Scenic cruises & water activities

Lake Taupo’s clean waters are refreshing but swimmable through spring, summer and autumn (and winter if you’re brave!). You can kayak, fly high above the lake on a parasail, stand-up paddleboard, hire a sailing boat, waterski, wakeboard, or windsurf. 

Lake Taupo changes through the days and seasons, offering many different types of beauty as you cruise its waters. On sunny days, it’s often smooth as glass and as blue as the sky above. When it’s overcast, it can be wreathed in mist and dark green like pounamu (Maori for jade). 

Whatever the weather, a scenic boat cruise by launch, yacht or steamboat always has plenty to see. From native water birds, beautiful bush-clad coves, the evocative Mine Bay Maori rock carvings that tell the story of the great Maori high priest Ngatoroirangi, or even just the clear, rippling water of Lake Taupo with its amazing depth and visibility.

There are also fishing charters and cruises, world-class fly fishing on the rivers, river floats and white-water rafting for all ages.

For those with a taste for adventure, a jet boat trip on the Waikato River combines thrilling action with the chance to see spectacular natural features like the Huka Falls, Aratiatia Rapids or the ethereal Tutukau Gorge up close.

And after a busy day, there’s no better way to unwind than by soaking in one of the region’s geothermally heated mineral pools or natural hot pools.