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Family friendly activities in Taupō

Getting out into nature and adventuring is an essential part of life for kids growing up in New Zealand. Taupō's incredible scenery and wide range of family-friendly activities are what have made it a favourite holiday spot for New Zealanders for decades.

From lazy summers spent swimming, boating and fishing on the lake bays, to a pilgrimage to Happy Valley at Whakapapa Ski Area to learn to ski or have a sled, it’s an essential part of many Kiwis’ happiest childhood memories.

Camping, thermal park fun, family hikes and bike rides through native bush, mini-golf, horse treks, the Huka Prawn Park, family restaurants, boat cruises, farm parks, playgrounds and natural wonders – there’s an endless list of things to do and places to go to keep everyone in the family having fun.

Family friendly things to do in Taupō

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  • Jet boating

    Rapids Jet

    Experience real white water jet boating. Rapids Jet is a fun, safe & exhilarating experience which takes you to the Aratiatia Rapids, through the narrowest canyon on the Waikato to the Nga Awa Purua Rapids where The Hobbit scenes were filmed.

    $155 Book now
  • Geothermal

    Spa Thermal Park

    Spa Thermal Park is home of the famous Otumuheke Stream hot pools. From here, you can also explore the Huka scenic walking trails and the Rotary Ride mountain bike trail.

  • Hot pools & health spas

    Turtle Pools - Turangi

    Turtle Pools is located in the centre of Tūrangi and offers entertainment for all ages. A fully enclosed swimming pool facility with an air temperature of 24 degrees and is Poolsafe accredited.

    $6.50
  • 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
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Silica Rapids

    Silica Rapids is a short easy walk in the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

  • Fishing – Fresh Water

    Tongariro National Trout Centre

    Discover the world of freshwater Trout. Come and learn about the freshwater habitat of Trout. Take your Kids Fishing. We have a Kids Pond that is great for catching a trout. Book now to avoid disappointment.

    $22 Book now
  • Biking trails

    Timber Trail

    The 85km long Timber Trail is a unique mountain bike ride across ancestral Maori lands, taking you deep into the ancient Pureora Forest Park in New Zealand's central North Island.

  • Kayaking

    Kayak the Mighty Waikato River with Canoe & Kayak - Canoe and Kayak Taupō

    Let Canoe & Kayak pilot your exploration of the crystal clear waters of New Zealand's longest river, the mighty Waikato, on a 2 hour guided trip. This stunning tour runs daily and is perfect for the whole family.

    $90 Book now
  • Boat cruises

    Chris Jolly Outdoors Scenic Boat Tour to the Māori Rock Carvings

    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.

    $59 Book now
  • Scenic attraction

    Tongariro Domain Playground

    Right in the heart of town centre is Taupō's newest family destination! Walk through the gardens of the Tongariro Domain, grab takeaways from one of the many cafes off Tongariro Street, and picnic on Tongariro's Domain's lawn right next to the playground. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Taupō, enjoy an afternoon of pure fun.

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