After more than 25 years of living and working in the Waikato region, we've seen Taupō town evolve from a quiet lakeside town into one of New Zealand's most visited destinations.
So when it comes to things to do Taupō, you can be sure that our corner of the globe delivers on epic experiences.
We've been running shuttle services to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for over two decades, and our guests often ask us what else they should do while they're in the area. The truth is, the things to do in Taupō could easily fill a week – we have everything from geothermal attractions and mountain biking trails to world-class fishing and relaxing cruises on the lake. No matter how you like to travel, just about anyone can find something they love to do in one of the world's "most welcoming" places!
To help inspire your Taupō adventure, here are our top recommendations for the best experiences in the region:
Starting off with one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand's North Island, the thundering Huka Falls. Just a short drive north of town, this might not be the tallest waterfall you'll see in the country, but it might just be the most impressive. The Waikato River feeds into these icy blue falls, going from 100m wide, down to just 15m, forcing an incredible amount of water through the narrow canyon (220,000L per second to be exact!), creating this extremely powerful display.
The geothermal activities in and around Taupō are a must-do and Wai-O-Tapu is no exception. About 40 minutes north of town, this mesmerising geothermal park is like stepping onto another planet with bubbling mud pools and rising steam clouds.
There are three loops which allow you to walk along trails and boardwalks as you take in the sites such as the infamous Champagne Pool, which bubbles away with its brilliant orange rim. The Lady Knox Geyser is also a must-see, putting on a show every morning at 10:15am sharp, as it shoots a stream of steam and water high into the air as it erupts. Here you can easily while away a couple of hours taking in the fascinating sights.
No trip to Lake Taupō is complete without a leisurely cruise to the iconic Māori Rock Carvings. Only accessible by water, this relaxing experience takes you across the crystal-clear expanse of New Zealand’s largest lake (a massive 616 square kilometres!) while you sit back with a drink in hand and soak in the scenery.
As you near Mine Bay, you’ll be greeted by the towering 14-metre-high carvings created by artist Matahi Brightwell. Etched directly into the cliffs, these intricate limestone artworks are a stunning contemporary tribute to Māori culture, leaving a lasting impression.
Taupō has a variety of hiking, cycling and mountain biking trails to choose from, such as peaceful lakeside paths to adventurous forest tracks. No matter your skill level or pace, you’re bound to find something that's up your alley. Some of our top picks are:
If a bit of adventure is calling your name, then whitewater rafting on the Tongariro River is a must-do. Tongariro River Rafting offer a half-day experience with Grade 3 rapids that strike the perfect balance between thrilling and totally doable for paddlers of any skill level. Over two hours, you’ll tackle bouncy rapids with a qualified guide leading the way, as you explore a remote stretch of the river that’s surrounded by untouched wilderness. Also! Keep an eye out for the endangered Whio (Blue Duck) too – they’re known to be spotted in the area.
If adrenaline is your potion of choice, then skydiving or bungee jumping in Taupō has your name written all over it! Taupō Tandem Skydiving allows visitors to freefall from 15,000 feet, with views over Lake Taupō and the distant volcanic peaks - a thrill with a side of a good view!
If you prefer to launch yourself headfirst, AJ Hackett Taupō Bungy is a classic. Set above the Waikato River, this 47-metre jump is New Zealand’s highest water-touch bungy - yep, you heard that right, you can choose to take a dip while you do it. From skydiving through the clouds to leaping off a ledge, this really is Taupō at its most exhilarating.
Lake Taupō is famous for its rainbow trout, and even if you've never held a fishing rod before, a guided trip can be great fun. The lake and its surrounding rivers are home to healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout, with the prime fishing season running from October to May (though it's a year-round activity on the lake itself). If you’re new to fishing, don’t worry – guided charters make it easy for beginners, taking you to all the best fishing spots! This might be trolling on the lake or fly fishing on the Tongariro River, but either way, you're in for a treat.
All good adventures need some downtime, and this geothermal spa is just the spot to relax and recharge. Just a short drive from Taupō, Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa offers a series of soothing pools fueled by natural geothermal water.
The four pools range in temperature from warm to hot and are known for their mineral-rich, healing properties. The silica terraces, which the water flows over, are surrounded by native bush and the sound of birdlife, making it the perfect place to unwind, ease tired muscles, and enjoy being in nature.
And finally, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. After running shuttles to this world-famous track for years, we can confidently say, if you're coming to Taupō, you shouldn't pass up this opportunity. This 19.4km hike through volcanic terrain consistently ranks as one of the world's best day hikes and its easy to see why - you'll walk across ancient lava flows, set your sights on emerald lakes, and if the weather's clear, get views that'll have you feeling like you're on top of the world.
Now, behind every great adventure is good logistics and planning, and doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is no exception. The crossing is a point-to-point walk, which means you start on one side and finish on the other, so you'll need transport to help you close the loop... that's where we come in!
Our Tongariro shuttle service from Taupō takes the hassle out of your day on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We'll pick you up from your central Taupō accommodation and drive you on the scenic 1 hour 20 minute journey through Tongariro National Park, before dropping you off at the start of the track in Mangatepopo.
From there, you’ll have up to 8 hours to complete the Crossing at your own pace. Once you reach the other end at the Ketetahi car park, we’ll be there to pick you up and return you seamlessly to Taupō.
With over 25 years of experience, you can count on us for a safe, reliable and stress-free journey – so you can focus on the adventure, not the logistics!
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an unforgettable experience, and we’d love to help you make it happen. Book your Taupō return shuttle with us today and get ready to explore one of New Zealand’s most iconic day hikes.
And don't forget, while you're in the region, check out the other incredible experiences Taupō has to offer – we guarantee you won't be disappointed!
Posted by Mandy Tongariro Expeditions on July 30, 2025
