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Try these 7 Taupō experiences before summer's gone!
Remember your family holidays to Taupō when you were a kid? Days were filled with endless sunshine, lake swims and river floats. The Taupō region has always been a go-to summer vacation for whānau.
It's true that the Taupō region 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 Taupō's premier entertainment centre, enjoy lakefront dining at Taupō town's restaurant and eateries, and re-discover the best of this region's exciting adventures.
So grab the whānau, pack your bags, and tick these off your Taupō bucket list before summer ends.
1. Experience fun and thrills at Taupō's activity hub!
2. Change how you spend your day on the Taupō lakefront
3. Jetski the length of Singapore
4. Move over fish n’ chips; burgers are taking over Taupō
5. Discover remote waterfalls in the Western Bays
6. Relive classic camping and Kiwiana at its best – Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park
7. Ride Lake Taupō on a pedal boat or aqua trike!
1. Experience fun and thrills at Taupō's activity hub!
The Landing, Taupō's family 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 the exclusive entertainment centre, The DropZone. With a ten-pin 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 Taupō 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 Taupō's northern shores in a new way.
Hire a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) or a kayak from Taupo Kayak Hire. Rent your SUP for an hour to soak up the 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 Taupō is roughly the size of Singapore, meaning 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 headsets, GPS guidance and driving instructions are provided.
4. Move over fish n’ chips; burgers are taking over Taupō
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, Taupō town's craft beer and burger bar, has everything you need from 15 Lakeman (locally brewed) tap beers to adventurous burgers - did someone say truffle and parmesan fries?
Not to mention they just launched a delicious new menu just in time for the summer sun. 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 Taupō'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 Taupō 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 Taupō on a pedal boat or aqua trike!
Located in the calm waters of Wharewaka Point, enjoy one of Lake Taupō's whānau activities! Perfect on a beautiful summer 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!
