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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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  • Farms

    Lilliput Farm - Fun and Animal Park

    Lilliput offers a wonderful hands-on animal experience for all the family, in a peaceful setting. There is plenty for the children to do with fun playground activities and all our animals to feed and learn about. Bring a picnic and relax.

    $10 - $12
  • Volcanic/Geothermal

    Orakei Korako Cave & Geothermal Park

    Orakei Korako 'The Place of Adorning' - a spectacular Geothermal attraction. Lonely Planet Travellers Guide writes: “Orakei Korako is arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand".

    $57 Book now
  • 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
  • Taupō town

    Waipāhīhī Botanical Reserve

    Perched on a hilltop overlooking the shimmering caldera of Lake Taupō, this sweeping reserve, with its network of trails through different plant collections, is a relaxing haven for visitors.

  • 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
  • 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
  • Rafting

    Family Fun Rafting with Tongariro River Rafting

    Want a Taupo activity that's great for the whole family? Then check out family rafting on the Tongariro River. There are lots of things to do while in Taupo, but this is one that mum, dad, and the kids will enjoy.

    $149 Book now
  • Activities & tours

    Sky Waka, Mt Ruapehu

    Ride New Zealand's most unique gondola, high above the UNESCO world-heritage-listed mountain area. For wild adventure, for supreme beauty, and for an unforgettable dining experience.

    $54 Book now
  • Hiking & walking trails

    Taranaki Falls

    Taranaki Falls is a short easy walk in the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

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