Taupo

Ernest Kemp Cruises cruising Lake Taupo for over 30 years. We specialise in visiting the Maori Rock Carvings daily. Enjoy the history of the area and this unique replica steamboat. Friendly skipper and crew offer a live commentary and a colour brochure explaining the meaning of the carvings. Lots of great photo opportunities with viewing and seating both inside and out. Bring a towel in summer months your skipper may decide there is time for a swim in our crystal clear lake. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Free wifi on board. 4 cruises daily in the summer months, from 90 – 120 minutes. Our popular 5 pm Cocktail Cruise includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza, this is all included in the ticket price. Sit back and relax you will have great experience on board Ernest Kemp Cruises.

Daily Scenic Cruises – Maori Rock Carvings Please note we are changing our afternoon departure time from 1.30pm to 1.00pm from 1st November 2024. Our Daily Scenic Cruises depart from Berth #4 at the Taupo Boat Harbour on Cruise Cat. You’ll love cruising in comfort and style with fabulous views from both the top and bottom decks. Cruise Cat is fully enclosed with large outdoor decks to enjoy close up views of the Maori Rock Carvings.  Children are welcome, and we have colouring-in sheets and wheel certificates available for them.  Cruise Cat is also wheelchair and push chair/stroller accessible. An informative commentary is given on the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo, and you’ll enjoy a complimentary hot homemade muffin and tea/coffee as you take in the fabulous views of secluded bays and the spectacular snow capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

Hold on tight on an exciting 30-minute jet-boat ride on the Waikato River! Spinning and speeding your way to Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most spectacular falls, see the country’s beauty rapidly unfold as you zip past rugged cliffs and native bush.

Our electric yacht is 100% sustainable, emissions and noise free, making it climate safe, and Lake Taupo’s best sailing experience. We have been sailing to the iconic Maori Rock Carvings since 1982! This all-year-round activity offers relaxation, fun and adventure on the water, the Kiwi way. Get right up close to this culturally significant 46 foot (14m) high rock art. Excellent, amusing and current commentary on lake, the volcanics and the carvings. Free refreshments including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and mulled wine (winter only). We are licenced but you are welcome to bring your own. BYO Swimming is encouraged. Sail Barbary is the only boat in Taupo rated 'Qualmark Gold' by Tourism NZ under the 'sustainable business' category.

Experience the beauty of a scenic sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Only view-able from the water, the likeness of Ngātoroirangi towers 14-meters above Lake Taupō, surrounded by over 40 smaller carvings.. Escape from hectic life for a while and enjoy the breathtaking views around. Relax on our charter yacht “Kindred Spirit” and enjoy the superior comfort with a large deck space. Listen to our experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake. Give the crew a hand hoisting the sails and take a turn on the wheel or just snuggle under some blankets and enjoy the wide selection of drinks. Kindred Spirit sails under full sails as much as possible or gently meanders, when it is truly calm, by a quite inboard diesel engine. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent).

Cruise Great Lake Taupo in style and comfort on our luxury catamaran Tiua. Tiua brings smooth sailing to effortless entertaining, as a high-end charter vessel. She blends her original character and style with the latest comfort and class. Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupo which combines the relaxing feeling of an eco friendly sailing experience with the comfort of being able to go out in any weather and keep customers out of rain and the cold with her spacious saloon and covered cockpit. [Tee-ua] Māori 1. (verb) To move with the wind Synonyms – to relax and immerse oneself in nature and luxury with family and friends.

Join this completely self-guided tour for an extraordinary geothermal experience! A unique natural geothermal attraction, situated between Rotorua and Taupo. View up close, geysers, mud pools, hot springs, silica terraces, New Zealand's natural bush and a very rare thermal cave. Said to be "Arguably the Best Thermal in New Zealand". The attraction is a self guided walk of 2.5kms and takes between 1 and 1.5 hours to complete. Open 365 days of the year (including Christmas Day) from 8m through to 4:30pm. A short return ferry trip to the attraction is included and runs on demand.

Enjoy a 35 minute Jet Boat ride on the Waikato River. The high-speed ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Shoot through canyons, spin on crystal clear waters and surf the foaming tail of the awesome Nga Awapurua Rapids. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day and can be shared with maximum 11 people per boat.

Explore Lake Taupo as you kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. You will start your half day tour from the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay before paddling out on the lake below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets that can only harbor a kayak. The experienced guide will explain the carving's cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them. On the way back stop for gourmet refreshments and can take the opportunity to swim or go for a rock jumping into the clear waters of the beautiful lake. If the breeze comes up, you can raft your kayaks together and sail back – bliss! Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Departure time is at 8:30am and 1:30pm in summer and 10:00am and 1:30pm in winter from our base in Acacia Bay. Allow approx 4 hours per trip (3 hours on the water). 

Looking for exciting things to do while visiting Taupo? Then look no further! Parasailing is one of New Zealand’s top-rated activities and with us, you’re in great hands. Want to fly solo or with a friend or two? No problem as long as you’re over 70 kgs. You can fly up to 1000 feet for stunning views of Lake Taupo. All flights are 12 minutes long and come with an optional ‘freefall’ decent. Enjoy an optional refreshing dip in the clear lake waters with the Sky dip near the end of your flight. Rise into the air behind the boat and enjoy the peaceful silence of the skies. Take in the panoramic views of Lake Taupo and the tranquil waters below while you drift through the clouds.

We are located in central Taupo. Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less…… The Marvelous Circus LAST CLUE CHANGE: December 2023 DIFFICULTY LEVELS: Standard 4/5, Advanced 4/5 You are the new performing act at The Marvelous Circus, before you settle in there has been an unnerving discovery. The fortune teller's crystal ball has vanished overnight, and they think someone has taken it to sabotage her act. We need the crystal ball to perform the Circus Show tonight, you only have 60 minutes before the first act in, hurry, you're our only hope to recover it before the curtain rises.

Travel in comfort and style with our premium transfer service from Auckland to Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo in a luxurious Tesla Model 3. Whether you're heading to a business meeting, exploring natural wonders, or starting a holiday, enjoy a smooth, quiet ride with a private driver—no stress, no waiting. Perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups, each trip is tailored to your schedule and flexible pickup times. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning New Zealand scenery as we take you where you need to go—safely, efficiently, and in style.

We are located in central Taupo. Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less. LAST CLUE CHANGE: June 2023 DIFFICULTY LEVELS: Standard 4/5, Advanced 4/5 A group of you have gathered for a picnic in the forest. It was all laughter and fun, but little did you know that the smell of freshly baked gingerbread was about to change your outing into a thrilling adventure. The smell of gingerbread wafted through the air, intoxicating your senses. Unable to resist, you follow the smell deep into the forest. Time seems to tick faster as you discover a note, hastily scribbled in sugar dust that you are trapped. The witch would return from the market in precisely 60 minutes, and those trapped will be turned into gingerbread soldiers to join her wicked army. Suitability: This room (while still difficult enough for adults) is our most family-friendly theme. If you love a fun story, this is the room for you!

Welcome to the heart of Tongariro National Park amongst our taonga treasured Volcanic Maunga Mountains Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu like nowhere else in the World. On Journey enjoy our learnings about Manaakitanga – caring & safety of visitors and Kaitiakitanga – guardianship to preserving life. Locals of Maōri descent born and raised in Turangi Tongariro providing a niche transport service to Aotearoa New Zealand’s known best one day adventure hike to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with award winning experienced local transport services. Highly recommended from Visitor’s. Ensured safety and experience from our destination Turangi Taupō, World famously known for trout fishing, hiking, river rafting, geothermal hot pools, stays and a quint friendly environment. Shuttles & transfers are hiking self-guided and naturally has our Maōri blessings, FREE safety photography, FREE use of walking poles, and a FREE cold drink at the END. UNESCO Transport Operator Approved.

Choose between Waiotapu or Oarakei Korako geothermal areas for your first stop on this 7-hour day trip. Then see Huka Falls, Lake Taupo and the surrounding areas. Admission fees to the thermal area of your choice are included, but lunch is at your own expense. This guided small-group tour operates with a maximum of 11 passengers and includes pickup from your centrally located accommodation in Rotorua. Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years, as part of the group – It can be booked as a private group tour – please ask TripAdvisor/Viator to contact us for the custom price Guaranteed departure – Due to low numbers and sustained losses caused by Covid 19, until further notice we will need a minimum of 2 people (or price equivalent) to run tours

Get your team together and put your detective hats on to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to escape in 60 minutes or less… The Cabin in the Woods Last Clue Change: Feb 2025 Difficulty Levels: Standard 4/5, Advanced 5/5 Storyline: Elm Forest is a place of whispered legends, where people vanish and ghostly figures roam. As paranormal investigators, you venture into its depths, drawn by reports of distant screams and eerie lights. The cabin holds a dark secret – witchcraft, sacrifices, and a deadly curse. You've entered now you must escape….You have 60 minutes before the curse sets in, escape or be one of the many that have been claimed forever. Suitability: *EPILEPSY WARNING* There are bright lights that flash in this room. THIS ROOM HAS OCCULT RELIGIOUS-THEMED CONTENT. R13-themed room. This room is dark, and those with poor eyesight may find it difficult.

Confinement Taupō has four exciting, fully themed escape rooms. Each room has a unique theme, storyline and clues that will keep you wondering what lies ahead as you work your way through each space solving clues.

Departing from Kinloch, our unique small group tours take you to discover some of the Hidden Gems of Lake Taupō only found in the remote Western Bays and only accessible by boat. Come away from the crowds and visit majestic rock faces, private beaches, crystal waters and waterfall visits.

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Enjoy the action packed city of Taupo on this self-guided audio tour of the city. You will see how the stunning lake city of Taupo has gently transformed by taking you on a journey which will highlight its geothermal history and the massive lake on which it sits where water based and adrenaline activities keep many tourists busy.

Glide your kayak over Lake Taupo's crystal clear waters as you paddle to the awe-inspiring Maori Rock Carvings on this 4-hour guided tour.  Soak in the view across the Lake to 3 live volcano's while you hear the history of the carvings, various Maori legends and facts of the local area from your guide before enjoying rock jumps and a swim in Australasia's largest freshwater Lake. A must-do while in Taupo!