Don't let the quiet lakefront below fool you into thinking that this town is boring. Adventure runs through its veins. Taupo is a charming boating and fishing town in central north island of New Zealand. It is serenely nestled on the shore of Lake Taupo. Despite the shops being closed sometime around 5 or 6pm, this town, my friend, has lots of adventurous activities that will keep your adrenaline pumping.
According to a visitor guide I found about Lake Taupo, it is a volcanic caldera and is one of the world's most formidable and active super volcanoes. It is the biggest lake in Australasia and is roughly the size of Singapore.
My husband and I fell in love with Taupo that we once dreamed and planned of moving to New Zealand. Ten years ago, we noted this down as one of the places we would love to settle down in.
Sights and Activities in Taupo
By land, by water or by flying, whichever is up to your liking. There are heli rides, plenty of boat tours to choose from, biking and hiking trails.
Tandem Skydive with Skydive Taupo
Taupo is an unforgettable place for me because this was where I conquered my fear of heights and did my skydive with Skydive Taupo for the first time. Imagine watching the whole lake beneath you as soon as you jump off the plane and plummet to a free fall from 15,000 ft.
Fast and the furious on a jet boat. Thrilling ride with power brakes and trick turns. This is definitely a must try! Haha, lots of screaming and laughing here. It's a 30-minute jet boat ride in Waikato River where you rapidly spin, turn and abruptly stop all the way to Huka Falls.
Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Fishing and White Water Rafting
Any water related activities is definitely high up on the list of things to do in Taupo
Explore Hiking and Walking Trails
Hike for 3 hours along Huka Falls Track and allow yourself to be captivated by the beauty of the countryside landscape. Visit Tongariro National Park in the Ruapeho District, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first national park in NZ. It offers the most popular hike in NZ, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a one day walk across the central plateau offering dramatic views.
Town Stroll
Enjoy a stroll along the lake side, lined by trees and park benches with quaint restaurants and fast food across the street facing this beautiful view. Perch here or have a picnic.
Nowadays, I am too old for this sh*t but maybe this is right up your alley. Jump off or swing away and enjoy!
Explore Craters of the Moon and Maori Rock Carvings
Geological formations, nature and wildlife. View Maori Rock Carvings while sailing a yacht.
Check out our family roadtrip video. Taupo can be found from 0:00 to 0:45
Family Friendly
Our plans to move there didn't happen when life intervened. The video gives a short glimpse of how the town looks like. Now you understand why we were both smitten by Taupo. Friendly people initiated conversations while we waited at the cashier line. Families are happily enjoying brunches on picnic tables with parks and playgrounds available almost anywhere. Wide walk-friendly pavements that are great for baby strollers.
Back to our family road trip story
Day 6 Christmas Day - after an hour long drive from Rotorua to Taupo and a Christmas lunch picnic stop near Huka Falls, we spent the rest of the afternoon strolling along the lakefront and admiring beautiful houses. By sunset, with a bottle of Pink Moscato, we all sat at the hotel terrace overlooking the lake for a festive aperitif. Cheers to a lovely stay!
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