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Aroha ki tenei wahi. Arohaina Taupo. Love this place. Love Taupo. Experience Taupo’s Maori culture and connect with local people and local stories.
Whether it’s foraging for flora and fauna in the wild with Kai Waho, relaxing with a traditional Maori massage, taking part in an interactive experience of traditional Maori songs and kapa haka (performance) with the Haka Shop, or discovering the giant Mine Bay Maori rock carving that tells the story of the great Maori high priest Ngatoroirangi, you will leave Taupo having connected with local people and local stories.
Discover more about the heritage of local iwi Ngati Tuwharetoa at the Taupo Museum, as well as viewing a mighty 15m waka crafted from a single totara log.
You can also visit some of New Zealand’s most significant Maori pa sites (fortified villages) where you can learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka at Opotaka Historic Reserve or discover the site where the last major engagement of the New Zealand Wars was fought in 1869 at Te Porere Redoubt.
Embark on your own special journey into the culture, local history and kai (food) of this region.
Kai Waho is an experience that is shared in the true essence of ‘manaakitanga’ with all visitors interacting with all activities.
See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.
Opotaka is a historical Maori pa site (fortified village) where you can learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka, see the remains of the Maori settlement, and enjoy spectacular views across Lake Rotoaira to Mt Tongariro.
This all-year-round activity offers relaxation, fun and adventure on the water. Get right up close to this culturally significant 46 foot (14m) high rock art. Enjoy amusing and current commentary on Lake Taupo, the volcanoes and the carvings.
Silcia terraces, thermal bathing pools, massage therapy, Maori cultural experiences, geothermal tours.
Taupo Kayaking Adventures (TKA) specialises in guided scenic tours and trips on Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest fresh water lake, rivers, streams, walking and mountain biking tracks and trails in the Great Lake Taupo Region.
Maori Hangi dinner & Cultural show- Meet the real locals to hear the real stories of our tribal area. The Haka Shop welcomes you! Or take a walk with guide "Snow" or weave a mini kete with our expert weavers.
Explore Lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise with Sail Barbary. Enjoy stunning views as you set sail to explore the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Book and enjoy a must-do experience on New Zealand's only commercial electric sail boat.
Chris Jolly Outdoors has been looking after you for 40 years and that continues during COVID-19. Our ability to socially distance you on your 90 minute tour makes us part of your 'top things to do in Taupō'. Spacious and sparkly clean.
Daily scenic cruises to the Maori Rock Carvings onboard the Ernest Kemp, a replica steamboat. Ernest Kemp cruises daily all year round - four times during summer and twice in winter. Enjoy stunning Lake Taupo and the carvings on this 2 hour cruise.