Lake Taupo Tours and Tickets

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Enjoy Lake Taupo in an active yet relaxing way with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental. You can set off across the water at your own pace, paddling along the shore or checking out sights such as the Maori Rock Carvings.

Explore the northeastern end of Lake Taupo by both land and water with a combo bike and kayak tour from Taupo. You'll start by biking from Acacia Bay to Kinloch along the W2K section of the Great Lake Trail on a 2- to 2.5-hour ride. Then enjoy lunch before hopping in a kayak to paddle from Whakaipo Bay to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

If you want the flexibility and freedom of independent travel but the support and structure of a guided tour, create your own private tour itinerary in consultation with your guide. Choose the tour length (1–21 days) and destinations to suit your needs and interests. Perhaps focus on the cultural and geothermal attractions of the central North Island, or the mountains and lakes of the South Island–it’s up to you.

Discover highlights of the North Island on this tour of Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland. Travel from Wellington through the Kapiti Coast, past active volcanoes and scenic landscapes to Rotorua. See the geysers and bubbling mud pools of Te Puia and watch local Maori performances. Discover the native wildlife at a nature reserve and visit the Hobbiton movie set. Take a boat ride through Waitomo caves, lit by hundreds of glowworms.

Travel the length of the North Island on this independent tour. Spend two nights in Rotorua at four-star accommodation (included in trip price). Break up the long drive with explorations in glittering glow worm caves, demonstration organic farms, and geothermal park. This tour is family friendly and provides car seats and wheelchair access.

Discover highlights of the North Island on this jam-packed four day tour. Travel from Auckland to discover the bubbling mud pools and astonishing natural geysers of Rotorua, with cultural Maori performances. Cruise beneath the glistening glow worms at Waitomo Cave, visit a working farm and see native wildlife at a nature reserve. Explore the amazing Hobbiton movie set and finish your trip with a tour of vibrant Wellington.

You’re probably wondering what makes this tour a little fancier than some of our others with similar itineraries? Well, it’s pretty simple – along with a number of extra-special itinerary inclusions, the biggest difference is you'll stay in comfortable twin-share hotel accommodation. That’s right: say au revoir to busy budget dorm rooms – you get a twin-share room to lay your head down each night. Haka Plus Tours are great for couples or friends who are travelling together. If you’re travelling alone, we’ll match you with someone for an instant road trip pal! Or if you’d prefer a room to yourself, that’s no trouble at all. You have the option to upgrade to a private room as well. We kick off in Auckland and 20 days later we wave goodbye in Christchurch. Along the way you’ll get to see some of the most breathtaking scenery New Zealand has to offer. This includes national parks, rainforests, hidden pools, UNESCO World Heritage Areas, and probably more beaches than you have toes.

Starting from Wellington, we hit up some great spots and places while we make our way up to New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, through the North's hottest destinations. (Note that this tour can also be done from north to south – Auckland to Wellington) If you have some time to spare after your tour wraps up in Auckland, we have a great three day tour taking in the Bay of Islands which showcases the Northland region of New Zealand. Activities can be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do. As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation with us the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on the day the tour starts makes for a stress free morning. Accommodation is included on the last night of your tour, but we can also book a few extra nights for you if you would like to extend your stay.