5 Star Family Fun in Taupo

Besides our fantastic thermally heated swimming pool, the BIGGEST Jumping Pillow in New Zealand, three and four wheeler bikes, tennis, volleyball, petanque and the many other great facilities for kids at our Taupo holiday resort, you can expect an enormous amount of options for family fun in and around Lake Taupo.

Huka Prawn Park
A visit to Taupo isn’t complete without visiting the Huka Prawn Park. Go on “Shawn’s Walk” and tour the Hatchery; hand feed baby prawns in the Nursery; try the challenging Gauntlet; feed the wild trout; soak your feet in the geothermal foot bath and even fish for prawns. Visit New Zealand’s finest Prawn Restaurant and treat your family to a mouth watering selection of prawn dishes. Experience a fascinating day of education, adventure and entertainment for the whole family.

Waikato River Kayak
Find yourself an adventure, with Kiwi River Safaris and kayak the mighty Waikato River. This gentle paddle includes seeing the Taupo Bungy from underneath the platform and having a soak in a natural thermal hot pool. With no experience required, this is a trip for everyone. A family rafting trip is also available on the Waikato River, for less adventurous groups or those with small children. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. For reservations please see Lake Taupo Holiday Resort reception.

Maori Culture
Taupo has a very strong cultural heritage and there are a variety of activities available in and around Taupo, which allow families to experience this culture first hand and learn more about Taupo’s history. Spend a day on Ngati Tuwharetoa tribal lands with your own guide, learning about Maori kai (food). Experiencing a hangi (feast) is a must while you are in the region. Experience a traditional welcome on to a Marae, see a live Haka and Poi dances and tour a Maori village. Cruise out to the Maori Rock Carvings with the Ernest Kemp and see the work of master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell.

Jet Boats
Did you know you can take your family jet boating in Taupo? The Huka Falls Jet and the New Zealand RiverJet both have a 1m height minimum. The Rapids Jet can take children from five years old. Power up to the Huka Falls, jet boat the largest commercially jet boat able rapids in New Zealand, or take the family on a thermal adventure they’ll never forget. All trips include entertaining guides, spectacular scenery and the famous 360 degree spins.

Horse Treks
Take the family riding through the scenic trails in the Wairakei Forest, featuring awesome views of the Craters of the Moon thermal area. Enjoy your ride through the relaxing and unique pine forests, interspersed with ferns and other native plants. All adventures are guided by experienced and friendly guides who can provide the best trip for you, from a quiet wander through the trees to a more exciting canter through the forest. Pony rides can be arranged for very young or very inexperienced riders. One or two hour treks are standard, with longer treks available for the more experienced riders, by prior arrangement. Create life-long memories with this amazing Taupo family activity.

Trout Fishing
The Taupo region is known the world over for its Rainbow and Brown trout. Take the kids fishing for trout in one of the world’s best wild fisheries. Fly fishing, half day adventures, are available for all skill levels. Professional tuition and local knowledge will take you strait to the best rivers, teach you the right technique and provide the best flies. Another option is to hire a charter boat and spend the day on Lake Taupo. The only way to taste Taupo trout is to catch it yourselves, as it is not available commercially.

Scenic Flights
See Taupo from the air! Taupo has both helicopter and floatplane flights available, with a variety of trips that the whole family will love. From a 10 minute Taupo panorama to the 3.5 hour White Island adventure, there is something to suit every family. The children will have a great time picking out landmarks and exploring our volcanic heritage. Packages are available that include the Hukafalls Jet, or arrange a flight with an exclusive thermal or alpine landing. When they see their helicopter land at our Lake Taupo holiday park reception, you won’t be able to wipe the smiles off their faces!

Lilliput Farm
Lilliput Farm is another must see Taupo attraction for the family. Here you can hand feed over 25 different species of animals and birds including donkeys, emu, alpaca, deer and wallabies. Children can cuddle up to the baby animals in the barn, including rabbits, guinea pigs and an assortment of young animals from the farm. Walk through the farm and see how many different animals you can see while exploring the various huts, playing on Thomas the Tank Engine and the Space Car. Pony and donkey rides are also available. You'll need a couple of hours to explore the park or take a picnic and spend the whole day.

Scenic Cruises
Step back in time for a voyage of discovery with the Ernest Kemp as you visit the Maori Rock Carvings, Hot Water Beach and the Lakefront. Live commentary includes lake and Maori history and refreshments are available on board. The best way to view, photograph and video New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction, the Huka Falls, is with the Huka Falls River Cruise. The cruise features comfortable, calm cruising on New Zealand’s longest river where you can see natural hot springs, bird life and native bush. The cruise takes 1 hour, 20min. Complimentary tea and coffee is included.

Thermal Activities
Educate your family on the explosive past and present volcanic and geothermal features of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The Volcanic Activity Centre features an earthquake simulator, film theatre, a geyser model and a tornado machine. Transport is available to Orakei Korako, one of New Zealand’s best thermal areas, with Wilderness Escapes, Kayaking, Taupo’s Floatplane and the New Zealand RiverJet. Remember to check out Karapiti – Craters of the Moon – and the volcanic display at the Taupo Museum.