Things to Do in Taupo

One of New Zealand’s most visited natural attractions, just over a kilometer north of Taupo city, the mighty Huka Falls are the largest falls on the Waikato River, thundering over a 20-meter cliff edge into the rock pools below. Fed by the vast Lake Taupo (Australasia’s largest freshwater lake), the falls are created by the narrowing of the 100 meter wide river into a slim rock ravine, pushing a colossal 220,000 liters (enough to fill two Olympic sized swimming pools) over the cliff edge each second. Thanks to the build up of pressure behind the rock, an immensely powerful natural waterfall is formed. Named from the Māori word 'huka', meaning 'foam', the falls more than live up to their name as the surging water crashes onto the rocks below.

Those hoping to get a lookout over the falls can walk the footbridge overhead, where you’ll be close enough to feel the spray or else get a view from the Huka Falls Trail, a one-hour walk that follows the forested riverbanks to where the tranquil waters explode into the hurtling falls.  If it’s an adrenaline kick you’re after, opt for a jet boat ride instead, where you’ll get to zoom upstream to within meters of the falls.

If bungee jumping and sky-diving over Lake Taupo sound a little too hair-raising for your tastes, the nearby Huka Prawn park might be just the kind of family-friendly destination you’re looking for. New Zealand’s only prawn fishing park, the Huka Prawn Park is likely the most fun you’ll ever have with the little pink crustaceans, and there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy for an afternoon.

The humble prawn takes center stage at the Huka Prawn Park, with a selection of fishing pools offering the chance to catch your own dinner and take it to the on-site restaurant to be prepared. Over 150,000 giant Malaysian river prawns swim in the waters at any one time, with the park growing 32 tons of prawns each year, meaning you’re bound to catch enough for a good meal. Equally interesting is visiting the hatcheries, where you can learn about the lives of the tiny sea creatures on an Interactive Hatchery Tour, including tackling the jumping rocks, indulging in a geothermal foot bath and feeding wild trout.

Don’t worry, there’s plenty of quirky fun to be had even if you’re not a fan of eating the prawns—pedal away on the water-spurting bikes; bang out a tune on the water piano fountain; or have your photo taken with the park’s lovable mascot, Shawn the Prawn.

An otherworldly landscape of bubbling mud pools and steam-puffing vents, Taupo’s Craters of the Moon park offers a dramatic introduction to the region’s geothermic wonders. With Lake Taupo situated in the caldera of an ancient volcano and the surrounding area dotted with hot springs and geysers, Taupo has long been a center of geothermic activity and the Craters of the Moon is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to take in its highlights.

Inside the park, two walking trails loop around the principal attractions, with the raised walkways snaking through the heart of the active geothermic terrain. Look beneath your feet and you’ll see steam escaping through the cracks in the boardwalk; just out of arm’s reach, pools of murky grey mud spit and splutter, as if gasping for breath. The landscape unfolds in a moon-like vista worthy of its name, swirling with deep craters, fumaroles and tropical vegetation. Located in the Wairakei Tourist Park – New Zealand’s largest geothermal field - since the 1950s, the Craters of the Moon is now looked after by the Department of Conservation and is open to visitors year-round.

In a region teeming with geothermic attractions, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley has a lot of competition, but while the scenery doesn’t quite live up to the mind-blowing landscapes of the nearby Craters of the Moon or Orakei Korako Cave, the park is still one of Taupo’s most unique accommodation options.

A traditional Kiwi campsite complete with its own thermal garden, hot pools and petting zoo, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley offers a great introduction to the area’s geothermic attractions. A walkway takes in the main attractions, including natural steam vents, bubbling mud pools and geysers, on a site next door to a geothermal power plant. Even if you’re not staying on site, you can still enjoy the thermal attractions and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including bathing in hot pools, spotting the colorful native birds that frequent the area and hand feeding the small park’s many animals.

The unique art and handicrafts produced by New Zealand’s Maori population are among the country’s most vibrant and celebrated art works. There are few better examples of the Maori Rock carvings at Mine Bay. One of the most striking attractions of Lake Taupo, the immense carvings adorn the cliff faces of the bay, towering over 10 meters high.

Although the designs appear like the remains of an ancient Maori settlement, they were in fact carved by artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1970s, taking three summers to complete. The dramatic works are some of the largest rock art of their kind in the world, depicting Ngatoroirangi – the Maori visionary who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to Lake Taupo over a thousand years before. Flanking Ngatoroirangi are two smaller carvings depicting the south wind and a mermaid, and utilizing traditional Maori stone-carving techniques.

Only viewable from the water, visiting the Maori Rock Carvings is a popular boat excursion from Taupo, but it’s also possible to get there by kayak, offering an incredible up close view of the figures as you float beneath the cliffs.