1. Home
  2. See & do
  3. Family friendly

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

Filter by
Sort by
Map
Displaying 21 - 30 of 75
  • 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
  • Hot pools

    Tokaanu Thermal Pools

    Soak, soothe and relax in the magical mineral waters of Tokaanu Thermal Pools.

    $8 - $14
  • Scenic attraction

    Hot Water Beach

    As the name suggests, Hot Water Beach is an incredible slice of lake frontage where you can enjoy steaming hot water straight from a natural geothermal spring! With views over the water and to the mountains - you won’t find a more scenic foot spa anywhere else in the world.

  • Hiking & walking trails

    Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve

    Wander among ancient towering trees and discover relics of the area's fascinating pioneering history, only a short drive from Taupō.

  • 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
  • Maori Cultural Attractions

    The Haka Shop

    Māori hāngī 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.

    $69 - $16,000 Book now
  • Horse treks

    Enchanted Forest Horse Ride - Korohe Horse Treks

    Ride through the Enchanted Forest and discover Santa's hideout with your horse.

    $95
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk

    Several times a day the gates at the Aratiatia dam are opened to release the full flow of the river, a spectacular sight from the lookout points - kids will love it!

  • 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
  • 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
Previous of 8 Next

Get Taupō stories and deals straight to your inbox!

You may also be interested in...

Family Friendly

Top 25 family experiences in Taupō

There’s an endless list of things to do and places to go in the Taupō region to keep everyone in the family happy! 

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Family-friendly bike trails 

Huka Falls River Cruise Family
Multi day trip

7 days of family fun in Taupō 

Family Friendly

5 delightful rainy day escapes in the Taupō region 

Share your #LoveTaupō stories with us

  1. Home
  2. See & do
  3. Family friendly