Kinloch: Lake Taupo Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding

The best part of this Kinloch cruise is the chance to see a quieter side of Lake Taupo, far from the busy shoreline. The catamaran heads into the Western Bays, where volcanic cliffs, narrow ravines, and waterfalls meet the water with no road leading in.

I like the small six-person maximum, which gives the trip a personal feel, and I like the mix of boat time, a short bush walk, swimming, and paddleboarding. Skipper Ian has also earned praise for his friendly storytelling and thoughtful service. The main drawback is that this is an outdoor trip, so swimming and paddleboarding depend on seasonal weather, and a picnic is not included in the base price.

Key points to know before booking

• Karangahape Cliffs: See the huge volcanic cliffs that rise above the southern end of the Western Bays.
• Waterfalls at lake level: The boat takes you close to cascades and ravines that are difficult to reach by land.
• Small-group setting: No more than six participants means more room and easier conversation with the skipper.
• Active free time: Swim, use the included paddleboards when available, or take a short walk through native forest.
• Three and a half hours on the lake: This is a proper half-day outing, not a quick sightseeing loop.
• Bring your own picnic: Light refreshments are provided, but a secluded beach picnic requires your own food or an optional upgrade.

Why the Western Bays are worth your time

Lake Taupo is enormous, and many visitors see only the parts beside the main town. This cruise takes you from Kinloch into the Western Bays, where the shoreline becomes rougher and access is limited. You are not simply circling the lake for photographs. You are heading toward places reached most easily by boat.

The scenery here comes from Taupo’s volcanic past. Dark rock formations shape the cliffs, while steep slopes and narrow ravines cut down toward the water. The scale changes as you travel. One moment you are looking across open lake, and the next you are close to a waterfall pouring over rock into the water.

That change of pace is one reason I find this tour appealing. You get broad views from the catamaran, then close-up stops where you can hear and feel the water. The boat provides the access, but the short walk and swimming stop keep the outing from becoming a passive sightseeing ride.

The operator limits each departure to six people. That matters on a boat this size because you are less likely to feel tucked into a crowd, and you can ask questions as the skipper points out favourite places. A small group also makes the beach and bush walk feel less like a procession.

Starting at Kinloch with Taxicat Adventures

The meeting point is at Taxicat Adventures in Kinloch. Look for the large yellow Taxicat flag. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the starting point.

The tour begins with a safety briefing before the boat heads out. This is useful rather than fussy. You will be spending several hours on open water, and the day includes swimming, paddleboarding, and a walk away from the boat.

The full outing lasts 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. That gives the skipper time to travel farther into the Western Bays instead of turning around after one nearby stop. It also leaves room for a slower look at the cliffs and waterfalls, plus time to get in the water if conditions are right.

Bring warm clothing even if the forecast looks pleasant. The temperature can feel different on the lake, especially while the boat is moving. Pack sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. These are not decorative suggestions. You will need them if you use the swimming or paddleboarding time.

The first 90 minutes: cliffs, ravines, and waterfalls

The first main section lasts about an hour and a half. You cruise from Kinloch while the skipper explains the area and points out features along the shore. This is where the boat’s access becomes valuable.

The Western Bays are known for their volcanic rock formations, and the cliffs are best appreciated from the water. From below, you can see how high the rock walls rise and how the ravines channel water toward the lake. The views are not just distant scenery. The boat takes you close enough to notice the shapes and textures of the rock.

Waterfalls are a major focus. They tumble directly into Lake Taupo, and the skipper takes you near them when conditions allow. The amount of water can vary with recent weather, so do not expect every cascade to look identical on every departure. Still, the setting is special: forest and rock above you, open water below, and a waterfall dropping into the lake ahead.

This part also includes sightseeing and a short bush walk in native forest. The walk gives you a change from the boat and a chance to see the shoreline from a different angle. It is described as short, so this is not a hiking tour. If you want a serious forest walk, you will need a separate outing.

The skipper’s commentary adds useful shape to the trip. Ian is specifically praised for his friendly manner and clear stories, and that personal contact is a key part of a small-group cruise. You are not left to guess what you are looking at. At the same time, the exact route may vary with weather and lake conditions, so the day is guided by the water rather than by a rigid schedule.

Karangahape Cliffs and the southern bays

As the boat travels south, the Karangahape Cliffs become the major visual event. They rise hundreds of feet above the lake and mark the southern end of the Western Bays.

From the water, the cliffs have real presence. Their height gives you a sense of the scale of Lake Taupo that is easy to miss from shore. This is a good place to keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire passage looking through a screen. The relationship between the dark rock, the lake, and the open sky is the point.

The cliffs also give the trip a stronger sense of destination. You are not simply taking a scenic ride with no clear focus. The boat reaches a more remote section of the lake, and the cliffs help explain why this route is different from a standard town-based cruise.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you feel most comfortable and use the safety briefing as your guide. The supplied information does not specify seating or motion conditions, so it is sensible to prepare for a real boat ride rather than a still-water platform.

The Waihāhā stop: swimming and time by the water

The itinerary allows about an hour around the Waihāhā area, listed at the location code 6Q86+8P. This is the part of the day set aside for a photo stop, sightseeing, and swimming.

The swimming time is optional in spirit, even though it is part of the available program. You can enjoy the view from the boat or shoreline if you do not want to get wet. If you do swim, pack your towel and wear swimwear under your warm layers so you are not changing your whole outfit in a hurry.

Paddleboarding is included when available, but it is seasonal and depends on weather conditions. That is important when weighing the price. You are paying for access to a flexible lake outing, not a guaranteed paddleboarding session in every season.

The beach is secluded and accessible only by boat. That makes it a pleasant place to pause, but remember that the picnic is not part of the standard light refreshments. You may bring your own food, or select the optional picnic upgrade if offered for your booking.

The beach stop will suit you best if you enjoy unhurried outdoor time. It is less suitable if you want constant sightseeing or a packed schedule of landmarks. The hour gives you space to swim, paddleboard, take photographs, or simply sit by the water.

Coffee, tea, and the return cruise

The final hour includes coffee, tea, and sightseeing before you return to Taxicat Adventures. Light refreshments are included for the crew, so you do not need to plan the day around buying drinks during the cruise.

This simple touch matters after swimming or spending time outside. It also gives you a chance to warm up and settle in for the return journey. The return is part of the scenic experience, not just transport back to Kinloch. The views change as the boat moves away from the cliffs and ravines and back toward the starting point.

The timing is fairly generous for the region. You receive a long scenic cruise, a walk, time around a boat-only beach, and a refreshment break. If you prefer a short, tightly edited lake tour, three and a half hours may feel too long. If you want to see more than the shoreline near town, the length is one of the strongest reasons to book.

What the $170 price includes

At $170 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value comes from the combination of time, access, and group size.

Your fare includes the guided interpretation, the boat cruise into the Western Bays, the waterfall and ravine stops, light refreshments, and the chance to use paddleboards when seasonal conditions permit. It also covers the short native-forest walk and the additional time for swimming.

A private-feeling group capped at six is a real part of the value. Ian’s role is not just to operate the boat. He explains the area and shares favourite spots, which makes the trip more personal than a large sightseeing cruise with a fixed script.

The price does not include hotel transportation, kayak hire, or a standard picnic. Do not confuse the included paddleboarding with kayak rental. If you want food beyond the supplied refreshments, bring your own picnic or arrange the optional upgrade.

I would see this as good value for someone who wants a full half-day on the lake and prefers access to quieter areas over a low-cost, short ride. It is less compelling if you only want a quick view of Lake Taupo or are unlikely to swim, walk, or use the paddleboards.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing suits couples, friends, and small families who like scenic boat trips with a little activity. The small group also works well if you enjoy asking questions or want a calmer setting than a large boat.

It is a good pick for photographers because the day includes cliffs, waterfalls, ravines, native forest, and a secluded beach. Weather will affect the light and the water, but the range of settings gives you more than one type of view.

You should also consider it if you have already seen the main Taupo shoreline and want a less accessible part of the lake. The route goes where roads do not, and that is the central reason to choose it.

The trip is not ideal for someone seeking a guaranteed activity timetable. Paddleboarding is seasonal, swimming depends on conditions, and the precise stops may respond to the weather. It is also not a substitute for a long hike, since the bush walk is short.

Practical preparation for a better day

Wear layers. Warm clothing is specifically recommended, and the lake can feel cool even when Kinloch is comfortable. Add sunglasses and sunscreen because the water can make bright conditions feel stronger.

Bring swimwear and a towel if you want the option of swimming or paddleboarding. You can still join the cruise without getting in the water, but packing these items keeps your choices open.

Bring a picnic if eating on the secluded beach matters to you. Light refreshments are supplied, but the beach picnic is separate. Also remember that you must arrange your own transport to and from Kinloch.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times when booking, since the duration is fixed at 210 minutes but the departure time can vary.

Should you book the Kinloch catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want to see Lake Taupo from a quieter angle, value a small crew, and like the idea of combining scenery with swimming, paddleboarding, and a short walk. The waterfalls and Karangahape Cliffs give the cruise a clear sense of place, while Ian’s friendly guiding adds a human touch.

Think twice if you want guaranteed paddleboarding, a substantial included meal, or a quick sightseeing ride. At $170, the tour makes the most sense when you use its full range: stay for the three and a half hours, bring swimwear, pack a picnic, and take advantage of the boat-only access into the Western Bays.

FAQ

Where does the Lake Taupo catamaran cruise begin?

It begins at Taxicat Adventures in Kinloch. Look for the big yellow Taxicat flag.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts 210 minutes, which is three and a half hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to six participants.

Is a tour guide included?

Yes. An English-speaking live guide provides interpretation and storytelling during the cruise.

Is paddleboarding included?

Paddleboarding is included when available, but it is subject to seasonal weather conditions.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. Swimming time is included in the Waihāhā portion of the outing, subject to conditions.

Are refreshments provided?

Yes. Light refreshments are included, with coffee and tea available during the final hour.

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes. You may bring your own picnic for the secluded beach stop. A picnic is not included in the standard price, though an optional upgrade may be available.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.