Area Activities

New Zealand's Lake Taupo offers an abundance of things to do, whatever your taste in outdoor activities: from white-water rafting to wine tasting, from relaxing in a thermal spa to skydiving, and much, much more. And there are plenty of activities to take in the afterhours as well, including a choice of Taupo's world-class restaurants and cafes.

In addition to the sights and activities around Taupo (some of which are listed below), Taupo is an ideal hub from which to explore most of the North Island's key attractions.

As part of your stay at Tauhara Sunrise, Rob and Becky will gladly help you plan your activities, either before you arrive, or while you're staying at the lodge.

Some of our most popular activities, along with links to the operators, are as follows:

Fishing - Taupo is sometimes called “the trout fishing capital of the world.” Troll the lake in a boat, or join a guide for a trip to one of our many fly fishing rivers and streams. www.fishingintaupo.co.nz

Golf - Taupo offers two of NZ’s finest golf courses: Wairakei International - http://www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz/ and the Jack Nicklaus signature course at Kinloch - www.nicklaus.com/design/kinloch

White water rafting - On the grade 3 Tongariro River - www.raftingnewzealand.co.nz

Thermal Parks - The Taupo/Rotorua area offers a wide diversity of thermal parks, some of our favourites being Waiotapu - www.geyserland.co.nz, Orakei Korako - www.orakeikorako.co.nz and Waimangu - www.waimangu.co.nz

Thermal Spa - The soothing healing mineral waters and pure natural surroundings of Taupo Hot Springs Spa have been an icon tourism attraction for decades - www.taupohotsprings.com

Jet boating - Three fabulous options around Taupo: www.hukafallsjet.com/page/5-Home, www.rapidsjet.com and www.riverjet.co.nz, the latter incorporating a trip to the Orakei Korako Thermal Park.

Tongariro National Park - This world heritage park offers a wide range of hikes (hiking is called tramping in NZ) and walks, from the 7 hour Tongariro Crossing, to shorter walks such as Taranaki Falls. nationalpark.co.nz

Hikes and walks - www.laketauponz.com/sights-activities/land/walks-hikes/close-taupo-town.html

Mountain biking - Taupo offers some of the best mountain biking in the world - www.biketaupo.org.nz. For the real adrenalin seekers - www.kaimanawahelibiking.co.nz

Quad biking - Ride 4x4’s through scenic fern clad native bush and over all terrain trails specifically built for 4WD quad bikes. www.4x4quads.com

River Cruise - Cruise from Aratiatia Dam up to the world famous Huka Falls - www.hukafallscruise.co.nz

Bungy jumping - www.taupobungy.co.nz

Skydiving - www.taupotandemskydiving.com

Wine tasting - Taupo is home to New Zealand’s largest retail wine cellar - www.sceniccellars.co.nz

Cafes - Taupo has many lovely cafes, one of our favourites is just up the road from Tauhara Sunrise - www.larte.co.nz

Restaurants - Taupo offers a wide choice in restaurants - www.dineout.co.nz/allresults.php?city=Taupo

Gardens - A remarkable New Zealand garden, winner in 2004 of a coveted Chelsea Flower Show gold medal, has been recreated permanently at Taupo Museum. This is the '100% Pure New Zealand Ora - Garden of Wellbeing' - taupovenues.co.nz/tmus/ora-garden

Scenic cruises on Lake Taupo - www.chrisjolly.co.nz

Scenic flights - Highly recommended is the helicopter flight over the lake and volcanoes - www.helistar.co.nz

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