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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
  • Theme & leisure parks

    Racing Simulators at Vault Works Taupō

    Rev up your adrenaline! Choose an individual race session for a thrilling, action-packed experience, or book by the hour for the ultimate freedom to conquer the track at your own pace. The choice is yours - make every moment count.

    $30 - $199 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.

  • Theme & leisure parks

    Turangi Climbing Gym

    Turangi Climbing Gym is fun for the whole family and experience levels! With top ropes, lead climbing and bouldering problems which are always changing, you can spend plenty of time here, and know each time you come there will be a new challenge.

    $15 - $20
  • Biking trails

    Tongariro River Trail

    Explore the Tongariro River Trail in Turangi, offering gentle riverside rides and stunning native bush. Cross a scenic swing bridge and stop at the Tongariro National Trout Centre for a picnic and learning experience, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for the whole family.

  • Theme & leisure parks

    Dropzone at The Landing

    Get ready, the indoor entertainment starts here at the Dropzone at The Landing – Taupō's newest entertainment destination.

    $10 - $15
  • Theme & leisure parks

    Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge

    Golf inspires us to try things we never thought we could do. Swing by and take on the famous Hole in One challenge by hitting golf balls out onto a floating pontoon on Lake Taupō to win the ultimate prize of $10,000 cash! Play like a champion today.

    $1.50 - $40
  • Boat cruises

    Ernest Kemp Scenic Cruises - Maori Rock Carvings

    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.

    $50 - $55 Book now
  • Rafting

    White Water Rafting - Tongariro River Rafting

    Want the 'best possible rafting experience in the Taupo Region?' We're the number one rated Taupō rafting experience on TripAdvisor. We've had over 230,000 customers in the last 30 years. 'Hands down this is the most fun in the Taupō region.'

    $199 Book now
  • Biking trails

    Great Lake Pathway (Lion's Walk)

    Voted New Zealand's Favourite Urban Ride in 2017, the Great Lake Pathway (Lion's Walk) is perfectly suited for families and offers spectacular views across Lake Taupo to the snow-capped peaks of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.

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