.
Geothermal
Craters of the Moon – Walk through the geothermal landscape with bubbling craters, steam vents and colourful soil. The best time to go is from June to August when it’s wet and this place will be more active and really come alive – summer can dry everything out.
Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park – New Zealand’s largest and most active geothermal area, with 23 active geysers, stunning silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and an array of brilliant colours.
Spa Thermal Park – have a little play and run around at the playground before heading on an easy ten-minute walk to soak in the warm geothermal waters at Otumuheke Stream.
Attractions
Huka Prawn Park – visit the nursery and hatchery, feed the baby prawns and trout, have fun on the Boating Lake and try out prawn fishing.
Tongariro National Trout Centre – learn about the trout and then take the kids fishing in the Kids Pond. A great introduction to trout fishing.
Volcanic Activity Centre – hands-on, interactive and educational. Learn about volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal activity in a fun and fascinating way.
The Edge Indoor Rock Wall – rainy day? Head indoors for a rock-climbing challenge you’ll love. If it’s not raining and you’re more of an outdoorsy person, head over to Rock ‘n Ropes where they cater to everyone from 4 to 83.
River / Lake
Tongariro River Rafting – For the more adventurous family, take a family-friendly river rafting ride down the Tongariro River. The gentle current will guide you down the river, passing over bouncy rapids every now and then. Have fun spotting ducks and trout along the way.
New Zealand Riverjet – There are so many fun jet boating tours on offer, one being ‘The Squeeze’ where you’ll wade through knee-deep warm water through a narrow gap in the cliff and ends with a waterfall.
Huka Falls – Stop and take a look at the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand. Here you’ll see the water blasting through the river quickly and powerfully. This is caused by the Waikato river narrowing as is passes through a hard volcanic canyon. Take a jet boat trip or river cruise up the river where you can experience the power of the thundering water drop down the falls and get close enough to feel the spray of water on your face. You can also walk or mountain bike around the falls on one of their many trails, ranging from 5 minutes to 2 hours.
Lake Taupo – A big and beautiful crystal clear, freshwater lake, actually, it’s the largest lake in Australasia. Enjoy a scenic boat ride, kayaking, paddleboarding or a fresh swim. The extraordinary Maori Rock carvings at Mine Bay is something you can’t miss. Or ride/walk around the shoreline on the Great Lake Trail. A few things to do on/around the lake are:
- Swim at Lake Taupo – the best swimming spots are: Kinloch beach, Acacia Bay and Whakamoenga Point, a fantastic swimming spot where you can dive off the rocks.
- Drive around the lake – if you can’t bike, at least drive it. These beautiful views are not to be missed, and there are great picnic and swimming spots along the way.
- Maori Rock Carvings – in the late 1970s, when the carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell went on a boat trip on Lake Taupo he saw that the cliffs at Mine Bay made the perfect canvas for his next work of art. The carving is more than 10 meters high and took four summers to complete by Matahi and his four assistants. Matahi took no payment for their work but wanted to give it as a gift to Taupo. The carvings can only be reached by boat. There are many ways to view the carvings, head out for a boat cruise on the Ernest Kemp Steamboat or the Cruise Cat, enjoy a nice sail with Sail Barbary (the sunset cruise is quite nice), or kayak out to it with Canoe & Kayak or Taupo Kayaking Adventures (they both offer other cool activities as well).
Waikato River – It’s the longest river in New Zealand.
Waikato River Float Tour – what better way to see the river than kayak, you’re going to love the crystal clear waters.
Tongariro River – The Tongariro River is one of the world’s best places to catch trout. Visit the Tongariro National Trout Centre to learn more about fly fishing, the fish and even give fly fishing a go in the fishing pond. You can also walk or mountain bike the Tongariro River trail, it has stunning views and is suitable for kids.
Aratiatia Rapids – Watch as the gates open and the water comes flooding out, filling up the river and rushing through. This is where the famous ‘dwarf barrel’ scene from the movie, ‘The Hobbit – The Desolation of Smaug’ was filmed.
Trout fishing – Taupo is hugely known for its trout fishing, it’s good to know that it is highly regulated and there are lots of rules about where and how to fish. You’ll need to buy a license which can be brought online from the DOC site. If you’re new to it, the best way to go about it is to hire a guide who can come with you, show you the best spots and show you how it’s done.
Walk / bike
Craters Mountain Bike Park – There’s something for every age level and these tracks are great to ride – even in winter.
Pureora Forest – Fantastic walking and biking in a forest that has giant native trees and is rich in birdlife. Home to the popular 85km Timber Trail which can be walked or biked, and though this may be a bit too long for the kids, you can still enjoy smaller trails in this beautiful forest. Be sure to check out the Waihora Lagoon to see the mirror effects on the lake.
Kaimanawa Forest Park – Two family-friendly walks including the walk to the Pillars of Hercules that takes you over a suspension bridge and to a deep river canyon.
Great Lake Walkway – a flat and easy ride even for the youngest rider, this ride was voted as New Zealand’s Favourite Urban Ride in 2017. Paved trail and great for buggies.
Tokaanu Thermal Walk – a short and free walk past steaming mineral pools and mud pools. See if you can spot any rainbow trout in the cold Tokaanu stream that runs next to the thermal area. While you’re in the area, check out the Tokaanu Thermal Pools or the enjoy a picnic or fish at the Tokaanu Historic Wharf which is one of the oldest of its kind in New Zealand, dating back to the early 1800s.
Kiko Loop Track – walk or bike this short loop track through the forest.
Mount Tauhara walk – steep at times but this walk provides fantastic views of Lake Taupo.
Spa Thermal Walk to Huka Falls Walk – a 2-hour walk along the Waikato River. See the Huka Falls and Spa Thermal Park.
Waipunga Falls – see two 40m waterfalls coming together and right from the car park.
Lost Lagoon of Kuratau – a hidden gem that not many know about.
Tongariro River Trail – 15km, 1-3 hour easy grade 2 loop track, this makes for a great walking or biking track. Even beginner riders will love checking out this easy ride, fantastic for families. The track also passes The Tongariro National Trout Centre, making this a great stop in to break up the trail.
Waitonga Falls, Tongariro National Park – view the 39m Waitonga Falls. 40min each way. Location – the car park is 14km along Ohakune Mountain Road.
Ohakune Old Coach Road – walk (4 hours, 30 minutes) or cycle (2 hours, 20 minutes) New Zealand’s heritage rail, this 15km track will take you through native forest and there’ll be sweeping views to take in. It starts at Ohakune but I’ve heard that it’s easier to start at Horopito where there are more downhill sections.
Rotopounamu Track – 5km loop, 2-hour walk. This track will take you around a beautiful lake surrounded by native forest. Bring your lunch and pick a spot beside the lake as you listen to the bird’s sing.
Art
Graffiato, Taupo Street Art – grab a copy of the street art walking map and check out these amazing works of art, you’ll be impressed.
#LoveTaupo – get a quick photo in front of the #LoveTaupo lettering.
Eat
The Taupo Market – if you’re in the area on a Saturday morning, go check out the Taupo market in the town centre for fresh produce, food, art and crafts.
Huka Honey Hive – learn about bees and view the live bee display and taste the honey.
Mcdonald’s Plane – Mcdonald’s but in a plane.
Pauly’s Diner – it’s just a small shop but they do seriously good burgers – check out their Instagram to see what I’m talking about.
Spoon & Paddle – this 1950’s house cafe is welcoming and friendly and the food is great. They also have a playground for the kids.
There are so many great things to do in Taupo with your family. It’s an especially great destination in the summer time when the lake can be enjoyed to it’s fullest. The geothermal areas and pools also make Taupo a great place to come in the winter as well.
