Adventure
The Taupo area offers many exciting outdoor adventures. Try gliding, tandem sky diving, rafting, kayaking, sailing, 4-wheel driving (off-road), mountain biking, snowboarding or skiing, abseiling, bungy jumping, a rope assault course, rock climbing, jet boating, parasailing, water skiing, horseback riding, to name a few.
Airborne Experiences
Take a trip in a fixed wing plane, float plane, helicopter or balloon over the Lake Taupo region and surrounding volcanoes, including the Tongariro National Park.
Geothermal Parks
Taupo is at the centre of New Zealand's volcanic plateau. The area contains numerous parks where you can wander among geysers, mud pools, and colourful pink and white terraces formed by the silica in the thermal water.
Golf
Choose from the world-renowned Wairakei International Golf Club, Taupo Golf Club, Centennial or Tauhara Golf courses - all within a 15-minute drive from the township of Taupo.
Hiking / Walking
There are literally dozens of hikes available including around the lake, along the rivers, native bush and mountain trails. Maps for these hikes are available form the Taupo Information Centre on Tongariro Street.
Motorsport
The Taupo Motorsport Park is set to become New Zealand's premier Motorsport venue. As an international qualifying race circuit and drag strip, it will attract top world Motorsport events which will make Taupo the 'Home of New Zealand Motorsport'. A great venue for conferences, corporate functions, driver training, race experience and a specialist motor industry business centre.
Other Attractions Nearby
- Waitomo Caves, famous for its black water rafting and glow worms.
- Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Park and home to three volcanoes and many beautiful hikes, including the Tongariro Crossing, one of the most spectacular one-day hikes in New Zealand.
- The whole family will enjoy the Tongariro National Trout Centre, with a range of activities for children from fishing events to educational displays, it's worth penciling into your stay.
- Hawkes Bay, famous for its wine as well as the art deco architecture of Napier and several beautiful beaches.
- Rotorua, New Zealand's version of Yellowstone, with active geysers, mud pools, mineral spas and Maori culture.
- Whakatane, where you can take a boat out to the active volcano on White Island, charter a fishing boat for the day, or enjoy swimming in the Pacific Ocean at Ohope Beach.
Wine
One of the finest wine cellars in New Zealand is Taupo's own 'Scenic Cellars'. The Wishart Winery is less than a 5 minute drive from town.
