Top 25 family experiences in Taupō

1. Huka Prawn Park

This unique park offers fun interactive water play, guided tours, a prawn hatchery and nursery, a restaurant serving fresh succulent prawns, a boating lake and much more (prawn fishing temporarily unavailable).

2. Tongariro National Trout Centre

The perfect place to learn all about trout and catch, smoke and eat your first fish (fishing during school holidays only). View wild trout and native whio, and discover the museum and aquarium.

3. Taupo Mini Golf

Located right on the lakefront, this 18-hole mini golf course offers fun times for all age groups. Family and group discounts are available.

4. Dropzone at The Landing

Taupō’s newest entertainment centre. A must-do for the young adventurer and the young at heart. Tenpin bowling, trampolines, Ninja course, arcade, indoor playground, cafe and pizza bar!

5. Confinement Escape Rooms

Confinement Escape Rooms - Taupō 4 exciting rooms, each with a unique theme, storyline and clues that will keep you wondering what lies ahead as you work your way through each space solving puzzles. Rooms accommodate 2 - 8 players.

6. Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

Explore a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud and amazing silica terraces. Kids will love the short boat ride across the river as much as the otherworldly candy-coloured hillside alive with activity. Cafe onsite.

7. Rock n’ Ropes and rock climbing

Rock n' Ropes: Challenge yourself on this high wire ropes course for all ages. Choose from the trapeze, high log, giant swing or the ultimate rock drop.

The Edge Indoor Rock Wall: the perfect place to try climbing or test your skills.

8. Tongariro Domain Playground

Get ready to challenge gravity on the enormous spider net, then whiz down the slide and have a splash-tastic time in the water-play area at the Tongariro Domain. It's not only for the older kids – the little ones who are just starting to explore have their very own mini-playground to enjoy. If you're a fan of trains, don't miss the chance to hop on the Lions Club Express train with its eye-catching red carriages.

9. Mini golf

Putt your way through the three 18-hole mini golf courses throughout the region (Taupo Mini Golf / Adventure Mini Golf / Swingers Putt Putt). A great activity for the whole family.

10. Tokaanu Thermal Pools

Enjoy a mineral-rich soak at the Tokaanu Thermal Pools in Southern Lake Taupo. Make sure to also explore the Tokaanu Thermal Walk. 

11. Korohe Horse Treks

From gentle forest and river treks, to full day trout fishing by horseback. Enjoy beautiful scenery whilst learning about local Māori myths and legends.

12. Timberline Racing Siberian Huskies

Meet gorgeous Siberian husky dogs and puppies, learn about the breed and watch an 8-dog running team in action.

13. Sky Waka Gondola

Journey through the sky on the country’s largest gondola and enjoy majestic panoramic scenery of Mt Ruapehu and Tongariro National Park. 

14. Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

Spot hidden bays as you glide towards the Ngatoroirangi Rock Carvings, an impressive 14m high and only accessible by boat.

15. Whitewater rafting

Rain or shine, Tongariro River Rafting offer fun-filled whitewater adventures and family floats for ages 5+.

16. Ride on a jet boat

Taupō is home to two jet boat operators, each offering a fun and unique experience on the Waikato River. Conditions apply for children.

17. Doughboats

Motorised inflatable doughnuts that you can take for a spin in the water along the lakefront. Bring along your own food and drink for a picnic on the water!

18. Taupō Pedal Boats

Taupō's newest water activity, grab the family and climb aboard a pedal boat for a water trike for some fun on the water!

19. Mind Junction

Featuring a giant maze, mini golf, flight and clay target simulators and the 'Discovery Centre' that offers a fun, hands-on science experience.

20. Market Central Taupō

Explore art and craft stalls, discover local artisans and enjoy fresh local produce, fresh-baked bread, authentic food from around the world, and baked delights. Every Sunday.

21. Mountain Bike Trails

Enjoy easy family riding through stunning native bush along the banks of the Tongariro River or ride the Mangakino suspension bridge on the Waikato River Trail.

22. L’Arte Cafe and Gallery

Set in a magical art-filled garden surrounding an excellent café, working pottery studio and gift shop for a unique piece to take home. Kids will love the small playhouse and hidden garden treasures.

23. View Huka Falls by boat

Take an exhilarating jet boat ride with Hukafalls Jet or gently cruise to the base of the Huka Falls with Huka Falls River Cruise.

24. Fly the skies

Get the ultimate birds-eye-view as you parasail Lake Taupō, skydive above Taupō, or bungy jump/swing over the Waikato River!

25. Hydroslides at Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs

Explore Taupō DeBretts' thermal heated pools, go down the slides and make a splash into thermal heated pools, or try out the water playground.

Keen to explore more?

It literally is an endless list of family-friendly things to do in Taupō!

Hot pools

Discover warm, healing geothermal waters, steamy hot pools and thermal park fun at one of the thermally heated, all-weather hot pool facilities throughout the region. Hot Water Beach is a fun family memory, no matter what time of year! 

Taupō Museum

Discover more about the heritage of local iwi Ngāti Tuwharetoa at the Taupō Museum, as well as view a mighty 15-metre waka crafted from a single totara log. The Museum has an ever-changing selection of inventively curated exhibitions and a shop - He Taonga Iti - that sells prints and small treasures that its name means.

Kayaking and SUPs

Hire gear from and jump on a tour with Taupō Kayaking Adventures or Canoe & Kayak.