Taupo Tours & Vacations

An Intrepid leader in a red branded hat and shirt laughing in front of Huka Falls in New Zealand.

Taupo in the heart of the North Island is home to New Zealand's largest lake. 

It’s a place of extraordinary natural beauty and the ideal destination for those who enjoy getting out and about in the great outdoors. One Taupo’s biggest claims to fame is Lake Taupo which is housed in an ancient volcanic caldera born from one of the world’s most spectacular volcanic eruptions. However, there are plenty of things to do in Taupo which don’t involve getting out on the lake. The trout-filled rivers offer some of world’s best fly-fishing and there are ancient forests to explore, together with steaming geothermal valleys with natural hot springs, and superb national parks like Tongariro National Park which is a dual-listed UNESCO heritage site. Mountain bikers come to Taupo to ride The Great Lake Trails on the western shores of Lake Taupo which are considered some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. If you would prefer to hit the slopes, you’ll find New Zealand’s largest ski fields near Taupo on Mt Ruapehu, which also draw hikers in summer.

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Taupo highlights

The turquoise and white waters of Huka Falls surrounded by trees in Taupo, New Zealand
See mighty Huka Falls
Most people park at the carpark and snap a photo of Huka Falls from the viewing bridge but a jetboat trip offers a far more exciting look at this dramatic waterfall. Seeing these falls from the water is one of the best ways to appreciate the mighty 220,000 litre per second water flow. If you enjoy hiking, you can also take an easy one hour walk along the Huka Falls Trail which begins at a slow-flowing and peaceful part of the Waikato River and finishes with the roar of the falls filling your ears.
Wai o Tapu in New Zealand, the volcanic wonderland near Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Taupo geothermal wonders
Taupo is part of a large volcanic zone so it’s no surprise there’s an impressive array of geothermal activity in the region. Don’t be surprised if you see steam drifting across the landscape on chilly mornings or pushing its way out of vents in the earth. There are plenty of geothermal viewing areas in and around Taupo where you can stroll along walkways and see bubbling mud pools and steaming mineral lakes. Visiting a thermal spa for a soak in the hot spring water is another must-do.
Hikers with arms outstretched in front of a lake on the Tongariro Crossing, Taupo, New Zealand
Hike Tongariro National Park
Enjoy a scenic flight over Lake Taupo or venture further afield to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest National Park. Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding volcanic landscape and great cultural significance. Here you'll get to see not one but three live craters and also three incredible blue-green lakes. If you're an experienced hiker, the Tongariro Crossing is one of New Zealand's best (and most challenging) day walks.
White water rafting in the turquoise waters of Huka Falls in New Zealand surrounded by trees.
White water rafting at Taupo
Grab your paddles and a few mates and jump in a raft with your guide for a rollicking white water rafting adventure down the Tongariro River. This scenic river flows into Lake Taupo and offers plenty of enjoyment for paddlers of all ages and abilities. When you’re not paddling and riding the rapids, keep an out for trout swimming near the raft. This active excursion is as enjoyable as it is scenic, so you’ll get to have lots of fun and soak up nature at the same time.
Two travellers swimming in Lake Taupo in New Zealand.
Get out on Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. The best way to experience it is to get out on its pristine waters. Join a scenic boat cruise to see native water birds and hidden coves, or book a Lake Taupo kayak tour and surround yourself with the beauty of the lake and the surrounding area. If you're feeling adventurous, you can go on a Lake Taupo parasailing adventure for a bird's eye view of Taupo and the lake's sparkling waters.

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Premium New Zealand North Island

Peter
Traveled February 2026

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New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound)

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