New Zealand · TAUPO TOURS

15 Taupo Tours to Build a Day Around

24 tours  ·  from $32

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 taupo tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo - Racing through the canyon
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

1.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89Our pick

Rapids Jet takes you from Rotokawa along the Waikato River for a fast 35-minute ride through narrow canyons, clear water, and the Nga Awa Purua rapids. Your guide, such as Jacob, Shannon, or Taylah, handles the 550-horsepower boat and shares local history. The ride does not visit Huka Falls.

“Easy peasy fun & fast thrill ride. Capt. Shannon made it all worthwhile. Seemed that we did a bit more time than what the description said.”

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Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings - What the sailing part is really like
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Māori Cultural Tours, Māori Cultural Tours in Taupo, Sailing, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings

2.Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 972 reviews · from $35

Spend 2.5 hours sailing Lake Taupō aboard a roomy classic sailboat or catamaran. Your English-speaking crew, including guides such as Aaron, Liam, David, Danny, and Nick, explain the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, offer a drink, and stop for a swim when conditions allow.

“Fantastic morning out on the water. Friendly guides and informative tour.”

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Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp - Boarding Ernest Kemp near central Taupō
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Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

3.Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 901 reviews · from $31Best value

Cruise Lake Taupō for 90 to 120 minutes aboard Ernest Kemp, a small replica steamboat, with live commentary from the skipper and crew. You will approach the inaccessible Mine Bay Māori rock carvings, enjoy views toward Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe, and receive tea, coffee, cookies, and onboard WiFi.

“Delightful experience on a sunny morning on the Earnest Kemp. Nice touch with inclusive drink & cookie. Would recommend.”

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Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience - Racing through the Waikato River scenery
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

4.Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 759 reviews · 30 min · from $89

Ride a high-speed jet boat from Wairakei Tourist Park to the base of Huka Falls. Expect 80km/h runs, 360-degree spins, sharp cliff passes, local commentary, and spray. Drivers such as Scott, Ricky, Chopper, and Tee are known for lively guiding and skilled boat handling.

“Absolutely brilliant, loved it, great fun at high speed, the 360 spins and doughnuts by Huka Falls well worthwhile.”

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Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo - Why the electric yacht matters
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Māori Cultural Tours, Māori Cultural Tours in Taupo, Sailing, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

5.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · from $33

Sail Barbary takes you across Lake Taupō on a small electric yacht to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. Captain Chris or Pete provides stories about the carvings, Māori legends, and nearby volcanoes. Bring swimwear in warm weather, and choose an evening sailing for a complimentary drink.

“Chris is a great guy with a huge love for sailing. The carvings are amazing and the relaxing trip on the lake was very welcome. Make sure to bring sunscreen though!”

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Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo - The 30-minute ride from Karetoto Road
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

6.Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 658 reviews · from $94

Ride the Waikato River for 30 minutes with Hukafalls Jet, racing toward the 11-meter Huka Falls. Expect 360-degree spins, power brakes, lively commentary, close water-level views, and spray. Guides including Scott, Ricki, Arthur, Rocky, and others bring local knowledge and plenty of humor.

“Amazing experience and so much fun. The driver was so good and kept us on the edge of our seats with high speed turns and navigating the mighty haka falls.”

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Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise - Setting out from Taupō Boat Harbour
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Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

7.Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 633 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Spend 90 minutes on a two-story catamaran crossing Lake Taupō to the famous Māori Rock Carvings. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories, points out Tongariro National Park, and may add a trout-fishing demonstration. Tea, coffee, and a muffin are included.

“The activity was great, but getyourguide did not ask about dietary requirements. Well worth the trip out to see the carvings and learn about Lake Taupo!”

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Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo - A comfortable cruise with room to look around
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Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

8.Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 575 reviews · from $36

Cruise Lake Taupō for about 90 minutes aboard a comfortable boat, stopping near the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Your crew explains local Māori culture, volcanology, and ecology while you enjoy mountain views, tea or coffee, and a homemade muffin. Morning and afternoon sailings are available.

“This is definitely a must do when in Taupo! The staff are excellent and knowledgeable, the Māori carving is spectacular and really impressive.”

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Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise - Tea, coffee, and the famous warm muffin
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Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise

9.Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Māori Rock Carvings Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 498 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Board Chris Jolly Outdoors’ two-story catamaran in Taupō for a relaxed 90-minute cruise to the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings. Your English and Māori commentary covers the lake and local traditions, with open decks, indoor seating, tea, coffee, a muffin, and a trout-fishing demonstration.

“great staff, very helpful and compassionate. We were travelling with elderly parents , one with mobility issues. the staff could not have been more accommodating. Lovely tour of the lake with entertaining commentary .”

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Lake Taupo 12,000-Foot Tandem Skydiving - The briefing, equipment, and the moment of truth
Skydiving, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Lake Taupo 12,000-Foot Tandem Skydiving

10.Lake Taupo 12,000-Foot Tandem Skydiving

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 359 reviews · from $209

You’ll ride to Taupo Tandem Skydiving, receive a safety briefing, and jump from 12,000 feet with a professional tandem master. Expect about 40 seconds of freefall at up to 200 kph, views of Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, and a parachute ride back to the drop zone.

“I had an amazing skydiving experience with you today, June 19, 2025! The 12,000-ft jump, professional guides, and seamless hotel pick-up and drop-off were outstanding. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!”

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Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo - From Taupo town to the yellow hangar
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Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo

11.Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · 3 hours · from $196

Take a tandem skydive from 12,000, 15,000, or 16,500 feet above Lake Taupo. Your experienced master handles the technical work while you enjoy the free fall and parachute ride. Expect a safety briefing, yellow Hummer pickup, mountain views, and optional photo and video packages.

“It was fantastic. My 13 yr old jumped and we were assigned a French instructor, who put her at ease. She did the 15000ft jump. I recommend Tandem Skydive in Taupo 1000%!!”

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Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise - Leaving Taupo Boat Harbour at 5:00 PM
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Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise

12.Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 317 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Join Chris Jolly Outdoors for a 90-minute, 5:00 PM cruise from Taupo Boat Harbour to the Māori Rock Carvings. Your English-speaking skipper shares local facts as you take in Tongariro National Park, relax on two levels, and buy drinks from the bar.

“Had a really great trip out to see the Maori carvings. Beautifully smooth cruise on a sunny late afternoon. There was a choice of lower and upper decks with us preferring the lower deck, sitting inside but able to venture outside to take photos. We used this fully to take photos of the beautiful surroundings and the carvings. Drinks were available making for a pleasant trip. Wonderful value.”

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Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako - A boardwalk through boiling earth
Geothermal Park Tours, Guided, Self-Guided Tours, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako

13.Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · from $35

Take a short ferry from Orakei Korako’s visitor center to a 2.5km geothermal boardwalk. Explore at your own pace, with boiling pools, mud vents, silica terraces, random geyser activity, and Ruatapu Cave. The visit lasts about two hours and suits independent walkers who prefer nature without a group guide.

“This was the BEST geothermal walk in the region! We were lucky enough to see 2 x geysers while there (they occur randomly from 35 mins to months apart) and one of only 2 geothermal caves in the world! If you only see one geothermal area - pick this one!”

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The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak - Starting at 54 Spa Road in Taupō
Canoes & Kayaks, Māori Cultural Tours, Māori Cultural Tours in Taupo, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak

14.The Maori Carvings Half Day Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · from $83

Set out from Jerusalem Bay with Canoe and Kayak Taupo Tours for a guided paddle to Lake Taupō’s Māori rock carvings. Guides such as Laura, Lisa, and Tammy provide instruction and local stories. The four-hour trip includes gear, snacks, photos, and time for an optional swim.

“The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful, Lisa even brought us to the bank to re-adjust our pedals and the other guide pulled us for a bit!!!”

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2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo - Starting at Canoe and Kayak Taupo
2-Hour Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo

15.2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · from $55

Set off from Canoe and Kayak Taupo for a gentle two-hour paddle down the clear Waikato River. A guide such as Eloise or George leads you past islands, reserves, Spa Park, and the Taupo Bungy, with a chance to warm your feet in natural hot pools. Gear and photos are included.

“It was really beautiful route and easy to kayak but too short, almost 45 minutes in hot springs. They could also wash life jackets too, they smell bad.”

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New in Taupo Tours

★ 5.0Huka Falls Helicopter RideFrom $1079 reviews
★ 5.0Bungy Jump and Swing ComboFrom $2483 reviews
★ 4.6Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour CruiseFrom $3513 reviews

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