Top Taupo Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Relax aboard a sailing yacht on Great Lake Taupo during this sightseeing cruise to Maori rock carvings. Accessible solely by water, this impressive rock art on the cliffs of Mine Bay was created by a master carver in 1976. You’ll come up close to the 22-foot-high (10-meter) gallery and enjoy postcard views from the deck. Relax with a complimentary glass of wine or beer if you sail in the evening.

Western Bay Scenic 2 Day Mountain Biking Tour Ride the Great Lake Trail on this 2-day Grade 3 mountain biking tour, a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Great Lake Taupo region. You will be biking the 19.5 km Kawakawa section (Orakau & K2K) on Day 1 and the 21km W2K section on Day 2. The Great Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network. You will be riding along undulating pumice trails through native forest and wetlands, where the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Dramatic scenery combines with serene lake views, powerful waterfalls, native bird song and incredible trail quality to deliver an unforgettable experience.

See the top sights of the Lake Taupo area on a full-day tour that's ideal for those with limited time. With a guide, you'll visit Huka Falls, see geothermal attractions, take a cruise on the lake to the Maori rock carvings, and enjoy lunch and snacks.

Sail Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and get up close to the Māori Rock Carvings on this sailing tour. Aboard Fearless, a sleek ketch boat, you’ll set sail on the impossibly blue Lake Taupo at the heart of the North Island. Choose to rig and hoist the mainsail with the crew, or sit back and let the views wash over you as you sail to the secluded spot where Māori figures have been etched into the rock face.

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.

Experience the thrill of New Zealand’s volcanic landscapes on a self-guided tour of the Orakei Korako geothermal area. Follow the 1.5-mile (2.5km) boardwalk around the park and stop to admire startling silica terraces, peer into bubbling mud pools and watch hissing geysers. Be sure not to miss the Ruatapu Cave, one of only two geothermal caves in the world and home to a mesmerizing thermal mirror pool.

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).

Enjoy a thrilling combo of 2 of Taupo's best water activities. You’ll have the time of your life with each adrenaline-charged experience: Spin out to Huka Falls on a Waikato River jet-boat ride and go whitewater rafting on the Tongariro River. With professional guides and all equipment provided, you’ll see all angles of Taupo’s great outdoors.

Join us on the ultimate one-day tour from Auckland to undertake a trifecta of experiences. Visit 3 of the best attractions. Waitomo Glowworm Caves (45-minute inclusive of boat ride) Maori Cultural and Geothermal experience & Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Live commentary en-route. If you are looking for a great insight into New Zealand, this is the ultimate day out to see it all. Ride a boat beneath thousands of twinkling glowworms in the famous Waitomo Caves and enjoy a tour through the amazing natural wonderland. Whakarewarewa ticks both authentic Māori culture and geothermal, and what makes it unique is that it is actually a home – a real village: 20 Māori families live here. There are erupting geysers. There’s also bubbling mud and steaming, bubbling hot springs. Experience a 30-minute Maori Cultural Performance here. Then we'll head to one of the most famous sites in New Zealand: Hobbiton! Follow an expert guide as they lead you through this expansive and amazing village!

Enjoy Lake Taupo in an active yet relaxing way with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental. You can set off across the water at your own pace, paddling along the shore or checking out sights such as the Maori Rock Carvings.

For when you arrive and depart, our friendly Rotorua shuttle team offers airport transfer charters between Rotorua City & Rotorua Airport as well as Rotorua City to Auckland Airport. Whilst you are in Rotorua, our friendly local guides can help you experience the very best of Rotorua because of our custom and ‘super-flexible’ Rotorua Tours.

You can design your own ideal day with a full-day tour from Taupo to Waitomo. Choose between Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave and or Hobbiton! At the famous Waitomo Caves Waitomo Glowworm Cave, you will skip the queues and ride a boat beneath thousands of twinkling glowworms in the famous Waitomo Cave Choose to either have free time in Waitomo and stroll through native forests and the spectacular limestone landscape or visit the nearby Ruakuri cave. The vast Ruakuri Cave features waterfalls and limestone formations. Feeling adventurous? Join us for a sensational underground Black Water Rafting Adventure, floating down an underground stream on a rubber tube admiring the glowworms above. Choose to add on Hobbiton Movie Set (2-hour guided tour) and drink at the Green Toad on completion. Finish your day in Taupo. Please note; If you do not want to join the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour you will have a 2-hour wait at Hobbiton