Location: Taupo
Top Things to do in Taupo
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What to do and see in Taupo, North Island: The Best Cultural Tours
This adrenaline-pumping city offers an abundance of skydiving, jetboating and bungee jumping. Discover the marvels of Orakei Korako thermal park, featuring caves, hot springs and boiling mud pools. Gaze across Lake Taupo to see the spectacular volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park, and make sure to visit Huka Falls, one of the great watery wonders of New Zealand.
Restaurants in Taupo
1. Cruise Kakariki to the Maori Rock Carvings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
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
Reviewed By Grzgz
It was a pure pleasure to see the carvings on a great sunny day on a boat that does not take too many ppl on board. The only problem was that there was no wind, but the electlic engine that the boat has is making no noise and so the trip was very relaxing and successful. Highly recommended!
2. Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls & Taupo! This is all of the most popular North Island attractions in an epic two day tour. Highlights: • Hobbiton Movie Set • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Rotorua Highlights & Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland • Taupo Highlights & Huka Falls While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This tour doesn't rush you, with time and options to add extra activities if you choose. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry tickets - stated activities only, Bottled Water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Taupo
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Reviewed By M6828DUlisao
We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us
3. 23-Day Epic New Zealand Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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
Reviewed By Elizabeth K
I booked a trip scheduled 2nd April, the company notified me that due Covid 19 pandemic the tour would be cancelled. I was offered options of a refund or get credits. I chose refund as I was not gonna get any other time which they concurred. After 2 weeks I was contacted by one rude Eva Lawrence who stayed that the business was not doing well due to the pandemic hence they would not refund back the money?! So is that how you treat your customers? Was it my fault that you cancelled the trip due to the pandemic??! I need a refund ASAP. [email protected] +61450753569
4. Maori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 297 reviews
Ernest Kemp Cruises cruising Lake Taupo for over 30 years. We specialise in visiting the Maori Rock Carvings daily. Enjoy the history of the area and this unique replica steamboat. Friendly skipper and crew offer a live commentary and a colour brochure explaining the meaning of the carvings. Lots of great photo opportunities with viewing and seating both inside and out. Bring a towel in summer months your skipper may decide there is time for a swim in our crystal clear lake. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Free wifi on board. 4 cruises daily in the summer months, from 90 - 120 minutes. Our popular 5 pm Cocktail Cruise includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza, this is all included in the ticket price. Sit back and relax you will have great experience on board Ernest Kemp Cruises.
Inclusions: Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Free Wifi on board.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By DianneC516
With NZ borders closed to overseas tourists because of COVID-19, numbers are down at all attractions. The “Ernest Kemp” sailed from Taupo marina with just four paying passengers, plus the charming young woman who is the tour guide on board. The ship was built in 1980, but in an older style. There is seating both inside and out. It chugs gently rather than racing and bumping on the lake. The boat has been kept in excellent condition. All the paintwork is fresh and clean. A pleasure to be on board. Tea and coffee are complementary, and there is a liquor licence allowing the sale of a small range of beers and wine. The tour to the Māori carving takes just over an hour, and finishes with a run along the cbd lake front. The commentary is informative. We had perfect weather and it was exceedingly pleasant being out on the water.
5. Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls & Taupo! This is all of the most popular North Island attractions in an epic two day tour. Highlights: • Hobbiton Movie Set • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Rotorua Highlights & Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland • Taupo Highlights & Huka Falls While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This tour gives you the time and options to add extra activities if you choose and is led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets - stated activities only, Accommodation, Bottled Water, Snacks
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By M6828DUlisao
We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us
6. Flexible Fully Guided New Zealand Bus Pass - Auckland to Christchurch & Milford
This flexible Hop-on Hop-off bus pass allows you to either take your time in each epic stop over, or cruise on through on the minimum time (18 days). We take you to the highlights of New Zealand, as well as some unknown spots that make you feel like you are having a true Kiwi Experience. Stay overnight in stops such as the famous Franz Josef, discover the underground world of Waitomo, seek out your favourite activities in adrenaline capital of Queenstown, white water rafting through the Rangitikei River, and discover the history of New Zealand in our Capital of Wellington. • Fully guided flexible tour allowing you to choose what you want to do • Meet mates from all around the world • Largest and original hop-on hop-off NZ travel network
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guaranteed Accommodation (Paid for on arrival at accommodation), Guaranteed bookings on activities (Activities not included in price, can be booked on bus with driver guide), Daily walks and photo stops, Daily cafe/supermarket breaks
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Accommodation, Ferry Ticket, Activities
Reviewed By Dimitrisas100
I booked tickets from kiwi to return to my country because of covid. I went to airport and the airline told me that didn't find my name as a passenger there , and after when i called my airline they told me that it looked that i cancelled my flight and i have to call kiwi. I called kiwi and they told me that they couldn't do anything. It was unexeptable i stayed in the airport and kiwi didn't help me , i lost my flight in a condition such as covid. Only stress and anxiety. Kiwi is very bad.
