The 15 Best Taupo Tours & Lake Trips

1.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89Our pick

Join Rapids Jet at Aratiatia Scenic Reserve for a 35-minute Waikato River blast. Your driver-guide, such as Jacob or Shannon, handles the 550-horsepower jet boat, spins through clear water, surfs Nga Awa Purua rapids, and shares local stories. Boats hold only 11 people. You may get wet, and Huka Falls is not included.

“Well delivered boat ride, great fun, great staff. Busts of speed and turns, over rapids several times, stationary river facts were given at appropriate points.”

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2.Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Spend 150 minutes on Lake Taupō with Taupo Sailing Adventures, sailing toward the 14-metre Ngātoroirangi carving. Guides such as Aaron, Liam, Erin, Dave, and Danny share local stories, then give you time for a swim and a complimentary drink. The yacht Fearless is weather-dependent, so a comfortable catamaran may operate instead.

“It was an amazing tour. Our guide was fabulous he told us a lot about the surrounding area and we just had the best time. I can definitely recommend this tour :)”

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3.Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 901 reviews · from $31Best value

Take a 90 to 120-minute cruise from central Taupō aboard Ernest Kemp, a compact replica steamboat, to the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay. The skipper and crew provide live commentary, while tea, coffee, cookies, WiFi, and family-friendly touches make this an easy outing. Peter, Sophia, and Owen have been praised for their warm service.

“Great trip and lovely staff! My daughter even had a turn driving the boat! Lots of fun. Snacks provided too”

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4.Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 759 reviews · 30 min · from $89

You’ll race along the Waikato River at up to 80 km/h, spin beside sheer cliffs, and reach the base of Huka Falls with an English-speaking driver-guide. Guides such as Scott, Ricki, Chopper, and Tee are known for lively commentary and confident boat handling. Heated handrails help in cool weather, but expect to get wet.

“The jet was awesome! I'm soaked and it was so worth it. My driver was chopper and his driving was amazing, if I was here longer I'd have gone straight back on again. The Huka falls are cool to see but the 360 turns are mega fun. Definitely recommend to anyone in the area visiting New Zealand!”

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5.Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 658 reviews · from $94

Ride a jet boat from Wairakei along the Waikato River to the base of Huka Falls. Expect high-speed runs, 360-degree spins, power brakes, local commentary, and spray, with drivers such as Scott, Arthur, Rocky, and Ricki bringing plenty of skill and humor. The 30-minute trip ends where it begins.

“Best experience ever, the driver Ricki was awesome. Great value for money. Highly recommend this to anyone thinking about it.”

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6.Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 633 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Spend 90 minutes on Lake Taupō aboard a two-story catamaran, learning about the lake and its Māori Rock Carvings from an English-speaking local guide. You will have time for photos, panoramic views of Tongariro National Park, tea or coffee, and a muffin. An optional trout fishing demonstration adds a hands-on touch.

“A beautiful short boat trip with much interesting information. So a nicely and friendly crew”

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7.Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 575 reviews · from $36

Cruise Lake Taupō for about 90 minutes with Chris Jolly Outdoors, stopping at the Māori Rock Carvings for photos and commentary on local culture, volcanoes, and ecology. Morning and afternoon departures, indoor and outdoor viewing, tea, coffee, and a homemade muffin make this an easy outing for families and first-time visitors.

“Nice easy boat trip. Goes to carving on lake. Enthusiastic skipper explained points of interest on way.”

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8.Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 498 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Spend 90 minutes aboard a two-story Chris Jolly Outdoors catamaran, cruising Lake Taupō to the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings. Your English and Māori commentary covers the lake, mountains, and carving traditions. Expect open decks, indoor seating, tea or coffee, a homemade muffin, and a trout-fishing demonstration.

“great staff, very helpful and compassionate. We were travelling with elderly parents , one with mobility issues. the staff could not have been more accommodating. Lovely tour of the lake with entertaining commentary .”

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9.Lake Taupo 12,000-Foot Tandem Skydiving

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 359 reviews · from $209

You’ll ride to Taupo Tandem Skydiving, gear up with a professional tandem master, and take a scenic flight to 12,000 feet. After about 40 seconds of freefall at 200 kph, your parachute opens above Lake Taupo. Expect views of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro National Park, with optional photos and video.

“I had an amazing skydiving experience with you today, June 19, 2025! The 12,000-ft jump, professional guides, and seamless hotel pick-up and drop-off were outstanding. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!”

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10.Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · 3 hours · from $196

You’ll leave Taupo in a bright yellow stretch Hummer, then board a scenic plane for a tandem skydive from 12,000, 15,000, or 16,500 feet. Expect 45 to 70 seconds of free fall, mountain views, and a calm parachute ride. Instructors such as Damian, Riley, Ryan, and Andy are praised for keeping first-timers calm.

“Everything was so amazing. Travis funnell is a great instructor. Thanks for this awesome experience.”

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11.Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 317 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Board Chris Jolly Outdoors at Taupo Boat Harbour for a 90-minute 5:00 PM cruise across Lake Taupo. Your English-speaking guide explains the lake and the Māori Rock Carvings, created in the 1980s. Enjoy two viewing levels, enclosed seating, hot drinks, snacks, and a licensed bar as Tongariro National Park frames the water.

“Great trip just the right length of time & good value.”

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12.Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 234 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Spend 2.5 hours aboard Tiua, a 53-foot catamaran sailing from Taupō Marina to the Māori Rock Carvings. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories, offers a drink, and may stop for a swim. Indoor seating, a covered cockpit, beanbags, blankets, and a licensed bar keep the trip comfortable in changing weather.

“excellent overall. great skippers, friendly, full of information, gave a wonderful experience. thanks”

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13.Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · from $35

Take a short ferry from Orakei Korako’s visitor center to a 2.5-kilometer geothermal park. Walk at your own pace past boiling pools, steaming vents, colorful silica terraces and Ruatapu Cave, one of only two geothermal caves in the world. Allow about two hours, wear sturdy shoes, and expect steps.

“An amazing, awe-inspiring geothermal experience away from the crowds. Wonderful colours on the rocks, bubbling pools of water and mud. It’s a self-guided tour but clearly signed and explained. The short ferry trip across the lake gives added interest to the trip.”

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14.The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · from $83

Paddle from Jerusalem Bay along Lake Taupō’s clear shoreline to the Māori rock carvings with a guide such as Laura, Lisa, or Tammy. You’ll get a safety lesson, kayak gear, snacks, photos, and time for a swim. The pace suits beginners, but wind and waves can prevent the carving visit.

“So amazing, but it is weather dependant, so you might not get to see the Carbing Rock as it might be too chopping seawise. Thankfully we were borderline and got to see the Carving which is great!!!!”

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15.2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · from $55

You’ll kayak the gentle Waikato River for about two hours with a small group of up to eight. Guides such as Eloise and George lead you past islands, reserves, the Taupo Bungy, and warm geothermal pools at Spa Park. Equipment, instruction, and photos are included. Bring swimwear and avoid denim.

“Relaxing row along a beautiful lazy river with a friendly knowledgable guide. Me and my wife took the early session which ended up being essentially a private tour. Eloise was lovely and shared some interesting facts and took photos for us.”

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