Trout-fishing: charter an excursion to catch the elusive rainbow
or brown trout on Lake Taupo, or go fly fishing with a local guide up one of the many
rivers in the area
Huka Falls: watch as over 200,000 litres/44,000 gallons of water
fall over the cliff face every second or take a jet boat ride or river boat cruise
to the base of the falls
Parasailing and sky diving
Craters of the Moon: walk around an active thermal area with mud
pools, craters and steam in the Wairakei Tourist Park
Wairakei Geothermal Visitor Centre: Displays and audio visuals
of Wairakei and Ohaaki geothermal power schemes
Boating on Lake Taupo: hire a boat or take a scheduled cruise
Scenic flights: get a bird's eye view over the area, including
Mt Ruapehu
Taupo Area
Aratiatia Rapids: stand on the lookout for a view of the Rapids,
where water is released from the dam at 10.00am, midday, 2.00pm daily and an additional
time of 4.00pm in the summer
Orakei Korako Geyserland (25 minutes north of Taupo): visit a valley
of geysers, hot springs, mud volcanoes and silica terraces
Walks: enjoy any of a number of walks around Taupo, including walks
in Pureora Forest Park, just one hour from Taupo
Turangi
White water rafting: ride the Tongariro River
Trout fishing: guided fishing trips or purchase gear from fishing
shops in Turangi village and go-it alone
Tongariro National Park
Set in the centre of the North Island, the National Park attracts thousands of visitors every year, keen
to experience the spectacular volcanic scenery of New Zealand's oldest national park.
Turoa
ski area: go skiing just 20 minutes from Ohakune. (Season:
June to late October/mid-November.) Turoa is characterised by wide open
terrain and long runs. The skifield is reached via a 17 km/11 mile road
from Ohakune, which is sealed and particularly scenic. Accommodation
options - Ohakune or National Park Village.
Whakapapa
ski area: travel 45 minutes from Turangi to Whakapapa.
(Season: June to late October/mid-November.) Whakapapa ski area is reached
via a 6 km/4 mile sealed road from Whakapapa Village. All levels of
skiers are well catered for. There is an excellent beginners area called
Happy Valley. For intermediate skiers there are over 30 groomed trails
while expert skiers can explore steep chutes and couloirs. As well as
marked trails advanced skiers can take advantage of excellent off-piste
skiing. Accommodation options - Whakapapa Village, National Park Village
or Turangi.
Visitor centre at Whakapapa Village: as well as seeing interesting, well
presented displays and audio-visuals, visitors can obtain up-to-date track, weather, volcanic
and skifield information
Day walks: visitors can enjoy walks ranging from 10 minutes to a full
day. Most walks begin within walking distance or a short drive of Whakapapa Village.
The
Tongariro Crossing: this one-day, one-way 17 km/11
mile tramp takes seven to eight hours, going past volcanic features
and the beautiful Emerald Lakes. It begins and ends at different
points so visitors will need to organise transport
Ngauruhoe summit: the walk to the summit is often done in conjunction
with the Tongariro Crossing, but for a more leisurely trip with time to spend at
the top, it is best done separately. The return trip is 16 km/10 miles and takes
six to seven hours
Ruapehu crater: the easiest and safest way to climb to Mt Ruapehu's
crater is to join a guided walk with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. Over the summer months
and weather permitting, walks leave daily from the base of Whakapapa skifield at
around 9.30am
Overnight tramping: follow the Tongariro Northern Circuit for a tramp
through some of the best scenery in the Park. Walkers can spend one to four days on either
the entire circuit or a portion. Hut passes, which can be purchased at the visitor centre
at Whakapapa Village, are required
Main
Activities & Attractions in Taupo 
