What to do and see in Taupo, North Island: The Best Outdoor Activities

Hukafalls Jet is the only jet boat company permitted to take you to the base of the mighty Huka Falls for unique water-level views. This half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along the beautiful Waikato River, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and hot water streams. You’ll travel in one of our state of the art jet boats at an incredible 80km an hour and along the way you’ll experience our thrilling 360° spins. Operating on this stretch of the river since 1990, Hukafalls Jet has an outstanding record of professionalism and safety. Nothing gets you closer to the mighty Huka Falls!

The Jet Boat is a New Zealand icon, and jet boating is a favourite activity for Kiwis. Set in the beautiful Aratiatia Scenic Reserve is New Zealand’s best white water Jet Boat Ride, Rapids Jet.Conveniently located just 15 minutes drive north of Taupo and 50 minutes south of Rotorua, Rapids Jet operates on the biggest rapids for commercial jetboating in New Zealand.Shoot through a narrow canyon, be exhilarated by spins on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and surf the pressure waves of the awesome Nga AwaPurua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve, and learn about the wildlife and history of the area with your Kiwi owner/drivers Rusty, Jimmy and Gazza.Our 35 minute blast guarantees an adrenaline rush! Since 1993, over 140,000 passengers aged 5-89 years have safely experienced the thrill of real white water jet boating with Rapids Jet.We have thousands of hours experience driving jet boats both in New Zealand and overseas, so you can be sure you are in safe hands with Rapids Jet. Let us share our love of jet boating with you, book a ride on Rapids Jet today.

Tread Routes - Taupo Mountain Biking - provides shuttles, bike hire, and package tours for all the best trails around Taupo, including the Great Lake Trail, Timber Trail, and the Huka Falls Trails.

Experience the freedom of freefall in the home of skydiving with Taupo Tandem Skydiving! Operating for over 25 years, we're the original tandem dropzone in NZ - we've thrown over 200,000 crazy people out of our planes! A skydive with TTS is unforgettable - you'll see volcanoes, coast-to-coast views of the North Island and the incredible shores of Lake Taupo. Choose from our four heights – 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 15,000 ft or 18,500 ft for up to 75 seconds in freefall. We have the lowest-priced skydive in New Zealand and even offer complimentary pickups within Taupo and Rotorua. We've got plenty of amazing camera options to capture your skydive so you can take it home to show all your friends and family. We are a Qualmark Gold rated dropzone in which means your experience, safety, and our environmental impact are incredibly important to us. But most of all, we want to make sure you have the most fun ever!

Enjoy spectacular scenic flights in a high wing Cessna 206 Floatplane and enjoy unrestricted views looking down on beautiful Lake Taupo and the snow-capped mountains (volcanoes!) of Tongariro National Park. Floatplane scenic flights are a magical way to experience and gain a true perspective of the stunning Lake Taupo Region, and the sensation of taking off from and landing on the water is a memory you will never forget. Don't miss your opportunity to enjoy this unique flying experience

STRATUS, a 28ft Rayglass 850 designed for fishing & cruising on Lake Taupo in comfort in all weather conditions.Free light refreshments,BYO other stuff! From $110 per hour for the boat & quality gear (not per person). Go with the local professional who owns the boat and has your interest at heart. Phone or email Marty today.

Doughboats is New Zealand’s first and only doughnut boats! Our electric powered boats seat up to 6 passengers and cruises are 2 hours long. Pack some drinks and nibbles and cruise the shoreline of Lake Taupo while enjoying your favorite music via bluetooth speakers.

Our electric yacht is 100% sustainable, emissions and noise free, making it climate safe, and Lake Taupo’s best sailing experience. We have been sailing 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, the volcanics and the carvings. Free refreshments including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and mulled wine (winter only). We are licenced but you are welcome or bring your own. Swimming is encouraged. Sail Barbary is the only boat in Taupo rated 'Qualmark Gold' by Tourism NZ under the 'sustainable business' category.

"Be Fearless" Come on board Fearless for simply the best sailing experience on Great Lake Taupō. This is the more intimate cruise option to the famous Maori Rock carvings, with sleek lines and a maximum of only 18 passengers. Guests can relax on beanbags and snuggle under blankets, or give the crew a hand. The pirate-themed Sail Fearless has got to be the not-so-buried treasure of Great Lake Taupō . With a heart of gold and extensive knowledge of the region, lake and notoriously quick-tempered weather of New Zealand it is no wonder Fearless (David) has won so many awards for his affordable cruises. The Experience Experience the beauty and thrill of a scenic journey out to the infamous Maori rock carvings taking in the popular Te Kopua and Acacia Bays en route. Be sure to bring your camera to capture some of the most breathtaking views around. The Sailing Fearless sails under full sail or gently meanders, when it is truly calm, by motor. The Swim Stop Each trip includes a swimming stop in summer or winter if your brave (weather depended). The longest swim stop out of any other company on the lake. The Refreshments Light Refreshments can be purchased from the cheapest bar on the lake or you can also bring your own light refreshments for your convenience. So come and join us on Fearless for a trip to remember! note Please be at Berth # 31, 15 minutes prior to sailing time. Also please bring warm clothing & soft shoes (No hard shoes) You are more than welcome to bring food and drinks on-board too.

Experience the best views of New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction, Huka Falls with Huka Falls River Cruise. Enjoy incredible views of this spectacular waterfall in comfort with Huka Falls River Cruise’s purpose-built river boat. Sit back and relax as we glide along the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, to Huka Falls. Experience the crystal clear water, birdlife, natural hot streams and the native tree-lined bush with our informative local guides. Enjoy the views and capture the best photos from our open-air large rear deck and front viewing platforms. We bring you so close to the falls that you can feel the spray on your face. The river is always calm so we can operate our family friendly, 1 hour 20 minute cruise in all weather. Complimentary tea and coffee is available in the comfortable inside seating area. Watch the opening of the Aratiatia Dam to create spectacular rapids before or after your cruise.