Get that
feeling!
The Lake Taupo region has a huge number of trails for cyclists whether on or off the road and is one of the best ways to explore Taupo. Choose between well-maintained tracks perfect for families or mountain bike trails such as the Waikato River Trails, and the Timber Trail.
Each year many cycling events are held such as the Cycle Challenge where you or a relay team can ride 160km all the way around the lake and the Day/Night Thriller an off-road event held over 12 hours. To complement these events Taupo is extremely bike-friendly with highlights being the W2K track from Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch and over 40 tracks at the Craters of the Moon. Here at Lake Taupo Holiday Resort we welcome all cyclists and aim to provide you with a safe and secure environment to bring your bike, this is why we are part of the HAPNZ Cycle Hub. Member parks must provide secure, covered cycle storage, cycle cleaning facilities, information and maps on local cycle ways and easy access to a local cycle technician.
For more information on local cycling trails go to www.biketaupo.org.nz
Maps of some of the Great Lake Taupo Bike Rides available for purchase from reception
Whether you are in Taupo for one of our numerous mountain biking events, an easy going weekend spent mountain biking with mates, or a week experiencing the best tracks Taupo has to offer, make Lake Taupo Holiday Resort your place to stay.
Taupo offers mountain biking tracks ranging from gentle to heart pumping. Many of the tracks follow beautiful bush trails, catching glimpses of the lake, rivers and mountains. There are many biking and cycling options for all ranges of fitness, experience and budgets.
Taupo has some of the best mountain bike trails in the world. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, try a fabulous Volcanic adventure tour, Heli-Biking, or the 17km downhill of Fishers Track.
Chasing adventure? Experience the 42nd Traverse – one of the most popular tracks in the North Island – or NZ’s most remote downhill mountain biking trail in the Kaimanawa Ranges. The Wairakei Forest Track System (Maps available from Reception) have grade 1 to grade 6 tracks available and the W2K track is always a good days riding.
Jet boat to one of New Zealand's most visited attractions or best geothermal reserves. Experience the thrill of real whitewater jet boating on New Zealand's largest commercially jet boat-able rapids. 360 degree spins, exhilarating power and adrenaline to burn, combined with amazing scenery, makes jet boating in Taupo Something you will never forget. Please allow one hour for this activity.
Jump out of a plane at up to 15,000 feet and experience the incomparable exhilaration of free falling. Reach speeds in excess of 200km, with over one minute freefall. Then glide back down to earth with a spectacular parachute ride over the stunning background of the Lake Taupo region and the volcanoes of the Tongariro World Heritage Park. On a clear day it is possible to see both coasts of New Zealand's North Island, with a 15,000 feet tandem skydive. Please allow three hours for this activity.
Experience the thrills of white water rafting while travelling through isolated New Zealand wilderness. Trips are available for all skill levels, from the novice to the expert, and we have family floats available as well. Raft New Zealand’s premier half day Grade 5 whitewater – a trip for the serious thrill seeker – with steep drops,rocks and waves. The most popular trip is the Rangitaiki, Grade 3-4,with two hours of fast flowing action through the heavily wooded Kaingaroa Forest. Or cruise through the full filled rapids and boulder gardens of the Tongariro – Grade 3. Please allow a full day for this activity.
Keep the challenges coming with Taupo’s Motorsport Park,Taupo Quad Adventures and Helistar Helicopters. Drive a formula challenge single-seater or take out your choice of V8 supercar for a lapon the Taupo Track. There’s no arguing between Holden and Ford here,we’ve got a choice of both! Taupo Quad Adventures features a range of exciting (and muddy) tracks designed for all experience levels, through stunning New Zealand native bush. Full transport, including transfers to and from our Taupo holiday park, are provided by Helipro Helicopters,giving you a chance to enjoy some of the scenic wonders Taupo has to offer. This activity requires at least two hours and up to one day.
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 organised through our Taupo holiday park reception, to visit the Maori Carvings by helicopter, kayak, the Barbary Sail 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.
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 HukaFalls River Cruise or see the Huka Falls from above and below with Helipro Helicopters and the Hukafalls Jet. Alternatively ask at Lake Taupo 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.
Book you bus at Lake Taupo Holiday Resort 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.
See the best of our region from the air! Taupo has a range of scenic helicopter flights available from 10 minutes to over 2 hours. Most include landings in either alpine or geothermal locations. We have many activities available as well, which include heli-lunches, wine tasting, heli-fishing and hunting or heli-golf excursions. Trips are also available, including, heli-quad, heli-biking and the Taupo Motorsport Park. Alternatively, take the floatplane out on a thermal volcanic safari. We can also book trips to White Island, New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Please allow two hours for this activity.