10 Luxury Activities in 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 Tandem Skydiving.

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).

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2. 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.

Alternatively, you can join the “Taupo Private Geothermal Bike Tour” with Social Nature Movement, an unforgettable cycling excursion from Spa Park to Aratiatia. This guided tour offers scenic beauty and outdoor exploration, meandering alongside the pristine Waikato River.

You’ll witness stunning vistas of native forests, geothermal wonders, and the dramatic Huka Falls. The highlight is pausing at the Otumuheke Stream thermal area to unwind in natural hot pools. All necessary cycling equipment is provided, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Location: Spa Park

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3. 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.

For more like these activities, see the 15 Things to Do in Taupo on a Rainy Day.

Location: Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort – 76 Napier-Taupo Road. Wairakei Terraces – State Highway 1, Wairakei.

© Felicity Witters - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)

4. 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 or Taupo Sailing Adventures for a relaxing cruise across the lake to the iconic Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings.

This magnificent 14-metre (46-foot) high artwork, created in the late 1970s by artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and his team, depicts Ngātoroirangi, a revered Māori navigator.

According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, it’s one of the region’s most impressive cultural attractions, symbolising both heritage and artistic expression.

Location: Sailings depart from Redoubt Street, Taupo Boat Harbour.

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5. 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, 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.

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6. 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.

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7. 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.

Home to Whakapapa and Tūroa, the country’s largest ski areas, Mt Ruapehu offers slopes for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. With expansive terrain, natural halfpipes, and breathtaking alpine views, it’s a top spot for winter adventurers.

Hire your gear in town and catch the shuttle from Taupo to Whakapapa Ski Field. After shredding the slopes, relax at one of the on-mountain cafes.

Facilities include rentals, lessons, and eateries, making it ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Location: Bruce Road, Whakapapa Village, approximately 104 km (65 mi) from Taupo.

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8. 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.

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9. 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.

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10. 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

© Felicity Witters - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)