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Try these 7 new Taupo experiences before summer's gone!
Remember your family holidays to Taupo when you were a kid? Days were filled with endless sunshine, lake swims and river floats. The Taupo region has always been a go-to summer vacation for whānau.
It's true that Taupo is the heart of nostalgic activities for family vacations, but there's so many new experiences and memories to be made!
Spend a day at Taupo's premier entertainment centre, enjoy lakefront dining at Taupo's newest restaurant and eateries, and re-discover the best of Taupo on exciting adventures.
So grab the whānau, pack your bags, and tick these off your Taupo bucket list before summer ends.
1. Experience fun and thrills at Taupo's newest activity hub!
The Landing, Taupo's newest entertainment centre, isn't just for a family outing – it’s a place to re-imagine cool summer fun!
Start your day off right at Café Lacus. Serving up inspired twists on kiwi classics like their Mince on Toast with truffle salsa or their French Toast with their signature Lacus flavour, or enjoy the regions only nitro cold brew!
Experience escape rooms, swim with turtles, ride a rollercoaster or drive around the race track with virtual reality simulations. The Cave, Virtual Reality Studios and Gaming will transport you to another place with their premier virtual reality experiences.
Let the kids roam free at Taupo's exclusive entertainment centre The DropZone. With a tenpin bowling alley, full arcade, karaoke, a ninja course, and a huge indoor playground and trampoline park, the whole whānau is set for a full day of fun!
End your day with a sweet and unique treat from Suga Mummas. Offering classic ice-cream alongside quirky flavours like fig & honey, lemon curd and plum & custard, opt to have your scope on a cookie, croissant or crêpe! They also have 'Boozy Milkshakes' for mum and dad.
2. Change how you spend your day on the Taupo lakefront
Every summer holiday has at least one day where the family spends the entire day swimming and picnicking by the lakefront, however this summer launch yourself from Lake Taupo's northern shores in a new way.
Hire a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) or a kayak from Taupo Kayak Hire, marked by a sign and a tent right on the water's edge at the lakefront. They will be out every day from 10am-5pm for the rest of January (weather dependant). Rent your SUP for an hour to simply soak up sunshine on your paddleboard, or paddle your way from the lakefront to Two Mile Bay or close to the marina.
3. Jetski the length of Singapore
Interesting fact: Lake Taupo is roughly the size of Singapore, meanings there's over 600km² of lake surface to explore!
Rent a state-of-the-art technology jetski from Taupo Watersports and ski across the lake for epic views of the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings and Whakamoenga Point, all the way to Wharewaka Point (Four Mile Bay). Take a picnic and park up on one of the beautiful beaches along the way.
Life jackets, helmets, two way radio communications headstet, GPS guidance and driving instructions are provided.
4. Move over fish n’ chips; burgers are taking over Taupo
We agree that the ultimate classic summer meal is some chrispy fish 'n' chips, but sometimes you just have to sink your teeth into a juicy burger
Jimmy Coops Lakehouse, Taupo's newest craft beer and burger bar, has everything you need from 15 Lakeman (locally brewed) tap beers to adventurous burgers like steak & blue cheese and Mexican beef with IPA cheese sauce, not to mention the extravagant sides menu - did someone say truffle and parmesan fries? And you'll enjoy it all with stunning lake and mountain views.
5. Discover remote waterfalls in the Western Bays
Some of the most scenic and beautiful waterfalls are in Lake Taupo's Western Bays. But the only way to get to them is by boat!
With a unique lake experience from Taxicat Adventures, you will discover volcanic cliffs, hidden ravines, scenic swimming bays, and remote waterfalls on the Western Bays Adventure Tour. Over 2 hours of cruising along Whakaipo Bay, Kawakawa Bay and more, this is a summer must-try to see parts of Lake Taupo you've never seen before!
6. Relive classic camping and Kiwiana at its best – Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park
Transport yourself back into the 70's when you stay at the Kombi Cabins at Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park.
These unique cabins are shaped like authentic VW Kombi Vans and based on their reviews, a super comfortable and roomy stay! Located on the edge of Lake Taupo near Tūrangi and complete with a sun deck and cabin finish, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind this summer.
7. Ride Lake Taupo on a pedal boat or aqua trike!
Located in the calm waters of Wharewaka Point, enjoy Lake Taupo's newest whānau activity! Perfect on a beautiful summers day, Taupo Pedal Boats provide a unique and fun way to spend time on the water. Hire a four person pedal boat or three person aqua trike and relax as you navigate your own way around Wharewaka.
Bring the whole family and race each other on the trikes, or bring a spread and enjoy a picnic on the lake on a pedal boat!
