Taupo New Zealand

While you are down that way, at the falls I mean, there are several other attractions: 

Huka Prawn Park.  Using the waste warm water from the nearby geothermal power station, Prawn Park grows fresh water prawns commercially. You can fish for them (They call it "hook-a-prawn".  Cute, eh?) - and have them cooked fresh off the barbeque in the restaurant.  Naturally there are all sorts of prawn delicacies in the shop and restaurant. Open from 9am every day - tours leave every hour between 11 and 4.

The Honey Hive.  All things honey - NZs largest showcase of honey products. Enjoy free tasting of 100% pure honey, mead and fruit wines. If the bees make it, they've got it. Manuka honey, royal Jelly, bee pollen and more. Safe viewing of live beehives, interactive displays and video show about the amazing honeybee.  

For kids especially:
Cherry Island Cherry Island is an island in the Waikato River with small animals, bird aviary and trout pools. Licensed cafe, art gallery and souvenir shop. This is a great chance for kids to get up close and personal with a wide range of friendly animals.  

Spa Dinosaur Valley Spa Rd. Life-size concrete dinosaurs.  It's not quite Jurassic Park, but it's a lot of fun any way.  

Adventure Activities

Bungy Jumping
Taupo Bungy  The most popular bungy jump in the North Island for good reason: You jump from a platform cantilevered out from a cliff top above a particularly scenic spot on the Waikato River.  $99 per jump. 

Flightseeing
Taupo Volcanic Airplane Adventures   Take your pick of three scenic flights by 4-seater airplane - to  Lake Taupo volcanic zone's natural features of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Tongariro and the Central North Island region including the active White Island volcano off the coast of Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty. Local sightseeing $95 pp, Tongariro National Park (55min) $225, Mt Tarawera and White Island (1hr 40min) $450pp.

Taupo's Floatplane  "A shower of spray and we're up, up and away". Take off from the lake, right at the foot of the township and catch a from-the-top view of local and not-so-local sights. Flights range from $ 70 for 10min to $540 for the White Island trip.

Clark and Jolly Helicopters  In 2001, and after more than 30 years in helicopters, aviation, boating, fishing and hunting, New Zealand helicopter legend Toby Clark and outdoors hunting/fishing specialist Chris Jolly formed Clark & Jolly Helicopters. Options range from 10min local sightseeing ($95 ads /$ 70 chd) to a 1hr flight over Tongariro National Park ($595 ads / $495 chd).

Helistar Helicopters  Flightseeing by helicopter. Options range from 10min local sightseeing ($95 ads /$ 70 chd) to a 2hr flight over Tongariro National Park and Kaimanawa wilderness areas ($995 ads / $645 chd).

Gliding
Taupo Gliding Club Once you see just how scenically beautiful the lake and mountains are, you might get a hankering to float above it in the silence of a glider. Call the club and set up a flight - prices start at $100 for a 15-20min flight during which you can take the controls. 

Jet Boating
Hukafalls Jet,   Combine 360° spins and howling past the scenery  up close at disorientating speeds, before even reaching the the Huka Falls for a water-level view. 

Rapids Jet, When they release the water into the Aratiatia Rapids (see above for details), that's the signal for Rapids Jet to roar into the foaming canyon below the rapids themselves . . . the biggest rapids for commercial jet boating in New Zealand  There's all the usual 360deg spins and close encounters with rock faces. 

Kayaking
Kayaking Kiwi.   These guys specialise in a half day kayaking trip to visit the rock carvings in Mine Bay. $95 pp. Or if you prefer they'll put together a custom kayak adventure from half a day to an overnight trip with a strong emphasis on eco-kayaking.    

Rapid Sensations    A Waikato River cruise which starts from the source of the river and finishes with a small rapid at Reid’s Farm Kayak Course. It is a gentle paddle down through a scenic waterway with opportunities to see people bungy jump from underneath the platform and soak in some natural thermal streams. Suitable for the whole family, the "first time" kayaker of any age or those just wanting a peaceful, scenic river cruise. Operates year round rain or shine twice a day at 9:30am and 2:30pm.  They also operate a kayak school.

Motor Racing
Formula Challenge   Ever had a hankering to drive a single seater racing car or one of the big V8 Supercars? This is your big moment. Even if you've never handled anything more grunty than a Fiat 500 you'll get a complete briefing, some test laps then you're out on your own. $290 for a two hr session. Not avail every day - usually four or five days a month.  Check the website for details.

Quad biking
Taupo Quad Adventures.  Rock and roll on forest and farm trails on a 300cc quad bike. Trips from 1 hr ($70) to a full day ($275)   

Skydiving
Taupo has built up a well-deserved reputation for sky-diving - as much as anything it's the scenery you jump into.  The lake, the mountains, the river all combine to make this a visual experience of the highest order.
 
Taupo Tandem Skydiving  Purportedly the first tandem skydive operation in New Zealand and currently the largest in the world. Operating daily, year round (weather permitting) since 1992. 12,000ft $219, from 15,000ft $314.

Skydive Taupo   From  12,000ft $220, from 15,000ft $315.  

Horse Riding
Taupo Horse Treks  Fearnley & Sue Tippett who operate Taupo Horse Treks have a combined, 45 years experience with horses and enjoy a well-deservfed reputation as a class act. They run 1 and 23 hr treks at various times through the day . . . and pony rides for kids. The treks take you through forest with a look out over Craters of the Moon. 1hr trek $45 pp, 2 hr $80, pony ride $20 1/2 hr. 

Sailing
Sailing Centre  No matter what way you would like to get out on the water, these guys can do it.  Sailboats suitable for beginners to experts from $35 half hr/$50 an hr, day/overnight sailers $175 half day/$250 day/$350 overnight. Skippered 27ft yacht for half day to overnight (sleeps four). Kayaks single or double from $15 half hr/$25 hr, Canadian style canoes with enough room for 2 ads/2chd $25 half hr/$35 hr. Wind surfers $30-$55 hr. Half hr trip to the rock carvings $25 ads/$10 chd. Wake-boarding or water-skiing $55 15min/$80 half hr/$160 hr.  
  
Geothermal Attractions

Craters of the Moon, accessible off SH1, is an active geothermal field.  Thermal mud pools bubble away and plants not normally native to the area thrive in this hot and partly noxious environment. Boardwalks and pathways have been created to lead spectators safely through the area making sure the fumes and hot temperatures around the steam vents are no danger to the tourist in this well-visited spot.

Access is free but a donation to help with maintaining the tracks would be a nice gesture.

Thermal Spa Pools
Taupo Hot Springs Spa,   For more than a century, people have been using the water of Taupo Hot Springs for its secluded charms and healing properties. The picturesque Onekeneke valley, hidden by raupo and rushes, was a favorite bathing spot among early Maori inhabitants. Ever since the Armed Constabulary moved into the area, in the mid 19th century, this bathing spot has been a favourite for tens of thousands of visitors. Spa pools, private spas, hot and cold main pools and all sorts of water slides, water jets, whirlygigs and thingamajigs for nothing but fun.  If you have small persons at heel it's great bribe, as in  "Eat your broccoli and we'll go to Taupo Hot Springs". Open 7.30am-9pm every day.

AC Baths  Typical large pool complex with thermally heated liesure pools, lap pools  and things like hydroslides, Tarzan swing etc.  Sauna, private spa pools. Take a picnic pack and book one of the barbecue areas to make a day (or evening) of it. Open every day 6am-9pm.

Culture and Heritage

Maori Rock Cervings.  The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay are over 10 metres high and are only accessible by boat.  The spiritual and cultural beauty of these magnificent carvings towering over deep waters are particularly  beautiful in a setting sun. In the late 1970s master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell came to his mother's land at Lake Taupo and on a boat trip around the Western Bays saw in the cliffs a canvas for his work.

Matahi decided to carve a likeness of Ngatoroirangi, a visionary Maori navigator who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupo area over a thousand years ago. In recognition of the multi-cultural nature of New Zealand, Matahi also carved two smaller figures of Celtic design, which depict the south wind and a mermaid. The Ngatoroirangi carving took four summers to complete and the carvers took no payment other than donations to cover the cost of the scaffolding.

The carving has become an important cultural attraction for the region and is a wonderful gift and example of traditional Maori knowledge and skills.

Fishing

Lake Taupo is New Zealand's premier fishing destination and is an internationally renowned trout fishery. Taupo offers superb fishing for large brown and rainbow trout all year, with mainly boat fishing in the summer and fly fishing in the winter.

Brown trout are plentiful but outnumbered by the rainbows.which are of steelhead stock, but are prevented from going to sea by the hydro dams along the rivers. They live in the lake all summer then make spawning runs upstream, returning to the lake in spring to fatten up again by autumn. The fish average around 1.4kg but every year fish of over 7kg (15lbs) are caught.

During the summer months there are few fish in the streams. Most are back in the lake and trolling or harling are the most popular methods of catching them. With a troll, a metal lure is used, sometimes with lead core lines for deep fishing during the hot months when the trout lie deep.

The harling method uses normal fly lines rods and reels to troll or "harl" a fly. This is particularly effective when the trout are surface feeding on smelt - a small fish.

In the summer the best fly fishing is at the river mouths. A radius of 300 m from where the stream enters the lake is designated "fly only". The fish congregate around the river mouths where the colder water flows in, bringing food with it. Fishing is done either by wading out and casting into the rip, or casting from a moored boat. Some of the best streams are often accessible only by boat.

For a good backgrounder on local conditions go to NZ Fishing website.

The easiest way to arrange a fishing trip is to call at the Taupo Launchmens Assn  booking office at the boat harbour. 

Chris Jolly Outdoors One of the best known outdoor guiding companies in NZ. They operate five large charter boats and can arrange helicopter trips into the wilderrness, guided fly fishing on the streams and lake edge, or boat fishing. 

Grant Bayley Outdoor Guides   Grant Bayley and Will Fullerton are two top-line guides who can organise fly or lake fishing, or hunting trips.

Freetime Fishing Adventures   Aaron Sloan recommendations have been gained with years of local knowledge and experience starting as a ten year old.

If you are of a mind to do your own thing start by getting gear and advice (and a fishing licence) at

Taupo Rod and Tackle.  Ian and Cynthia Cameron purchased the business from Bob Sullivan, who in his 41 years of retail had become somewhat of an icon in fishing circles  Ian has fished all his life so he can advise you on local conditions and equipment.

Fly and Gun Shop Hunting and Fishing  Fly and Gun Shop is the local franchisee of the very profession Hunting and Fishing group which has retailers throughoutt the country.  Owner Mike Stent, has been a registered professional fly-fishing guide for the past 10 years and has also represented New Zealand in fly-fishing competitions at world, Commonwealth and Oceania levels.

Gardens

At the Taupo Museum (see below) they have recreated the "100% Pure New Zealand Ora - Garden of Wellbeing"  which won a gold medal at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show. The garden has been cleverly designed to capture the essence of the central North Island.  Ora's remarkable replica silica terraces, created in the Weta Workshop in Wellington - better known for their work in films like "Lord Of The Rings" and  - , were inspired by the Orakei Korako geothermal area nestled in a hidden valley north of Taupo. 

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve  can be accessed from Sheperds Rd, high on a hill, with spectacular views over Lake Taupo to the mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Established in 1966 as a park of native trees and plants, the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve has been developed and maintained by dedicated volunteers. 

It has 35 hectares of gardens, an alpine garden, lemonwood walk and 2000 rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias that are a blaze of colour every spring.

Lake Cruising

Steamboat Alice Alice is the oldest commercial vessel in New Zealand, a steamboat licensed to carry 15 persons.  Departs Saturdays 11am, 12.30, 2pm. Ads $20 chd $8.

Cruise Cat  If you'd rather do it in style in one of those 60ft floating gin palaces of the rich and famous this catamaran is for you. Duration 1 1/2hrs. Departs daily 10.30. Ads $35 chd $16.

Barbary  A 2 1/2 cruise on a 15m (50ft) ocean going schooner that was once owned by actor Errol Flynn.   Departs daily 10:30 2 and in summer 5.  Duration 2 1/2 hrs. Ads $30 chd $10.

Ernest Kemp  Another steamboat, licensed to carry 15 persons.  Departs daily 10.30, 2 and in summer 5. Duration 2hrs. Ads $30 chd $10.

Museum

Taupo Museum  Home to a blend of heritage and culture; from yesterday’s historic treasures to today’s contemporary art. Expositions on the history, the trout fishing and especially the geology of the area - because, let's be honest, geology  is a biggie in this region. 

River Cruising

Huka Falls River Cruise  See the Aratiatia rapids before boarding "Maid Of The Falls" river boat for a 1 1/2 hour cruise to get a water level view of Huka Falls - the river is always calm. Departs daily at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm plus 4.30pm in summer. Also a twilight or glow-worm cruise (times vary). Complimentary refreshments are provided on board

Volcanic Experience

Volcanic Activity Centre,   Explore the mysteries of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Learn the secrets of local volcanoes and geothermal areas by experiencing the interactive and educational displays and films  A big favourite is the earthquake simulator which knocks out a mighty earthquake of a magnitude equivalent to 6.3 on the Richter scale. Take a seat, hit the button and hang on while the earth trembles and shakes and the light bulb flickers and sways.

Walks

Lions Walk  was formed on the lake reserve by the Taupo Lions Club and is an easy, level walk on a pathway that borders the lake edge.  It begins at Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp and follows the lakeshore south.  Kowhai trees have been planted along the way to provide shelter for local wildlife.  Ducks and swans can usually be seen on the lakeshore, and shags are common.  Suitable for any age group.

Mt Tauhara is a dormant volcano 1088 metres high, on the east side of the Taupo Volcannic zone. Mount Tauhara is a prominent landmark for the Taupo township, and access is 6 kilometres east of the town off State Highway 5. The mountain is often referred to as The Lady of the Lake or the Pregnant Lady owing to its silhouette when viewed from the west. Formed about 65,000 years ago, Mount Tauhara was not a fiery inferno or tumultuous event, instead slowly oozing out as a viscous lava.

There are helicopter flights to the top and guided tours available. The mountain has tracks to the top through native bush. The land is private Maori land so walkers are asked to respect the priviledge of being allowed access.

There are a number of other walks close to the township varying in length from 20min to 4hrs.  For details go to the DoC website.

Further afield there a couple of interesting walks:

Kawakawa Bay Walking Track.  Kawakawa Bay. 

Time: 4 hr return. Travel north from Taupo on SH 1 over the Waikato River. At the top of the hill turn left into Poihipi Road and follow signs to Kinloch (24 km). Go past the boat marina to a parking area by the beach in Nisbett Terrace.

The track to Kawakawa Bay begins at the western end of the beach to the right of the parking area. The track entrance is signposted. Glorious views feature as the track climbs from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. The bush is dominated by rewarewa but look out for the giant matai too. Once you reach the rocky lookout the track drops down to Kawakawa Bay.

Tahunatara Point Walking Track

Time: 1 hr 30 min return. Take SH 1 north out of Taupo, cross the Control Gates, turn left onto Norman Smith Street, left onto Acacia Bay Road, and right onto Mapara Road. Follow this for 6.7 km then turn left onto the unsealed Whakaipo Bay Road. Head down towards the beach then veer left to the track signs. Park beside the fence. The track begins across the Mapara Stream bridge. Cross the stile to the right of the bridge and follow the track markers past the boat ramp and along the Lakeshore through regenerating bush. It's an easy walk on level ground - ideal for families. There are several picnic and fishing spots along the way.

At the end of the track there are views over the lake to Karangahape cliffs and the Tongariro National Park volcanoes. Walk a further five minutes to view Tahunatara Point. Return via the same route.

Note: This track crosses private land leased by DoC from the trustees of the ID2 Maori Land Trust. Please respect the landowners wishes and stay on the track.