Exciting Things to Do in Taupo for Thrill Seekers
THE 10 BEST Extreme Activities & Thrilling Things to Do in Taupo
Exciting Things to Do in Taupo for Thrill Seekers
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Waterskiing & Jetskiing • Boat Hire
What travellers are saying
- silverferncaroAuckland Central, New Zealand96 contributionsWe did the three separate trails of the Great Lakes in three days while on a one week central North Island holiday. While I had read you could do it in two days , I decided to make it a more relaxing trip.
Unfortunately on the Monday of our W2W ride, the weather was bad the night before and our water taxi was cancelled that night. This was one of the main reasons why I had wanted to do the ride so I was a little disappointed, especially as on the actual day of our ride the weather was perfect and the lake was calm.
As the trail is busier in the weekend I think the water taxi is geared more for weekend riders , with several crossings a day in the weekend depending on weather. I would definitely book early to ensure a place on the taxi as there are only limited trips.
Anyway, the W2W itself was a little trickier than I had expected. Having done the Timber trail and really enjoyed it, I expected the W2W to be similar or if not, easier. However I found that the extreme dry conditions, rocky pumice and narrow tracks in some parts plus a few severe switchbacks, made it actually more “technical” than the Timber trail. I had to really concentrate on the rocky bits and some of the uphill switch backs were a killer. Not ashamed to say I ended up with a severely bruised rib and we both had at least one major fall each!
As we didn’t have a water taxi, our bike shuttle provider organised for us to ride 4/5 of the track before we rode back the way we came . We then met him on the gravel road at the carpark between the two tracks for our shuttle rback to our accomodation .
The 2nd day was the w2k with the headland loop included. The start of the w2k from Kinloch felt like a bit of a uphill slog for 6 km but the headland loop made up for it with some really fun dips and wide corners. This was the most fun day for me. We started the day very late morning and finished early-mid arvo and had a nice nap before a yum Indian dinner in Taupo.
The last day we did the k2k as a loop starting and ending at Kinloch. This was a fun but longish day. I was dreading the uphill of Otaketake but after experiencing the W2W, it wasn’t as hard, and quite fun, although there is one severe uphill switchback that had us off our bikes. The Orakau was pretty much downhill and apart from a steepish but doable winding ride from the start of Kawakawa bay , the k2k to Kinloch, was pretty steady.
All up, it was a great three days and we did enjoy it, but its still not a trail to be taken lightly and can be a little tricky in places. I can also say, hand on heart, I though it was harder than the timber trail and we fell off more than we’d like to admit!
We saw a lot of people using e bikes, and I’m sure that may have made the trip a little easier, but you still need to concentrate on some of the switchbacks, and the narrowness of the track in places, and in the summer when the track is dry,rocky and dusty.
We took our own front suspension only ancient mountain bikes and then used Adventure shuttles with Garth London as we were staying at Whakaipo lodge.
Garth was great. His experience of the track and his advice and was very useful and his enthusiasm helped set us up for three good rides..Written 22 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jordan L10 contributionsthe top has amazing views and rocks perfect for photos, can see the lake, as well as other mountains. I did this cause weather was too cloudy for tongariro. The start of the walk is very nice, there’s a mid section that’s average in the walk, but the top section is very nice, mossy and natural. Bring food and water as I enjoyed eating at top also windy at top.Written 4 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bob HMississauga, Canada17,948 contributionsMy wife went on the excursion to see Huka Falls and were quite impressed with them. Well worth a visit.
Huka Falls cascade some 11 metres below into a pool. There is a foot bridge right at the top of the falls where you can get a great photo opportunity. The Waikato River narrows to only 15 metres wide at the point of the falls, forcing water to thunder over a volcanic ledge at a tremendous rate of 220,000 litres per second.Written 2 May 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Amy B2 contributionsThe locked room was great fun! Our first escape room experience and it was brilliant. Very clever with loads of clues to find and codes to break. Didn't feel like we needed a bigger group though I'm sure that would be fun too. Owner was very helpful and nice, highly recommend itWritten 9 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grace C8 contributionsShout-out to the best Skydiving Master Sir Samuel Parker!
Entire experience was incredibly amazing! He made me feel safe and calm! TTS team are so friendly and accommodating! Thank you so much it was my best birthday everrr!Written 4 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Den U2 contributionsWe rented two bikes and went on a Aratiatia walkway trail (17 km). It was an awesome experience, highly recommend. Just the right amount of excitement. Bart at Four B mountain bike hire gave us a great service and lots if useful information. Thank you mate.Written 17 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Phillip BPalmerston North, New Zealand227 contributionsWe have done several escape rooms and this is the best so far. Easy booking. Friendly, warm welcome at the locked room. Although it is only a small space apparently we dealt with 47 questions in one hour. There has been some real thought put into making this escape room work.
Would definitely recommend the locked room if you want to do an escape room around Taupo.Written 6 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dmc1002Auckland, New Zealand59 contributionsWe had a great time on the Hukafalls Jet. We lost a pair of sunglasses, which was a shame, but that’s extreme adventuring for you! Strap them on!!Written 13 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roam040521031614 contributionsWhanganui River Adventures staff had a great ride with Shannon on the Rapids Jet. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Thank youWritten 4 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ajseedorf100Melbourne, Australia6 contributionsGreat fun with a super friendly team at the Taupo Bungy.. must do attraction! Thorough check in with the welcome staff and real pros handling the ops tasks. Give it a whirl.Written 5 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shahabaz M2 contributionsHad a wonderful time with Dave and team! A Must recommended date idea for couples :)
We are looking forward to do it again!!Written 4 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Dan C3 contributionsDropped in first thing in the morning hoping to rent a full-suspension bike. The staff were amazing and the prices reasonable . They had me out the door and on my way in about 10 minutes. Rode crater mtb Park which is literally across the street, which worked out perfect since my family dropped me off on the way to the spa pools. The bike worked great. They made the whole adventure simple and low stress. The next time I'm in Taupo I will definitely rent from them again. Thank you FourB!Written 9 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AmanTakanini, New Zealand1 contributionAnother fear unlocked. . Thanks to friendly team, both guys made us so comfortable before the sailing. It was an amazing experience.Written 21 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alison KLamlash, UK32 contributionsWe had a personalised kayak trip with Artisse. He was a great coach and very encouraging! We were lucky with the weather and thoroughly enjoyed our time on Taupo Lake.Written 22 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Casey GCambridge, New Zealand186 contributionsI took the kids and we hired kayaks for an hour and just paddled around the bays. Even though the weather wasn’t fabulous it was still a neat way to spend the morning. Would love to do it again on a sunny day.Written 9 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
