Must See Sights in Taupo

Huka Falls
The Huka Falls are New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction and have the largest volume of water of any New Zealand waterfall. Up to 220,000 litres of water powers through a 15m wide canyon every second. At the top of the falls is a set of small waterfalls, dropping over about eight metres. The final stage of the falls is an 11 metre drop. Cruise up for awesome views with the Huka Falls River Cruise or see the Huka Falls from above and below with Helistar Helicopters and the Hukafalls Jet. Alternatively ask at Lake Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Resort reception about the two hour return walk from the holiday park to the falls and remember to take your swimmers for a dip in the thermal river on the way.

Maori Carvings
The Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay are over 10m high and are only accessible by Lake Taupo or by air. The carvings were completed in the late 1970s, by master carver Matahi Wakataka-Brightwell. The peaceful spiritual and cultural beauty of these magnificent carvings towering over deep waters are awe inspiring. Trips can be organized through our Taupo holiday park reception, to visit the Maori Carvings by helicopter, kayak, the Ernest Kemp replica steam boat or the Cruise Cat. On Sundays the Cruise Cat does a special brunch cruise out to the Maori Rock Carvings, or kayak Lake Taupo with Wilderness Escapes.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Book you bus at Lake Taupo TOP 10 reception, for the best one day hike in New Zealand. The walk rises to 1600m above sea level over ancient and modern lava flows and scoria beds. This is a landscape of dramatic volcanic formations, tussock lands, alpine plants and lakes of emerald green. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is very dependent on the weather and is an alpine crossing. You will need to carry appropriate gear with you and have supplies in case of snow or inclement weather. Please remember this is an eight hour trek and allow for an extra night in Taupo.

Aratiatia Dam and Rapids
About 10kms north of Taupo the Aratiatia Rapids are a must see Taupo attraction for any visitor to the region. At several specific times each day, spill gates from a dam are opened at the top of the Aratiatia rapids and the narrow gorge fills with turbulent water surging past. There are several excellent vantage points on the high rock bluffs that dominate this turbulent stretch of the river. Power up to the rapids with the exhilarating Rapids Jet or spend a day walking from Reception to the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids. Mountain biking trails are also available for another fun Taupo activity.

Orakei Korako
Take a couple of hours out of your Taupo holiday and wander through one of the best thermal areas in New Zealand. The Hidden Valley features the largest silica terraces of their kind and over 23 natural geysers. Explore Ratapu’s Cave – an extremely rare geothermal cave – the Diamond Geyser, and the Soda Fountain. Thermal tours are available through NZ RiverJet, which can include a pick up from our Lake Taupo holiday park. Kayak to Orakei Korako with Wilderness Escapes and cook your own lunch in a thermal spring. Alternatively fly out with Taupo’s Floatplane, with a tour that includes a 'fly over' of Craters of the Moon scenic reserve.

Craters of the Moon
‘Karapiti’ is an active geothermal field with exposed steam vents that are constantly shifting, collapsing and reforming. Thermal mud pools bubble away and unusual species of plants thrive in this particularly noxious environment. Craters of the Moon is a place you must visit with its desolate moonscape and clouds of swirling steam. It is a forbidding volcanic example of the inner earth’s fiery inferno bursting forth.

Pureora Forest
Pureora Forest is one of the finest rainforests in the world. It is a remnant of the ancient forests that once covered most of New Zealand and features thousand year old podocarp trees of giant Totara, Rimu, Matai, Miro and Kohikatea and rich native bird life. Places of interest include the Buried Forest, the Forest Tower and the Pouakani Totara Tree (the largest recorded Totara in New Zealand). Walks include the Centre of the North Island Track, the Mt Pureora Track and the Mt Titiraupenga Track. Mountain biking and hunting are also available. Guided tours through this amazing Taupo forest can be organised through Lake Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Resort reception.

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve
The Waipahihi Botanical Reserve is situated high on a hill, with spectacular views over Lake Taupo and the Mountains of the Tongariro National Park. The reserve was established in 1966, as a park of native trees and plants. The Botanical Reserve has 35 hectares of attractive gardens, a wonderful alpine garden, lemonwood walk and 2000 rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. The wonderful plantings of native trees have become a refuge for several species of native birds.