Taupo in the heart of the North Island is home to New Zealand's largest lake
Taupo highlights
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.
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.
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, recognised 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.
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.
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.
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Premium New Zealand North Island
Colin
Traveled September 2026
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Traveled September 2026
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