Taupō (pronounced toe-paw) is a family-friendly region in New Zealand’s North Island, created when a major volcano erupted some 27,000 years ago. It’s also home to Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake.
From adrenaline-packed boating experiences to exploring the stunning Huka Falls, Taupo offers some of the top outdoor adventures for families in New Zealand. Don’t be afraid to get wet!
10 exciting things to do in Taupō with kids
1. Go white-water rafting on the Tongariro River
Our two-hour adventure with Tongariro River Rafting is one of New Zealand’s best Stage 3 white water rafting outings – and a thrilling ride for teens. There’s also a one-hour grade-two run for children as young as three.
The journey takes us through wild rapids and spectacular forested gorges, past fallen down trees and huge volcanic rocks. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the bottom, where wild trout mill abound.
Our bright yellow raft floats down Turangi’s Tongariro River, gaining momentum as we approach the ‘cheese grater’, a frothy swirl of rapids punctuated by small boulders. “Forward,” shouts Ben, our instructor. In unison, we lean out and paddle hard and fast through the whitewash to the other side. Back in calm waters, oars up, our team of eight kids and adults bangs paddles and whoops excitedly.
Soon enough we’re at the next rapids. This time we hold tight, our paddles flush with the raft, as Ben expertly steers us through the rocks, the current bouncing us along.
2. Cycle the scenic Tongariro River Track
We also cycle the Tongariro River Track, a stunning 10km path that takes us across swing bridges, and through cathedrals of trees dripping with milky-green lichen. The track follows the riverbank, passing paddocks of cows, and rises steeply to a lookout, before descending into lush forest carpeted with orange pine needles.
3. See the raw power of Huka Falls
Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited attraction, is a few minutes drive from Taupō and is one of the world’s most incredible displays of raw hydroelectric power. Every second more than 220,000 litres of water blasts through a narrow gorge of the Waikato River. From the bridge that spans the falls, the thunderous water rush is a breathtaking sight to behold.
4. Take a spin on a high-speed jet boat
We’re treated to another thrill-a-minute spectacle at Rapid Jets. The exhilarating high-powered jet boat ride, for kids five years and over, shoots us across the river and sends us spinning and bouncing across the rapids. We also get to see the deluge of ice-blue water released every few hours by the nearby dam, as it storms down a narrow gorge and into the river.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE: The Rapids Jet Experience in Taupo
5. Reel in a catch at Huka Prawn Park
At Huka Prawn Park, kids can learn how to hatch (and catch) prawns before heading out with a fishing line and bait to try their luck. There are paddleboats too, and an interactive walkway with plenty of fun activities. Huka Prawn Park is also the place to go for fresh prawns cooked to order. There’s outdoor seating overlooking the Wairakei River, activity sheets and crayons, and a playground for kids.
6. Meet the bees at Huka Honey Hive
Next door at Huka Honey Hive, kids can have their photo taken in a beekeeper outfit, watch the bees in their hive, and learn lots of fun facts about how bees make honey. There’s an ice-cream store that sells the popular New Zealand flavour, hokey pokey, and more grown-up honey flavours, as well as pure honey and honey products.
7. See glassblowing in action at Lava Glass
Lava Glass is a gallery, glassblowing studio and café in one. It’s worth a visit to see the fascinating art of glass blowing, and to walk the sculpture garden – a pretty spot filled with glass flowers and trees and other interesting glass objects. Lava Glass Café has a modern Australian menu as well as smoothies, milkshakes and even turmeric lattes.
8. Explore the 'Hidden Valley' of Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park, about thirty minutes by car from town, is a bubbling, hissing wonderland of mud pools, geysers and hot springs. See the 23 active natural geysers and silica terraces and the thermal Ruatapu Cave (Sacred Hole) for a truly otherworldly experience. Reaching 35 metres down, it ends at the beautiful Waiwhakaata (Pool of Mirrors).
9. Enjoy lunch at fishing-themed Creel Tackle House & Cafe
Creel Tackle House & Cafe in Turangi is a quaint spot for lunch. This historic tackle house has chic homewares for sale and a rustic café serving pies, burgers, sandwiches and cakes.
10. Drop into Storehouse for coffee and a play
Storehouse is a cool Taupō café and clothing store with a kids’ indoor play area.
Where to stay in Taupō with kids
Sacred Waters Serviced Apartments
Serviced apartments don’t come more comfortable or stylish than Sacred Waters. Overlooking Lake Taupō, the three-bedroom apartment features a full kitchen with dishwasher, Nespresso machine, washer and dryer and a hot tub on the deck. There is an outdoor swimming pool and gym plus easy access to the lakefront and its many ducks. The Great Lake Walkway, flat and paved, passes along here, and it’s a fun bike ride for little ones.
Taupō Debretts Spa Resort
Hot springs await at Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort! The North Island’s legendary volcanic hot spots are the source of this resort’s magic, providing healing mineral-rich water to pools and spas. Kids can splash and slide in the geothermally-heated water park (which includes a safe shallow pool for littlies). After a day of fun on Lake Taupō, settle into your choice of campsite, chalet or lake-view villa.
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort is a destination in itself. Sprawled across eight hectares of parkland, it has a geothermally-heated pool with an underground cave, a giant mushroom and water play area for kids and a swim-up bar. There’s also a large outdoor television playing movies or sports, New Zealand’s largest jumping pillow, volleyball, basketball, petanque, chess, an adventure playground and mountain bike and go-kart hire. Resort staff can also book activities such as trout fishing, jet boating, bungy jumping and sky diving.
How to get there
Taupō is located central to New Zealand’s North Island. It’s about four hours’ drive south of Auckland and 2.5 hours north of Wellington.
If you’re heading on a New Zealand road trip, Taupō is the perfect stopping point between Auckland and Wellington. From Australia, you can also fly into Taupō’s small airport via a connecting flight from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.
For more information about the Taupō region, visit lovetaupo.com
Author Belinda Luksic travelled courtesy of Destination Great Lake Taupō and Tourism New Zealand.
Opening image: Family at Huka Falls. © Love Taupō/Todd Eyre
