Find eight great things to do in the Taupō region, from lake adventures to hot springs, cycle trails and secret spots you've probably never heard of!
1. Lake Taupō Doughboats
If you're visiting Lake Taupō chances are you'll want to get out on the water. One of the latest and most striking additions to the Taupō waterfront are Doughboats – doughnut-shaped boats with room for up to six people to cruise the inner reaches of the Great Lake. Aboard your very own bubble-like boat, you can explore the many bays and hidden coves, leap into the lake for a swim, or enjoy a picnic while bobbing on the waves. You don’t need a special license to drive a Doughboat – just nominate someone as skipper and set off on your unique lake cruise.
2. Mine Bay Rock Carvings
Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Maori rock carvings, on Lake Taupō, are something else. They tower above the lake, etched into high cliff faces, defying rationale. How did they get there? And how do you get there? They’re only accessible by boat, so that’s one question answered. Various boat tours from Taupō Boat Harbour will take you to Mine Bay to view the large face of Ngātoroirangi and various small companion figures; paddling your own kayak is an even better option because you can get much closer to the carvings. How the art got there is not such a mystery. Although they look ancient, they were carved in the 1970s by a team lead by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell using power tools.
3. Spa Thermal Park at Otumuheke Stream
Where the Waikato River meets Otumuheke Stream in Taupō you’ll find free outdoor hot pools. Rich with historical significance for local Iwi, Otumuheke Stream was once a landing point for waka where people gathered to cleanse and heal themselves in the waters. Today, Spa Thermal Park at Otumukehe Stream is still a popular spot with local bathers enjoying the warm geothermal waterfalls and relaxing in natural rock pools. The water temperature changes depending on where you sit in the stream, so you can find a comfortable spot to suit everyone. Changing rooms, toilets, stream-side lounging areas, seating and a coffee kiosk have recently been added to enhance your bathing experience. A great outing for the whole family, Spa Thermal Park is literally one of Taupō’s best hot spots.
4. Taxicat Adventures
The Western Bays of Lake Taupō that extend from Kinloch can only be reached on the Great Lake Cycle Trail that wraps around the lake’s perimeter – or by boat. The lake itself is massive with a shoreline stretching 195km and a surface area the size of Singapore. Onboard a Western Bay Taster cruise with Taxicat Adventures you’ll get to experience the secret spots that are otherwise inaccessible. Think incredibly clear water – jewel-toned as it reflects off the pale pumice bottom – phenomenal rock formations in the soaring rhyolite cliffs popular with climbers, ravines and frothing waterfalls that tumble into the lake. Otupoto Falls is the largest waterfall discharging into the lake and you’ll get close enough to touch it as the boat noses into the narrow crevice of rock. Ashore at Kotukutuku Bay you can take a short bush walk to discover another waterfall which is particularly impressive after rain. The trip also includes a picnic stop on a pristine, deserted beach with freshly brewed local coffee or hot chocolate.
5. Huka River Trails
The best way to explore the 14km loop from Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam is by e-bike. Although the trail is a Grade 2-3, so relatively easy going and family-friendly, the electric boost is a welcome addition to get you up some of the steeper hills. Hire bikes from the team at FourB at The Hub and set off on riverside adventure bookended by the phenomenal power of the river at Huka Falls and, if you time it right, the Aratiatia hydroelectric dam release. Parts of the trail wind through bush and can get muddy, so be prepared for splatters, but the riverside pumice paths are generally flat and fun. Along the way you’ll get great vantage points over the Huka Prawn Park and in behind Wairākei Resort a rest stop to soak your feet in the warm geothermal waters of the stream is recommended!
6. Kuratau Lost Lagoon
This is a mysterious spot that’s well off the beaten track. Locals keep this picturesque swimming hole a closely-guarded secret, and in fact it’s known by several different names. The Champagne Pools aka the Fairy Pond aka the Lost Lagoon is a deep underground spring emerging in a bush clearing on the outskirts of Tūrangi. With crystalline water so clear you can see all the stones on the bottom and natural rock formations perfect for leaping off, it’s worth making the effort to seek out this special pool. Be warned, the spring water is icy cold year-round. From Kuratau, about 30km north west of Tūrangi, park towards the end of Kuratau Hydro Road – if you get to the power station you’ve gone too far. Follow the stream, and the lagoon can be reached on a ten-minute walk through the bush on a faintly-marked track.
7. The Great Lake Trail
Ride around the north-western shores of Lake Taupō on the Great Lake Trail. An 83km, one- to three-day grade three ride, the Great Lake Trail forms part of the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail. Taking in a range of diverse landscapes, the Great Lake Trail includes wetlands and waterfalls, beaches, gorges, headlands, bridges and of course vistas of New Zealand’s largest lake. Tackle the trail one multi-day trip, or it can be split into shorter sections to suit your cycling skills. Experienced riders will enjoy the exhilarating downhills, switchbacks and cambered berms, while the easier sections allow you to soak up the unusual rock formations and unique volcanic scenery.
8. The Squeeze
Wriggle through a narrow rock crevice to find a naturally-heated waterfall, deep in the bush on the outskirts of Taupō. On a unique adventure with New Zealand River Jet, you can take a fast-paced jet boat blast through the Tutukau Gorge to reach an enchanted world. Make your way through the warm, geothermal waters as you inch between rocky crevices, and clamber over boulders to find this remarkable spot. The Squeeze is aptly named, and if you don’t suffer from claustrophobia, it makes for a great adventure. At the end are the rewards – a gorgeous waterfall and a naturally-heated bathing pool – just the right place to regather yourself before heading back.
