Active adventures in Taupō
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From peaks to rapids: Adventure starts here

Whether you are chasing snow, seeking speed, or craving high-altitude views, Taupō delivers. With water, wilderness, and wild energy, this is where active adventurers find their perfect flow.

Set your pace and choose your path - ski down volcanic slopes, ride forest trails, reel in a trout, or jet-boat through river canyons. Taupō is built for movement, made for memory-making, and perfect for sharing with someone special. Adventure here is not about ticking boxes; it is about choosing your own version of freedom and living it fully.

Taupō through the lens: a visual journey

See the pulse of Taupō through every shot - spray flying from a jet boat, snow lifting under skis, wheels spinning on mountain trails. The camera captures more than movement; it reveals moments of bravery, joy, and connection in the great outdoors.

Active adventures in Taupō — secret gems, magic and mysteries

Where every trail, rapid, and ridgeline invites freedom, challenge, and joy. Nature sets the pace, and each moment moves you in new ways.

Plan your trip with active adventures

Thinking of biking volcanic trails or hiking across alpine ridges? Taupō makes it easy to turn that dream into a plan. Pack your sense of adventure and let the natural playground of Taupō lead the way.

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  • Rafting

    Access 14 - Upper Gorge Tongariro River Rafting

    The Tongariro River is a dam-controlled river which enables us to raft all year round, sadly there are some sacrifices that have to be made in order to have that happen – when the hydro dam was built, a portion of the river was re-routed underground.

    $149 Book now
  • Airport shuttles

    FourB - Great Lake Trails Shuttles

    Shuttle transfers for all sections of the Great Lake Trails in Taupo including booking the water taxi transfer from the Waihaha section in the Western Bays of Lake Taupo.

    $69 - $150 Book now
  • Rafting

    White Water Rafting - Tongariro River Rafting

    Want the 'best possible rafting experience in the Taupo Region?' We're the number one rated Taupō rafting experience on TripAdvisor. We've had over 230,000 customers in the last 30 years. 'Hands down this is the most fun in the Taupō region.'

    $199 Book now
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Kawakawa Section

    The Kawakawa Section of the Great Lake Trails is made up of the K2K Trail, Orakau Trail, and Otaketake Trail.

  • Biking trails

    Waihora Link

    Ride amongst vast stands of Kamahi, through volcanic rock formations and past the intriguing Echo Rock before you start to descend down the Kotukutuku Stream.

  • Ski & snowboard

    Whakapapa Ski Area

    Whakapapa is a world-class adventure playground located on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, boasting the countries premier beginner facility, Happy Valley. Terrain is formed by solidified lava making for some of the most exhilarating skiing and snowboarding New Zealand has to offer. Explore everything from cruisy groomers to exhilarating chutes, bumps and drops, made all the more exciting by the natural volcanic terrain.

  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    42 Traverse Guided E-Bike Ride

    Known as one of the best adventure mountain bike rides in New Zealand. A 46km Grade 3 guided mountain e-bike tour through the Tongariro Forest. The 42 Traverse takes you into sub-alpine New Zealand with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

    $409
  • Skydiving

    Duck'n'Dive - Rafting and Skydiving

    Experience New Zealand's finest scenery from the air and on the water. The Duck & Dive combo gives you the chance to skydive and raft in two of the most beautiful spots in the Central North Island.

    $450
  • Biking trails

    Headland Loop Trail (Great Lake Trails)

    The Headland Loop Trail starts and finishes on the W2K Trail at the top of the headland between Kinloch and Whakaipo Bay.

  • Abseiling/Rappelling

    Taupō Rockwall

    Welcome to the Taupō Rockwall - our indoor climbing wall at the Taupō Events Centre is a challenging and fun all-weather activity for all ages.

    $15
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Looking for other experiences

  • Relax and Unwind

    Slip into a softer rhythm in the Taupō region. From geothermal pools to gourmet plates, luxe stays to lakeview strolls - this is your invitation to relax, recharge and reconnect simply..

    More info 
  • Immerse in nature

    Feel nature's calm in Taupō. From forest walks to geothermal wonders, scenic lakeshores - this is a place where every step brings you closer to something extraordinary.

    More info 
  • Connect with others

    Taupō brings people together across ages, interests, and budgets. From festivals to trails, it is a region full of shared experiences that spark joy, connection, and plenty of stories to take home.

    More info 

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  1. Home
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