Premium Tours in Taupo
Escape to the shores of the “Great Lake” and indulge in a luxury getaway to Taupo. With renowned golf courses, fine dining, premium scenic flights and cruises, it’s an effortless destination to organise a trip to remember. Whether you’re in town for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, the fishing charters, skydiving, mountain biking and indulgent hot pools will certainly help. Choose the right premium experience for you and your group with this list of the best luxury activities in Taupo.
For more trip-planning advice, check out The Luxury Guide to Taupo.
1. Experience Adrenaline in the Adventure Capital of the North Island
Taupo is often referred to as the “Adventure Capital of the North Island” and for good reason. Not only can you experience adrenaline with an overwater bungy jump with Taupo Bungy, but you can skydive up to 18,500ft over the Great Lake with Taupo Tandem Skydiving (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). In the latter experience, get incredible views of the lake and the Central North Island volcanoes and even travel to the base in style in a Hummer limousine. See more ways to experience adventure in the 10 Best Adventure Activities in Taupo.
Location: Taupo Bungy – 202 Spa Road. Taupo Tandem Skydive – Anzac Memorial Drive, Taupo Airport (pick-ups from Taupo accommodations are included).
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Ride the Great Lake Trails on a Guided Mountain Biking Tour
Mountain biking is a big deal in Taupo, whose lake offers many exciting sections to ride around known as the Great Lake Trail. Hit the trails independently by following the information provided in the 10 Awesome Bike Trails Around Lake Taupo. To make things easier, join Taupo Kayaking Adventures who will not only sort out all of the logistics of the multi-day cycle trails but will guide you through the mesmerising landscapes of the lake, native bush, waterfalls and the volcanos of the Tongariro National Park. They also offer one-day bike and kayaking packages. Find out more about Taupo Kayaking Adventures’ cycling tours on Viator or Tripadvisor.
Location: 2/876 Acacia Bay Road, Acacia Bay.
© www.lovetaupo.com3. Indulge in the Mineral Hot Pools and Spa Treatments
Indulge in the natural geothermal waters of Taupo’s hot springs at one of the fabulous hot pool complexes. A top choice is Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort featuring two large outdoor mineral hot pools surrounded by attractive landscaping and featuring inviting waterfalls and hydrotherapy spots. Relax on the water airbeds while absorbing views among the Onekeneke Valley’s native bush or retreat to one of the indoor private pools. There’s also a day spa on-site should you need some extra pampering. We also recommend the Wairakei Terraces for more glorious hot pools, spa treatments and a walkway to an astonishing geothermal terrace display. Find out more about Taupo Debretts Spa Resort on Viator and Tripadvisor. Plus, for more like these activities, see the 12 Things to Do in Taupo on a Rainy Day.
Location: Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort – 76 Napier-Taupo Road. Wairakei Terraces – State Highway 1, Wairakei.
© www.lovetaupo.com4. Enjoy a Relaxing Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings
Getting onto New Zealand’s largest lake is a must-do. A casual yet luxurious way to do it is via a sailing cruise. Either join a tour or hire a private charter with Sail Barbary (more info on Viator or Tripadvisor) or Taupo Sailing Adventures (on Viator or Tripadvisor) for a relaxing cruise across the lake harnessing the elements to sail to the infamous Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings. This magnificent piece of art is carved into a cliff face some 14m (46ft) high.
Location: Sailings depart from Redoubt Street, Taupo Boat Harbour.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Fish for Trout on a Private Fishing Charter
As the giant metal trout sculpture in the town suggests, Taupo is a mecca for trout fishing. Since brown and rainbow trout were introduced to the waters in the late 1800s, Lake Taupo and its surrounding rivers have become an anglers paradise. Challenge yourself on the rivers on fly fishing excursions with Chris Jolly Outdoors, Sean Andrews Fly Fishing, Dream Trout New Zealand, The New Zealand Fly Fishing Company or Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides. Alternatively, enjoy what the locals like to call “Champagne Fishing” on a private lake fishing charter with Pinnacles Charters, LakeFun Taupo, Taupo Lake Adventures, Lake Taupo Cruises and much more! Hell, you can even fly to the backcountry fishing streams with Central NZ Guiding.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. See the Lake and Volcanoes from Above on a Scenic Flight
Taupo makes for a stunning New Zealand landscape to experience from the skies. It’s hard to comprehend the size of Lake Taupo, which is said to fill the entirety of Singapore inside it, unless you take to the skies. Join Inflite Experiences Taupo for one of their helicopter tours over Huka Falls or out to the Tongariro National Park volcanoes. Alternatively, Taupo’s Floatplane takes you from the waters of Lake Taupo to discover the Tongariro World Heritage Area, Lake Taupo and the Bay of Plenty.
Location: Inflight Experiences Taupo – 33 Anzac Memorial Drive, Taupo Airport. Taupo’s Floatplane – Ferry Road, Taupo Boat Harbour.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Hit the Ski Slopes of Mt Ruapehu
The snow-covered volcanoes across the lake entice skiers and snowboarders from Taupo to hit the slopes of the largest volcano in New Zealand, Mt Ruapehu. Hire your gear in town and catch the shuttle from Taupo to Whakapapa Ski Field, New Zealand’s largest ski field packed with snowy experiences for all ages and abilities. After shredding the slopes and basking in the breathtaking volcanic alpine scenery, relax at one of the on-mountain cafes and restaurants.
Location: Bruce Road, Whakapapa Village, approximately 104km (65 miles) from Taupo.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Be Inspired at the Local Art Gallery Cafes
The cosmopolitan town is home to creative and talented local artists, whose work can be admired in the various art galleries in and around Taupo. For a more complete visitor’s experience, however, head to Lava Glass and its amazing sculpture garden and studio. You can easily spend half a day browsing the 600 sculptures in the gardens and relaxing with a locally-roasted coffee and the cafe. Alternatively, L’Arte Cafe and Gallery treats the senses with impressive mosaic sculptures and a cafe serving a fabulous selection of New Zealand wines and beer.
Location: Lava Glass – 165 State Highway 5, Wairakei. L’Arte Cafe – 255 Mapara Road, Acacia Bay.
© www.lovetaupo.com9. Play Golf on Some of New Zealand’s Most Prestigious Courses
More ways to experience the great outdoors is on Taupo’s reputed golf courses. Some of the country’s most prestigious golf courses are right here, from the tussock-lined fairways of the Kinloch Club to the unique predator-free bird sanctuary of the Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary. The Wairakei Resort Taupo 9-hole golf course and Taupo Golf Club also make for some fun challenges in a more casual environment.
Location: Kinloch Club – 93 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary – Wairakei Drive, State Highway 5. Wairakei Resort – 640 Wairakei Drive. Taupo Golf Club – 32 Centennial Drive.
© Pixabay10. Indulge in Taupo’s Fine Dining Restaurants
Taupo has its fair share of exquisite eateries, but some of the finest dining establishments can be found in Taupo’s luxury accommodations. It doesn’t come more lavish than Huka Lodge, set on the banks of the mighty Waikato River. Dine in the Main Lodge to indulge in fabulously-presented plates or choose one of the 20 romantic indoor and outdoor private dining venues. At the Hilton Lake Taupo enjoy elevated views of the town, lake and all the way to the Tongariro National Park volcanoes from Bistro Lago. Finally, a little closer to town but with an unbeatable lakeside location, is the Edgewater Restaurant of the Millennium Hotel Lake Taupo. For more recommendations, take a look at The Foodie Guide to Taupo.
Location: Huka Lodge -Huka Falls Road. Bistro Lago – 80-100 Napier Road. Edgewater Restaurant – 243 Lake Terrace
© www.lovetaupo.comMore About Luxury in Taupo
- 11 Best Luxury Accommodation in Taupo
- 12 Taupo Must-Dos
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Taupo
- The Complete Travel Guide to Taupo
That’s it for the best luxury activities in Taupo. Find even more tips to make your luxury getaway exceptional in The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand.
