Taupo, Family Activities

Enjoy the thrill of soaring 400 or 800 feet above beautiful Lake Taupo (the choice of height is yours), attached to the back deck of Big Sky’s purpose built nine metre winch boat. Departures are made hourly from the lakefront, and your take-off and landing will be from the back deck of the boat, meaning you can stay completely dry if you choose to, or experience a refreshing foot dip.

You will be amazed at the unbelievable beauty of New Zealand’s most beautiful lake – Lake Taupo – from the soaring heights of the parasail. You even have the choice of sharing this gorgeous view with friends or family, as Big Sky offer tandem and triple parasailing as well! In fact, Big Sky parasailing in Lake Taupo is suitable for the whole family – from five years of age upwards – and you don’t need any experience to enjoy this fun and exciting activity.

 

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Experience the thrill of flying over some of New Zealand’s most spectacular terrain with a scenic flight over the World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park. This amazing Volcanic Park is so precious, that it was the second area in the world (after Yellowstone in America) to be declared a National Park.

Tongariro Crossing - 15 minutes flying time
As you soar around Mt Tongariro's volcanic craters, you will see the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the perfect cone of Mt Ngauruhoe (‘Mt Doom’ in the Lord of the Rings), the stunning Chateau Tongariro Resort and gorgeous alpine lakes.

Northern Circuit - 25 minutes flying time
The Northern Circuit allows you to view an extended version of the Tongariro Crossing flight.

The Volcanic Explorer - 35 minutes flying time
This flight is Mountain Air’s most requested flight. Experience the majestic views of all three of Tongariro Park’s volcanoes from 10,000 feet. This flight also includes views of the active crater lake of Mt Ruapehu, as well as Lord of the Rings filming sites.

Child rates for 3-12 year olds.  Under 3s are FREE.

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AJ Hackett Taupo Bungy has over 28 years’ experience and over 400, 000 jumps under its belt and the friendly folk at Taupo are bungy specialists – particularly when it comes to water touches - Taupo Bungy have the highest water touch in New Zealand, at 47 metres! Whether you want to bungy solo or tandem, with a hand touch or a full submersion, you will be treated to the very best of care and safety.  As you stand on the edge of the unique, cliff top platform you will be able to witness the spectacular view of the Waikato River below – that is, if you can work up the courage to look down!
By the time you are gently rebounded at the bottom of your jump, your terror has turned into total exhilaration, which will keep you on a high for hours – if not days – afterwards. Minimum age 10 years.

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The 43m Taupo Swing is a formidable challenge ~ do you have what it takes?

The atmosphere from the top of the Swing is a totally surreal experience, leaving you breathless – not from just the fear of what you are about to undertake, but also the scenic beauty that surrounds you.
When you strap yourself in, you'll notice that you’re not actually on a swing at all; instead, you have the comfort and security of a full body harness. If you’re really ready to have a mind blowing adventure, then try the completely upside down swing (not for the faint of heart).
As you fly straight down, you'll get within five metres of the water surface, before you are propelled straight back up towards the sky.

Minimum age 10, minimum weight 30kg.

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Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction, and its easy to realise why when you see these falls for yourself. Impressive in their volume and mesmerisingly majestic to watch. This 1/2 hour experience with Hukafalls Jet, which is the only jet boat company operating on this section section of the Waikato River and permitted to take you right up to the base of Huka Falls; will have you jet boating past native bush, sheer rock walls and natural hot springs. Combined with their trademark 360° spins, your family with all these thrills, fun and excitement, will be calling out for more! Hukafalls Jet is most definitely a 'must-do family' activity when visiting Taupo.
Children must be minimum 1metre tall to participate.  Child and family rates available.

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This Visitor Centre is the home of an extensive collection of Taupo and freshwater fishing memorabilia. The highlight of your visit will be viewing many of NZ's native fresh water fish. Take a walk through the park, see trout in the underwater viewing chamber, feed trout in the children's Fishing Pond and take your very own 'Riverwalk' beside the famous Tongariro River.

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Take a photo of yourself as a bee! There are hands on activities for the family with a ride on Buzzy Bee for the children and a picnic area outside at the Honey Hive. Enjoy free tasting of 100 per cent pure honey, plus safe viewing of live beehives, interactive displays and a bee video show. Have a honey ice cream in the café or browse around the Bees Knees shop which has over 600 bee related items for sale.

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AC Baths has a huge indoor leisure pool which links to an outdoor leisure pool, so you can swim indoors or outdoors without leaving the warmth of the thermally heated water. There are safe beach areas for the children and an inflatable obstacle course, a Tarzan swing, bombing zone and two hydroslides. After all that fun and exertion, stop at Splashes Café for some refreshment!

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Explore our exciting quad bike trails while winding your way through awesome scenic native bush. Enjoy panoramic views at the lookout where we stop for light refreshments on the 2 and 3 hour trips. These bikes are perfect for all levels and abilities whether you are a novice rider or an expert! They are light, easy to ride and highly recommended for maximum fun! Our native bush trails both suit and test your ability! It is not a farm ride! Trips depart daily and bookings recommended.

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With 432 square metres of climbing area and thirty different climbing routes, the Rock Wall is an all weather adventure climbing facility for new to experienced climbers. Qualified instructors are always on hand to offer advice and assist with techniques. Birthday party options available too.

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Come and enjoy Taupo’s only 18 hole Mini Golf course, centrally located on the lake front. Fun for all ages. Get a hole in one on the 18th and receive a free game.   A beautifully maintained Mini Golf course with extensive gardens plus also enjoy the amazing back drop of Lake Taupo and the mountains.  A great activity for birthday parties.

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Overcome your fears & get your adrenalin pumping at Rock‘n Ropes, Taupo’s awesome adventure ropes course. Rock‘n Ropes has different adventure options for you to choose from, depending on your nerves and how much time you’ve got. An average degree of unfitness and a genuine fear of heights are quite acceptable. Ask for our family discounts.

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Wander through ten acres with tree lined lanes to hand feed twenty different species of animals and birds. The children will love meeting and cuddling the baby animals and the play attractions include a space car, pirate ship and time machine. There is plenty of room for a picnic too with a large picnic area, picnic tables and optional BBQ.

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