The Top Things to do in Taupo

Location: Karetoto Road, Taupo, NZ

All the water in the Taupo region has to go somewhere, and this is exemplified to the fullest in dramatic fashion by the rushing expanse of Huka Falls. One of New Zealand's most visited natural attractions – and with good cause – Huka Falls' sheer power is amazing; over 220,000 litres of water are pumped through their 100m-wide opening on the Waikato River before emptying their contents into the awaiting maw of Lake Taupo.

The falls combination of force and striking colour are a large part of what makes them unique, with the bright blue a result of air bubbles in the water causing it to appear an even more intense colour than solely reflected by the sky.

The number of viewing platforms are set up around the falls that are both easily accessible from Taupo and allow for some great photo ops; a popular tourist track called Spa Park is one of the best options, just a short trip from Taupo with plenty of parking and from which eads to the signed Huka Falls Trail that passes through a range of charming forested areas before emerging alongside the river overlooking the falls themselves.

Regular buses make the run from Taupo to the Huka Falls carpark throughout the day, so getting there for those who don't have private transport is a breeze.

The mesmerising force and colour of Huka Falls are what makes them unique. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the falls with the best being a tour from local jet boat operator Huka Falls Jet. Tour itineraries cover the falls as well as the surrounding areas of the river. This is a must-do in Taupo.

A range of other walking and biking tracks in the area around the falls are also available should you wish to view them from a different angle, and these make for decent multi-hour journeys through a blend of exotic and native NZ bush with stops that are ideal for a picnic, with the sound of the falls rumbling in the distance. These range from easy to strenuous and a number of distances, enabling those of all ages and abilities to enjoy the area.

Jet boats can often be seen approaching the falls from the viewing areas, and local operator Huka Falls Jet offer tours that make their way across Lake Taupo and approach the falls from the base, which can make for quite a visceral, impressive and noisy experience. Their tour itineraries cover the falls as well as the surrounding areas of the river, and are the quintessential "Taupo adventure" activity.

The Gold Coast's whale watching operators are renowned for having spacious viewing decks on their vessels that provide great, uninhibited views of the whales without disturbing them, so if you've ever wanted to go whale watching or are just a fan of all things marine, then this is another great thing to do in Surfers Paradise.

Location: Spa Road, Taupo, NZ

There are few activities that are more “New Zealand” than bungy jumping, and Taupo's answer to the extreme activity is one of the best available in NZ.

One of the main regions for this is the scenery; while first-time jumpers will likely have one too many butterflies in their stomach to fully appreciate it, the Taupo Bungy site is in an impressively picturesque spot on a cliff top above the Waikato River just upstream from Huka Falls (see further below) which offers wonderful views of the water below and the greenery beyond.

The adrenaline rush provided by the jump is the undoubted highlight however, and Taupo's bungy experience includes a 47 metre free-fall towards the water awaiting below; and this site's unique cantilever design allows for something that sets it apart from others: the “water touch” option, in which you'll have the option to splash into the river below getting anywhere from just your hands to your entire body wet!

The staff at Taupo Bungy are a key highlight as well, which might seem an odd thing to tout as a feature – however for those battling nerves the personal attention and patience they show can go a long way to establishing a feeling of comfort before taking the plunge.

The adrenaline rush provided by the jump is the undoubted highlight however, and Taupo's bungy experience includes a 47 metre free-fall towards the water awaiting below; and this site's unique cantilever design allows for something that sets it apart from others.

The facility also has a pristine track record as far as safety is concerned, with all the latest in harness and bungee equipment both utilised and properly maintained to a fault. Options are available for both solo and tandem bungy jumps, so if you're wanting to share this bucket-list experience with a friend then you're free to do so upon request.

For those who are a little too squeamish to book a jump but still wish to see their friends participate, they're welcome to join along up the top of the viewing tower to take in the scenery and grab their own snapshots of their buddy making the jump.

Post-jump, video and photo documentation of your plunge are available in both DVD and digital forms, and while not exactly cheap, they're still essentially a must-buy as they're far higher quality than what most will be able to capture personally.

In all, most will say you haven't truly “done” New Zealand unless you've done a bungy, and with its combination of scenery, service and splashes, Taupo makes for one of the best spots in the country to do so.

Location: 202 Spa Rd, Taupo

It’s no secret that New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and Taupo has so many extreme adrenaline pumping activities to push you out of your comfort zone including a ‘cliff hanging experience’.

This is New Zealand’s most extreme swing operating 44 metres above the Waikato River. Similar to a bungy jump, dare devils will strap in for a free fall swing experience.

Soak through the skies reaching speeds up to 70 km an hour and swing feet first above the river from the cliffs edge right down to crystal clear waters below before arcing up again at nearly 180 degrees.

If you would like to give bungy jumping a try but are just too squeamish to go head first then this may be the perfect solution for you.

Up to two riders can jump on the Taupo Cliffhanger so you can find emotional support or simply have a laugh with a friend.

If the potential adrenaline rush is not enough to tempt you then perhaps the amazing views of Taupo from the cliff will help you decide to give this incredible yet safe experience a go.

The Taupo Cliffhanger is open to everyone between the age of 10 with the oldest participant so far 90 years old! The Taupo Cliffhanger experience is available daily from 9.30am to 5pm.

Take a walk on the wild side and step out of your comfort zone in beautiful natural surroundings with the Taupo Cliffhanger.

Location: Lake Taupo, Taupo, NZ

Lake Taupo helps make the Taupo region what it is, so it's only natural that getting out and enjoying its waters is going to be one of the top things to do in the area. Furthermore, sailing is one of the great iconic New Zealand pastimes, and when you combine the two you've got one of the most memorable and peaceful ways to enjoy this massive body of water to the fullest.

One of Taupo's core summertime activities, sailing adventures are a staple way to venture out onto the vast expanse of the lake, and sailing boats can be spotted travelling from highlight to highlight or simply floating lazily in the sunshine.

Sailing tours to Lake Taupo's range of must-see spots are thus incredibly popular, with different itineraries available to cater to what guests are looking for – whether it be taking in the Lake's famously beautiful sunsets, enjoying a lunch or dinner cruise, or getting an up-close glimpse at its famous Maori carvings.

These Maori rock carvings are particularly impressive, over 10 metres in height and only accessible from the water – and despite their relatively young age (they were carved at the end of the 1970's by master carver Matahi Whakataka as a depiction of one of Taupo's original Maori navigators many years ago) they still emanate a sense of spiritual significance that can be felt by anyone who makes the trip out to see them up close.

One of Taupo's core summertime activities, sailing adventures are a staple way to venture out onto the vast expanse of the lake, and sailing boats can be spotted travelling from highlight to highlight.

The carvings lie in Lake Taupo's Mine Bay, and sailing cruises to reach them provide a great way to get an ideal vantage point for both observation and photography – and the sheltered waters are a great spot for a swim on warmer days. These “Maori” cruises also typically provide a detailed oral history on the original local inhabitants and their customs, which history and culture buffs are sure to enjoy.

One such cruise is offered by regional operator Sail Barbary, who provide trips to these local icons at a highly reasonable price point. With a vessel teeming with vintage charm and equipped with on-board audiovisual entertainment as well as various amenities to help make the journey as comfortable as possible, it's both an indulgent - and eco-friendly - way to soak in one of the Taupo region's most famed spectacles.

Lake Taupo's waters can only be truly appreciated while navigating through their heart, and sailing cruises represent a satisfying, laid-back and reasonably-priced way to do so.

Location: Taupo Airport, Taupo, NZ

Bungy jumping simply not extreme enough for you? No problem, as Taupo also specialises in taking things even higher with a range of skydiving experiences available that allow the confident (and steel-bladdered) among us the chance to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

The freefall – with options available that allow for jumps of up to 15,000 feet (that's 1,000 feet higher than the average maximum height in Australia) – takes place above all the spectacular natural scenery of the greater Taupo region, and both the dive and the plane ride up provide stunning views all the way out to both coasts on clearer days. This also helps to give skydivers a humbling perspective on just how immense Lake Taupo truly is; it's roughly the size of Singapore, a fact that only truly hits home when viewed from high above.

The experience kicks off with a briefing on jump options – such as a choice of altitudes to jump from and camera/recording selections should you wish to purchase video footage of your skydive – and is followed by gearing up and a safety check from your jump master, with crews at all the major skydiving operators in the Taupo region highly regarded for their customer care and willingness to answer any questions visitors may have.

The freefall – with options available that allow for jumps of up to 15,000 feet (that's 1,000 feet higher than the average maximum height in Australia) – takes place above all the spectacular natural scenery of the greater Taupo region.

Once you're all equipped, it's time to board a light aircraft and embark on a spectacular little flight up above Taupo's amazing geography to the appropriate height (takes an average of 20 minutes depending on your jump choice), during which you'll be able to see various local regional highlights such as the various snow-capped volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park and its vast green expanses of forest and rivers.

The jump itself, of course, is the undisputed highlight, and depending on which altitude you've chosen once the green light kicks in and you and your tandem partner leap from the plane, you'll get either 45 seconds (for 12,000 foot jumps) or 60 seconds (15,000 foot jumps) worth of freefall sensation before the chute options and you'll be able to float gentle down to the landing area at the drop zone, taking in all the spectacle along the way.

Local skydiving operator Taupo Tandem Skydiving come highly recommended and are renowned for their customer care - in addition, keep an eye out for seasonal specials or which optional extras you'd like to have included to help round out your experience.

For a rush and spectacular views at the same time, nothing beats skydiving, and few skydiving spots in NZ can beat Taupo.

Location: Orakei Korako Road, Taupo, NZ

Taking the geothermal experience to even greater heights is the Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park. Boasting the most active geysers of any park of its kind in New Zealand, visitors will see the geothermal world of hot springs, mud pools and spouting geysers to a new level.

also known as “The Hidden Valley”, which takes the geothermal world of hot springs, mud pools and spouting geysers to a whole other level. Boasting the most active geysers of any park of its kind in New Zealand, Orakei Korako and some of the most diverse colours of any geo-based attraction in the country, and is just 25 minutes' worth of scenic rural drive from Taupo.

It also feels far lest “touristy” than similar attractions found in Rotorua, as it's both generally less populated and less commercialised, and efforts have been made to keep the setting feeling as “natural” as possible.

Accessed via a lovely short boat trip across a lake, the Geothermal Park is very well laid out and features a number of beautifully constructed wooden walkways that allow for easily-accessed, up close viewing of the various springs and flora contained within.

The walk winds its way over the course of roughly 90 minutes from hot pool to spring to silica terrace featuring all the colours of the sulfurous rainbow, and guests are free to linger as little or long as they like while taking in the wonders on all sides.

It also feels far lest “touristy” than similar attractions found in Rotorua, as it's both generally less populated and less commercialised, and efforts have been made to keep the setting feeling as “natural” as possible.

While it can be strenuous at times – the heat of the various steam vents and having to ascend a number of steps can take their toll, particularly on hot days – the effort is well worth it, as the bright oranges of algae , the emerald green of minerals and the vivid colours of the waters make for a unique blend of colours that one simply does not encounter often in nature.

Its Ruatapu Cave is also worth a special mention, one of only two such caves in the world to exist in such a geothermal environment, that stretches over 35m down to a crystal-clear pool at the bottom. Capping it all off are the facilities that help augment the experience nicely; there's a well-equipped cafe from which the boat trip to the thermal park departs, with guests even able to use free Wi-Fi while enjoying their food and drink.

As Taupo's quintessential geothermal experience, Orakei Korako is the best available example of such a landscape in the area without having to travel a far greater distance.

Location: Wairakei, Taupo, NZ

If you're looking to dial things back a notch during your time in the Taupo region, the steamy enjoyment that Wairakei Terraces offer are one of the best spots in the area to do so as the geothermally-heated waters of its various hot pools go a long way to soothing tired muscles and aching bones.

The attraction is quite visually striking to look at, featuring a series of silica terraces filled with naturally mineral-rich waters that have played a large role in Maori healing techniques for centuries and which face a wonderful outlook surrounded by rich native bush that takes on a whole new life during the winter months.

Snowfall only serves to add an extra layer of charms to the surrounds, as the white tableau contrasts beautifully with the vivid blue of the pools – and there's simply something to be said about relaxing amongst soothing waters while delicate snowflakes fall into your skin.

The pools themselves are beautiful and clean – largely due to a respectable lack of over-commercialisation – with varying temperature levels in each pool that range from warm to almost-too-hot, and graduating from one level to the next is a pleasant process. The terraces, while they look natural, are actually man-made, however the water they flow with is completely organic, and it's quite possible here to spend several hours simply soaking in the minerals and steam and unwinding while taking in the surrounds.

The pools themselves are beautiful and clean, with varying temperature levels in each pool that range from warm to almost-too-hot, and graduating from one level to the next is a pleasant process.

Wairakei Terraces also offers a dose of culture in the form of a traditional Maori performance show which takes place in the evenings that incorporates song, dance and an authentic Hongi greeting that involves the touching of noses between two people. The experience is capped off with a traditionally-prepared Hangi meal and, of course, that most Maori of performances – the Haka.

Options also exist for visitors to take a guided tour “back stage” that showcases different parts of the terraces and surrounding area, which helps provide a historical perspective and put the surroundings into context. There's even the chance to take relaxation to the max and get yourself an indulgent personal massage!

Lastly, one important thing to bear in mind when visiting Wairakei Terraces is that no children are allowed (the minimum age of entry is 14), which can either be a blessing or a curse depending on if you've got kids along for the trip (or perhaps just a blessing if you're able to leave them in someone else's care!). This leads to maintaining a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere, which is what most people are looking for from a facility such as this.

Relaxation is the name of the game at Wairakei Terraces, and its blend of surrounds, soothing waters and escapist atmosphere contribute to it more than living up to this reputation.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 20km hike through an active volcanic crater with lava flows, steam vents and emerald-coloured lakes. Visit at sunrise, sunset or spend the day completing the hike.

Nearby Mt Ruapehu is skiers and snowboarders heaven. Ride the Gondola, purchase a ski lift pass or take in a ski lesson as you hit the slopes.

Experience some frothy goodness on a Taupo Brewery tour taking you behind the scenes of working local breweries with craft beer tastings included.