February 21, 2022
If you’re planning your next adventurous long weekend, Taupō is the place to go! Packed full of natural wonders, fascinating history, quirky arts, and great food, there’s so much to see and do beyond the (still gorgeous) Great Lake Taupō. Add some new and thrilling activities to your itinerary – whether you’re visiting for a romantic weekend getaway, a family trip or a short break with friends, Taupō is full of surprises and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Ride the rapids with us (of course!)
Searching for an all-out adrenaline rush? Or just wanting to soak up the stunning scenery along the Waikato River? Rapids Jet has something to offer everyone, aged 5 to 105! Experience the full power of our custom–built V-shape jetboats as you shoot across New Zealand’s longest river at speeds of up to 90km/hr. And if you’re a fan of The Hobbit, a few spots along the way will look quite familiar to you. The unique thrill of whitewater jetboating and ‘power surfing’ the rapids (a New Zealand-exclusive!) should be a must-do on every Taupō itinerary.
Blast through the Waikato River on the ultimate thrill ride
Be mesmerised by the Aratiatia Dam
Lush native forest and striking rock formations frame the iconic Aratiatia Dam and Aratiatia Rapids. Not only rich in natural beauty but also a place with interesting history, the opening of the Aratiatia Power Station in 1964 paved the way for harnessing the river’s hydro-electric power potential. Today, the dam idles innocently, except for three or four times a day when the gates open, releasing an incredible 80,000 litres of water. From here, a peaceful stretch of the river is transformed into a fast-flowing, tumultuous series of rapids – it’s a truly spectacular sight to watch unfold. Several viewpoints allow you to see this phenomenon first-hand, and is definitely worth a visit.
Witness the powerful surges of the Aratiatia Dam. Credit: freewalks.nz
Get up close and personal with the mighty Huka Falls
Kick back, unwind, and cruise along the picturesque Waikato River on a Huka Falls River Cruise. Immerse yourself in the native bush and birdlife as you relax on their purpose-built river boat. You’ll soon hear the ferocious current of the falls, before you can even see them! Then, gaze in awe as the magic unfolds and the 11-metre-tall Huka Falls reveal themselves – with more than 220,000 litres of water a second erupting over the gorge, it’s a remarkable sight. Grab a Rapids Jet and River Cruise combo to experience the best of both worlds!
Slow and scenic does not mean boring!
Get your creative fix
Perfect for a rainy day, or to relax after the rush of riding the rapids, experience Taupō’s arts and culture scene with a trip to Taupō Museum, the Lava Glass Sculpture Garden, or L’ARTÉ Café and Gallery. Plus, the entire town centre is a work of art in itself, with eye-catching street art creations from Graffiato adorning laneways and alleys. With larger-than-life masterpieces waiting around every corner, each with a uniquely Taupō flair, there’s plenty to admire and appreciate.
Giant glass-blown tulips greet you at Lava Glass Sculpture Garden. Credit: Love Taupō
Round off the day with some burgers and brews
Chances are you’ll be ready to refuel after an adventurous day in Taupō. Enjoy a delicious burger, indulge on a wood-fired pizza or chow down on your pub favourites – you won’t have any trouble quenching your hunger. The close proximity of restaurants and eateries is perfect for an evening bar crawl, so taste your way through the region’s tasty craft beers and you’ll soon discover your new favourite drop.
A banger of a dish served alongside a banger of a view at Pub n Grub. Credit: Auckland i-SITE
Get ready to create some epic memories with your friends and family on your next Taupō holiday. There’s something for everyone in the heart of the North Island – both on and off the great lake.
