Taupo Activities

Taupo activities are about height, speed and water: bungy and swing platforms over the Waikato River, skydives above Lake Taupo, parasailing from the lakefront and jet boats that run the river flat out. Several of the operators include transport from town, so you can plan a day around things to do in Taupo without hiring a car.

Bungy and swing: Taupo activities over the Waikato River

The AJ Hackett site on Spa Road has the 47-metre bungy jump over the Waikato River, with an optional water touch, photos and video of your jump, and complimentary transport from central Taupo. Next to it, the Taupo Swing launches you from a cliff face 44 metres above the water at speeds of up to 70kph. You can go solo, tandem or in a body harness, and choose between a countdown and a surprise release.

If you want the drop and the swing in one visit, the bungy and giant swing combo covers both and includes the photos and video of each. The swing runs in rain but can pause for high winds, hail or thunderstorms, and spectators can watch for free.

Skydiving over Lake Taupo

Taupo tandem skydiving jumps from Taupo Airport, where the big yellow hangar is 200 metres from the terminal. Jump heights are 12,000ft, 15,000ft or 16,500ft, with Lake Taupo and the mountains of Tongariro National Park below you. Sessions start at 9am, a free pick-up from town accommodation is on offer, and photos and videos are available to buy.

A tandem skydive typically runs as a 1.5-hour experience, but the operator asks you to allow a 3-hour window. It operates 7 days a week, weather permitting.

Jet boat rides on the Waikato River

The river has room for different styles of ride. The Huka Falls jet boat ride is a 30-minute run from Wairakei Tourist Park on Karetoto Road, behind a 520-horsepower twin jet engine, down to the base of a waterfall that moves 220,000 litres a second. The ride mixes scenery with speed, and it operates 364 days a year, weather permitting.

The Rapids Jet ride is a 35-minute trip from Rotokawa, built around the Nga Awa Purua rapids and the spins that come with them. Life jackets and spray coats are provided, and it runs daily all year.

Parasailing on Lake Taupo

The Lake Taupo parasailing flight is a 12-minute ride at 400 or 800 feet, taking off and landing from the deck of a high-speed boat that leaves Taupo Boat Harbour at Berth 20. You can fly solo, tandem or triple, stay dry or ask for a foot dip, and add an optional freefall to the water's surface. It is seasonal, with hourly departures through the day.

Choosing between Taupo activities

Pick by how you like to fall. Skydiving gives the longest freefall, the bungy is a 47-metre drop with a bounce, the swing is a long arc over the river, and parasailing is the gentlest way to get height. For a group with mixed nerves, a tandem swing or a triple parasail flight keeps everyone in the same booking.

For something slower, Lake Taupo cruises head out to the Māori rock carvings, and Taupo water sports cover more time on the lake and the river. Taupo tours add Tongariro National Park, which sits next door. The rides are short, a 30-minute or 35-minute run on the river and a 12-minute flight in the air, so several activities fit into a day once you set aside a 3-hour window for the skydive.

Frequently asked questions

What activities can you do in Taupo?

Taupo activities include bungy jumping and a giant swing over the Waikato River, tandem skydiving above Lake Taupo, parasailing from the lakefront and jet boat rides on the Waikato River.

How high is the Taupo bungy jump?

The Taupo bungy jump drops 47 metres towards the Waikato River, with an optional water touch. The Taupo Swing launches from 44 metres above the water.

How long does a Taupo skydive take?

A Taupo tandem skydive typically runs as a 1.5-hour experience, but Taupo Skydiving asks you to allow a 3-hour window for the visit.

Is there an age limit for skydiving in Taupo?

Taupo Skydiving has no age limit, but anyone under 18 needs a signed consent from a parent or guardian. There is a weight limit of 100kg.

Can children go on the Taupo jet boats?

Yes. The Huka Falls jet boat sells child tickets for under 15s, and Rapids Jet sets a minimum age of five with a minimum height for riders, so check the product details before booking.

Do Taupo activities run in wet weather?

The Taupo Swing runs in rain but may pause for high winds, hail or thunderstorms. The Huka Falls jet boat operates 364 days a year, weather permitting, and Taupo Skydiving operates 7 days a week, weather permitting.

Do Taupo activity operators offer transport?

Taupo Skydiving offers a free pick-up from town accommodation, and the AJ Hackett bungy and swing include complimentary transport within Taupo. For the swing, the transport must be pre-arranged.

Choose how high and how fast you want to go, then book your Taupo bungy, skydive, parasailing flight or jet boat ride online.