Top 5 Taupo Adventure Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

Taupo, right in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is more or less an outdoor playground. The lake itself is really stunning. And, you know, all of this natural splendor presents an amazing lineup of tours, specifically adventure ones. From just cruising on the lake to, well, throwing yourself out of a plane, there’s lots to pick. So, narrowing it down can be a bit tricky. Here, we’ve put together what is almost a helpful rundown of five amazing Taupo adventure tours, with recommendations to give you, like, a nudge in the right direction.

1. Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride

Want something with, perhaps, a bit of thrill? So, you should check out the Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride. I mean, these falls are pretty intense already, moving a whole lot of water—imagine flying just feet from the base of that. Actually, these boats do all kinds of crazy maneuvers, so the whole trip gets really exciting. In that case, it’s almost more than seeing something. It’s an experience.

Why it’s pretty amazing:

Insane Proximity: You, sort of, get seriously close to Huka Falls. Very, very close!
Adrenaline Rush: It’s, kind of, not just sightseeing, it’s really an action thing.
Iconic Views: That area around Huka Falls, it’s so visually striking.

For me, the most wonderful part, maybe, was how close the jet boat gets to the falls. The water, you know, feels like it is right there, and the roar is quite impressive. Plus, doing all those spins gives you a jolt. As a matter of fact, you can get pretty damp, which, depending on the day, may or may not be that good.

Ideal for: People really looking for something intense but without, perhaps, the commitment needed in, like, skydiving. Seems right up your alley if you like water and velocity.

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2. Lake Taupo Scenic Floatplane Flight

Think about seeing Lake Taupo from the sky. Not from a regular plane, right, but one that goes from water to air. The Lake Taupo Scenic Floatplane Flight allows you to get a bird’s-eye view of, you know, the biggest lake in New Zealand and get the peaks of Tongariro National Park from afar. So, the takeoff and landing themselves turn into something new.

What’s worth talking about:

Cool Takeoffs: Seeing a plane go right from the water into the air. Like your ordinary commute.
Big Views: You actually get the full view of the lake and nearby mountains from up there.
Photography-friendly: Seriously, taking photos turns out to be just too simple due to the smooth flight and huge windows.

There was this family on my flight; it may be that their small kid couldn’t quit giggling. I’m like, I feel you, kid. It’s sort of a peaceful way of checking all that nature. Yet it’s something pretty unique if you’re okay with compact places.

Who’d love this: Maybe photography enthusiasts who don’t actually want a wild encounter, yet those who appreciate broad, stunning looks from up high. Also it is a nice family-friendly possibility.

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Read our full review: Lake Taupo Floatplane Flight Full Review and Details

3. Tongariro River White Water Rafting

Okay, rafting in the Tongariro River? In that case, you’re doing a bit more than coasting down a stream. So, the river cuts right through Tongariro National Park, right. You also are getting fantastic surroundings. This rafting happens even if you have never done this before, with tour leaders ensuring everyone knows the essentials.

Prime Features:

A River Runs Through It: That natural landscape is quite stunning right as you hit rapids.
For every level: Either newbie or pro, these expeditions will likely get you coated.
Guided Well: Getting directions from experts just gives an extra bit of comfort.

Actually, the time I did this, some group nearly overturned, right? But our leader kept everyone, well, from really flipping. Good, warm clothing is something you, very, should consider. Getting all cold on water isn’t great.

Best choice if: You are an outgoing individual. If you dig teamwork stuff. The setting sun against mountains could make it worthwhile too.

Read our full review: Tongariro River White Water Rafting Full Review and Details

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4. Taupo Tandem Skydiving

Think skydiving; so, think Lake Taupo underneath you while you fall out of that airplane. Really! Taupo Tandem Skydiving gives something beyond just the fall—stunning scenery included. Jumping alongside, just like your buddy, also helps ease the jitters if you are just very unsure.

Check These Details Out:

Falling With Great Panoramas: See the lake while hurtling downward—what?
With Someone With Experience: You could leap beside seasoned experts.
Stories? Photos?: Memories become, you know, just a tiny bit better by documenting it.

The nervousness, it turns out, was considerable as we lifted up. So, though those minutes right after are a total memory blank, getting the image package later sort of assisted. Obviously, it is pricy; still it would have been worth the price if the goal has been to overcome fears.

Made For: Daredevils hoping something a bit much beyond ordinary thrills, basically people wishing unforgettable moments.

Read our full review: Taupo Tandem Skydiving Full Review and Details

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5. Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave Tour

Switching it up somewhat, the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave trip shows what heats under that ground. Known as Hidden Valley, it hosts geysers. There’s, too, a thermal cavern; to view it delivers an ambiance completely outside common park adventures. Just a little otherworldly.

Why We Liked It:

Earth’s belly is observed: Glimpse real geothermal elements right from New Zealand.
Cave Visiting?: So, one has options, namely seeing what bubbles below ground.
Historical?: Not all nature—also tales exist that link things up.

My mother-in-law, truth is, became fascinated. Geothermal areas aren’t generally what thrills grandma. Nevertheless, this mixed activity appeared really intriguing—the colors plus also those misty breezes. If seeing something that reminds individuals about nature seems rewarding, choose this trip.

For Those: that prefer lower strength happenings. It may draw geology freaks, plus regular travellers eager for, well, anything calming rather than excessive.

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