Things to do in Taupo District, North Island: The Best Tours

Enjoy your first taste of river rafting on this leisurely 2-hour tour from Turangi. The ideal choice for families and first-time rafters, you'll paddle downstream, admire stunning views along the Tongariro River, and navigate some gentle rapids.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off Turangi only (if option selected), All equipment and instruction, Coffee, tea, and snacks

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Splash, crash and laugh with the best 3-hour adventure for families with younger children. Professionally guided and completely outfitted, spend up to 1.75-hours on the river rafting through 20-plus exciting but safe grade two rapids. Visit the National Trout Centre and feed the fish, enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate, swim in the pools and experience the beautiful Tongariro River. Back at base enjoy a hot shower followed by complimentary cold refreshments and a river dog (hot dog) while watching your trips photo's.

Inclusions: Professional "Kiwi" River Guide, Transport to and from the river, Visit to the National Trout Centre, On River Hot Chocolate and Chocolate, Optional Cliff Jump, Hot Showers, Post trip cold Beer/Soda or Hot Mulled Wine, Post trip River Dog (Hot Dog)

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Take a Tour which is Good for your soul. Visit Nature & Natural Places in New Zealand. Book with us for a Flexible , affordable Private Tour. Take your break wherever you want, No Sharing or Group Tour. Enjoy your Privacy and Family Tour Time :)

Inclusions: Driver / Guide, Private Transportation , Air-Conditioned Vehicle, Drinking Water 1 bottle per person, Snack / Chips, Soft drink

Exclusions: Tour Guide Tips ($10 per person), Lunch, Personal Expenses

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our lakefront pier.

Inclusions: Driver and Guide

Exclusions:

Over 24 unforgettable days you will experience it all: secluded beaches, jaw-dropping scenery, Māori culture, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you could ever wish for. As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events, ranging from a Māori cultural night to learning to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe), and even a greenstone carving experience. You will see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin swimming to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want. Activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.

Inclusions: Continental Breakfast Every Day - heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!), Orientation Tours - we give you the low-down on every location, Comfortable Transport - with plenty of room to spread out, High-End Hostel Accommodation - dorm share, upgrades available, Experienced Local Guide , Small Groups - Max 16 people. You are more than just a number, Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand, 2 dinners Fish'n'Chips in Paihia and a traditional cooked hangi in Murupara to full your puku! (belly), Experience a Māori cultural performance in Rotorua during the Cultural Experience Night, Visit Te Puia - cultural centre about traditional Māori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline, Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait, Optional transport back from Wellington to Auckland on Day 24

Exclusions: Additional activities - such as bungy jumping, Lunch and dinner are own costs - unless specified

We have been cruising to the iconic Maori Rock Carvings since 1982. This all-year-round activity offers relaxation, fun and adventure on the water, the Kiwi way. Get right up close to this culturally significant 46 foot (14m) high rock art. Excellent, amusing and current commentary on Lake Taupo, the volcanoes and the carvings.

Inclusions: Restroom on board, Coffee and/or Tea, Toasty warm ponchos, Evening cruises include a glass of wine/beer/soft drink , Alcoholic beverages available for purchase, Swimming is encouraged

Exclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off, Additional food and drinks, Gratuities

Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Only view-able from the water, the likeness of Ngātoroirangi towers 14-meters above Lake Taupō, surrounded by over 40 smaller carvings.. Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around. Relax on Lake Taupōs largest charter yacht “Kindred Spirit” and enjoy the superior comfort with a large deck space and a lounge under deck for up to 12 people. Listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks. Kindred Spirit sails under full sails as much as possible or gently meanders, when it is truly calm, by a quite inboard diesel engine. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Blankets, Wet weather gear, free pizza (if option selected), Selection of non-alcoholic drinks (if option is selected), Selection of beer and wine (if option is selected), BYO, Longest swim stop out of any company on the lake (weather dependent), Restroom on board

Exclusions: Accommodation pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks (if option not selected)

Skydive from 12,000ft above stunning Lake Taupo, New Zealand's original drop zone! Take in spectacular views of the Tongariro National Park and the Central Plateau. With free local Hummer pickups, free Rotorua pickups, internet uploads and the most camera options in New Zealand, a skydive with us is unforgettable.

Inclusions: 12,000-ft (3,660-m) Skydive, Professional guide, Use of harness, jumpsuit, and goggles, Free scarf, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charge

Exclusions: DVD (available to purchase), Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Glide your kayak over Lake Taupo's crystal clear waters as you paddle to the awe-inspiring Maori Rock Carvings on this 4-hour guided tour.  Soak in the view across the Lake to 3 live volcano's while you hear the history of the carvings, various Maori legends and facts of the local area from your guide before enjoying rock jumps and a swim in Australasia's largest freshwater Lake. A must-do while in Taupo!

Inclusions: Light refreshments, Kayak Tour, Kayak Equipment, Photos

Exclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Waikato River Float Cruise lazily down the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, on this gentle kayak tour. The tour starts near the control bridge in town and meanders down the slow moving crytal clear waters of the Waikato River. Kayak past stunning cliff faces, lush native forests, islands, river wildlife and swimming holes. You will kayak under Taupo Bungy’s platform where hopefully someone will be hurling themselves down into the water. Cheer them on! Towards the end of the trip you will stop by a natural hot springs popular with the locals and tourists alike where you can get out for a soak. You will end the trip at Reid’s Farm with some refreshments.

Inclusions: Full instructions and commentary, Professional and experienced guide, Top quality kayaking equipment, Safety gear, Gourmet refreshments, Snacks, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off. On request only. Please call or email to arrange.