This story first appeared in edition 3 of Family Holiday Destinations’ digital magazine.
10 Awesome Things to do in Taupo for Families
Taupo is a town celebrated for its natural attractions, outdoor activities and lakefront setting on The Great Inland Sea of New Zealand, Lake Taupo. Families will enjoy a variety of natural wonders as they travel around the lake. From snow-blanketed winter ski fields and ancient forest alive with song, to steaming geothermal valleys and the thundering Huka Falls.
Discover why families are falling in love with Taupo, the heart of New Zealand’s North Island!
Experience Lake Taupo in a Doughboat
Grab a pizza for the trip and head out for the only experience of its kind in New Zealand. The eco-friendly Doughboats are a fun and unique experience, perfect for family, friends, young and old.
Powered by an electric engine at speeds of up to 5 knots, Doughbouts are safe and quiet. In fact, they are so quiet you will be able to hear your music through the boat’s Bluetooth speakers.
If you don’t mind the kids staying up, an evening session is a fun treat when the boat springs to life with multicoloured lights on Lake Taupo.
Adventure Down Tongariro River in a Raft
Mum, Dad and the kids will enjoy a family rafting trip along the crystal clear waters of the Tongariro River. The family-friendly rafting adventure will see you, the kids, and an awesome guide on a safe and memorable ride, bringing the magic alive to first-time rafters and especially children.
All equipment and gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your swimwear, towel and a sense of adventure.
Have a Fun-Filled Day at Huka Prawn Park
A prawn park sounds cheesy, right? Ok, it is a little …but New Zealand’s only prawn park promises a fun-filled day for the family. Pack a picnic and towel and enjoy a playground, treasure hunt, paddle boats, aquarium, fishing boats, SUP boards, water trikes, water canons and of course…fishing for prawns!
Zoom Around at Taupo Karts
Enjoy the tight turns as you zip around the track on a powerful 390cc kart at Taupo Karts. Younger kids aged 5 – 15 years can enjoy the 90cc carts with a top speed of 35kmph. Kids aged 4 – 8 years may choose to ride tandem with an adult, giving them an opportunity to join in the fun.
Experience a Lunar Landscape at Craters of the Moon
Named for its out-of-this-world atmosphere, Craters of the Moon is a walk showcasing the natural thermal activity of Taupo. Expect to see bubbling craters, steam vents and colourful soils in this 45+ minute stroll.
The Craters of the Moon thermal area came to life in the 1950s when underground water levels were lowered by the nearby power station. The water level in the deep reservoir dropped as hot water was withdrawn from deep within the field, so the remaining water boils even more violently and produces more steam.
Catch a Trout at Tongariro National Trout Centre
Visit the freshwater centre at Tongariro National Trout Centre where you can feed the beautiful rainbow trout, learn about conservation, discover the museum and aquarium and possibly see a Kereru, Tui or a Whio on the Tongariro River.
Kids will enjoy the kids fishing pond populated with trout from the hatchery. The whole family will love the Whio creche nestled amongst the bush, where record numbers of the endangered birds are
nurtured and prepared for release back into the river systems.
Cruise Lake Taupo to Mine Bay Maori Rock Carving
Experience the beauty and thrill of a scenic sailing tour to the famous Mine Bay Rock Carving. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, the Mine Bay Maori rock carving has been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Maori artworks.
Sculpted over the course of four years and completed in 1980, Matahi Brightwell led a team of four artists, Jono Randell, Te Miringa Hohaia, Dave Hegglun and Steve Myhre, to create a spectacular carving of Ngatoroirangi on the rock face. They achieved this wearing nothing but safety goggles and a pair of speedos, sculpting the entire artwork by hand.
Relax at DeBretts Hot Pools
Soak away aches and pains in a mineral-rich thermal bath at DeBretts Spa Resort. It’s the ultimate all-year-round relaxation and recreation destination and the kids will enjoy the thrilling dragon hydro slide and an interactive warm water playground.
Experience private pools and spa treatments here also!
Ride the Sky Waka Gondola at Whakapapa Ski Area
Ride New Zealand’s most advanced gondola, high above the world-heritage-listed mountain area of Tongariro National Park, around 1.5 hours from Taupo town.
Sky Waka travels 1.8km through one of the most rugged and spectacular landscapes on the North Island. Journey over waterfalls and ancient lava flows, taking in the majestic scenery of Mt Ruapehu.
Push Bike or Walk Along the Great Lake Pathway
Voted as New Zealand’s favourite urban ride in 2017, the Great Lake Pathway (or Lion’s Walk) along the lakefront in Taupo is an easy, enjoyable family ride offering spectacular views across Lake Taupo to the snow-capped peaks of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
Where to Stay in Taupo
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort is a family holiday park with a range of options to suit all budgets, from camping sites to family cottages to motel style accommodation.
Facilities are great and include WiFi, a thermally heated swimming pool, adventure playground, trampoline, pedal go-karts and a games room.
More Information on Taupo
For more information on the Taupo regions, please visit the official website:
www.lovetaupo.com
Psssst… You might also like our article on things to do in Auckland.
