Where to Find Adventure in Taupo
After reading this list of the adventure activities in Taupo, you’ll realise why this small town on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake is the adventure capital of the North Island.
All your adrenaline bucket list activities are here: skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting, jet boating and oh-so-much more!
But what makes doing these activities in Taupo different? Perhaps it’s the majestic volcanic cones of the Tongariro National Park, the mighty rapids tumbling over New Zealand’s longest river, or a gargantuan lake situated in the crater of a supervolcano?
Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have unbelievable views to go with it.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in 10 Things to Do in Taupo at Night and 10 Things to do in Taupo on a Rainy Day.
Table of Contents
1. Ride the Rapids in a Jet Boat
This isn’t your average New Zealand jet boat ride… This is white water rafting meets jet boating on the Waikato River!
Join Rapids Jet for a thrilling 35-minute adventure along New Zealand’s longest river. Zoom through canyons, surf the Nga Awapurua Rapids, and experience near misses as you speed downstream.
This exhilarating tour takes you to the bottom of the famous Aratiatia Rapids, offering stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters along the way.
You’ll even stop by a Lord of the Rings filming location. With several departure times available, this small-group experience of just 11 people per boat ensures an intimate and unforgettable ride.
Find more experiences like this in our 15 Places to Jet Boat in New Zealand.
Location: Aratiatia
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Skydive Over New Zealand’s Largest Lake
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a tandem skydive over stunning Lake Taupo. According to our very own editor-in-chief, Laura, “This is one of the most exhilarating ways to take in the breathtaking scenery of the region.”
As New Zealand’s original drop zone, Taupo Tandem Skydiving offers an unforgettable adventure from 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) above the lake.
Your journey begins with a stylish pickup in a stretch Hummer, setting the tone for the excitement ahead. After gearing up and a brief orientation, you’ll board the plane for a thrilling ascent.
Then comes the moment of truth: a heart-pounding 40-second freefall with your expert tandem master. As your parachute deploys, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views of both coasts and the majestic volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.
Location: Taupo Airport, Anzac Memorial Drive
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Speed to the Bottom of Huka Falls in a Jet Boat
Sure, everyone’s seen Huka Falls from the bridge, but imagine getting up-close and personal with the ferocious rapids in a jet boat?! Hukafalls Jet does exactly that on a 30-minute thrilling ride up the Waikato River.
Experience the excitement of 360-degree spins and near misses with river gorge walls that can only be experienced in a boat with a jet-propulsion system.
After spending plenty of time under the falls (don’t worry splash jackets are available), you have the whole ride to enjoy back downstream. Transfers to Taupo are available.
Location: Wairakei
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Eco Sail to the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
We’re big fans of this eco-friendly adventure with Sail Barbary. Relax aboard an electric yacht as you cruise Lake Taupo to the impressive Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings.
This 46 ft (14 m) masterpiece, created in the 1970s, is only accessible by water. Get up close to this incredible gallery and soak in the stunning views from the deck.
For an extra treat, sail in the evening and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer.
Your guide will share fascinating insights into the artwork’s history. When the weather’s warm, don’t forget your swimsuit, a refreshing dip is encouraged!
Location: Berths 9 and 10, Redoubt Street
© Sail Barbary5. Jump on a White Water Rafting Adventure
Discover some of the most exciting and intense environments in the North Island through white water rafting. With your expert guide, you’ll navigate the tumultuous rivers of either the Tongariro River or the Wairoa River on white water rafting trips departing from Taupo.
Choose from grade 3 rapids on the Tongariro River open year-round, or step up your game with grade 4 rapids on the Tongariro River available a few times a year.
The Wairoa River is a grade 5 river open several times a year and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Tongariro River Rafting offers thrilling trips for all experience levels, from beginners tackling their first rapids to seasoned rafters seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Location: Turangi
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Fly Over Majestic Volcanoes
The sheer epic views from a scenic flight over the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park is definitely enough to make this an adventure activity in Taupo. Choose to fly either by helicopter with Discovery or by floatplane with Taupo Floatplane.
Soar over vibrant volcanic lakes, rugged mountain peaks, craters and Lake Taupo on a journey that is breathtaking in both summer and winter.
We love how Taupo Floatplane’s high-wing Cessna 206 seaplane provides unrestricted views of snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes, and geothermal wonders.
The thrill of taking off and landing on water adds an extra layer of excitement to this magical experience.
Location: Taupo Float Plane – Ferry Road, Taupo, Waikato, North Island.
© Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)7. Parasail Over the Great Lake
Throughout the summer, a bright and colourful parachute can almost constantly be seen floating above the lake.
For this reason alone, it’s hard to resist the allure of parasailing over Lake Taupō! For one of the most exhilarating perspectives of Taupo, take to the skies with a parasailing flight over the lake.
Harness up solo or share the thrill with a friend as you’re gently lifted 305 m (1,000 ft) into the air behind a purpose-built boat.
From this height, the views are jaw-dropping, Taupo’s vast waters stretch endlessly, framed by the peaks of Tongariro National Park on the horizon.
The ride is smooth and surprisingly peaceful, though if you’re craving an extra dash of adrenaline, you can dip your toes into the lake with a cheeky water touch before soaring back up. Flights last approximately 12 minutes.
Location: 65 Redoubt Street, Berth #20, Taupō (Taupō Marina). Look out for Taupo Parasail operating along the lakefront during the summer months.
© Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)8. Take the Leap with Taupo Bungy
If bungy jumping is on your New Zealand bucket list, then consider taking the leap at Taupo Bungy! As the birthplace of commercial bungy, New Zealand doesn’t disappoint with Taupo’s cliff-top plunge.
This 47 m (154 ft) jump towards the crystalline Waikato River is not only New Zealand’s highest water-touch bungy but also offers thrill-seekers the option to dunk themselves in the river before snapping back up.
For those seeking an alternative adrenaline rush, try the Taupo Swing where you’ll freefall feet first over the stunning Waikato River.
Location: Spa Road
© Aj Hackett Bungy Taupo - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)9. Do a Self-Guided Geothermal Tour of Orakei Korako
Experience the thrill of New Zealand’s volcanic landscapes on a tour of the Orakei Korako Cave Thermal Park geothermal area.
Follow the 2.5 km (1.5 mi) boardwalk around this untouched geothermal paradise, marvelling at vibrant silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and hissing geysers.
Don’t miss the rare Ruatapu Cave, one of only two geothermal caves in the world, home to a mesmerising thermal mirror pool.
With up to 23 active natural geysers, Orakei Korako boasts the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand. We’re delighted by the constantly changing landscape and the vibrant colours all around.
Location: 494 Orakei Korako Road, Reporoa, Waikato, North Island. 25 km (15.5 mi) north of Taupo.
© Martyn Davies - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)10. Take the Waikato River Kayak Trip
Experience the beauty of the Waikato River on this two-hour guided kayaking tour. As we discovered first-hand, drifting past various islands and nature reserves while soaking in natural geothermal hot pools is a unique way to explore the crystal-clear waters.
The tour, supplied by Canoe and Kayak Taupo, offers a tranquil journey down the river, showcasing locations of interest along the way.
Don’t worry about getting lost; a knowledgeable guide will lead you downstream. All necessary equipment is provided, and as an added bonus, complimentary photos are included to capture your adventure.
Location: Canoe and Kayak Taupo, 54 Spa Road
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Adventure Activities and Taupo
That’s it for our guide to adventure activities in Taupo; for more information about exciting things to do in the region, check out the following articles:
- 10 Places to go White Water Rafting in New Zealand
- 10 Places to Tandem Skydive in New Zealand
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Taupo
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Taupo.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
