Top 10 On the Water in Taupo

Destination: Taupo.
Discover the stunning Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō aboard a 100% electric yacht. This eco-friendly cruise offers a unique blend of relaxation and cultural storytelling, perfect for all types of travelers. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere where you can bring your own food and drinks while soaking up the sun, swimming, or even taking the helm. Engage with knowledgeable crew members as they share tales of Taupō’s volcanic landscape and Māori heritage, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether you're seeking a scenic day trip or a sunset cocktail cruise, Sail Barbary provides an unforgettable connection to nature and culture. Explore the iconic 14-meter Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, accessible only by water Enjoy a relaxed cruise with BYO food and drinks, plus complimentary drinks on evening sails Engage in cultural storytelling from the enthusiastic crew about local legends and history Experience sustainable sailing on a 100% electric yacht, perfect for eco-conscious travelers
Known For: Taupo Sailing, Taupo Cultural Tours, Taupo Private and Luxury, Taupo Historical Tours, Taupo Nature and Wildlife Tours, Taupo Water Tours.
Duration: Around 2 hours and a half.

Destination: Taupo.
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.
Known For: Taupo Nature and Wildlife Tours, Taupo Likely to Sell Out, Taupo Private and Luxury, Taupo Adventure Tours, Taupo New Product, Taupo Likely To Sell Out, Taupo Water Tours, Taupo Catamaran Cruises , Taupo Small Group.
Duration: Around 1 hour and a half.

Destination: Taupo.
Imagine gliding across a glass-like lake, surrounded by native forest with nothing but the sound of your paddle dipping into the water and bird song. This is the experience of The Hidden Lake kayak tour. We'll take you on a journey to Taupō’s secret sanctuary, a peaceful and untouched place where the beauty of nature takes centre stage. From the intriguing sight of a sunken forest beneath the water to the secluded tranquillity of a hidden canyon, this is more than a tour—it's an escape. The sheltered location means this peaceful and unforgettable adventure can be enjoyed in any weather. Tour Highlights: Paddle over the mysterious sunken forest Explore hidden waterways and the beautiful canyon Enjoy close encounters with native birdlife Perfect for families, beginners, and nature lovers Runs year-round in most weather conditions
Known For: Taupo Kayaking Tours, Taupo Adventure Tours, Taupo Private and Luxury, Taupo Small Group, Taupo Half-day Tours, Taupo Water Tours, Taupo Seasonal.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Taupo.
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.
Known For: Taupo Jet Boat Rentals, Taupo Top Product, Taupo On the Water, Taupo Extreme Sports, Taupo Excellent Quality, Taupo Small Group.
Duration: Around 35 minutes.

Destination: Taupo.
One of Taupō’s best kept secrets… the sheer beauty and tranquillity found on the crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River will take your breath away. Begin your kayaking journey at the source of NZ’s largest river and drift past various islands, nature reserves, swimming spots, the drop zone of Taupō Bungy before swimming or soaking your feet in warm geothermal pools enroute. This is an extremely scenic, guided tour that is perfect for beginners, families, couples, and friends. The tour is approx. 1.15 hrs on the water (2hrs return trip including transport) depending on group size and river flow. We start & finish at the store (54 Spa Rd, Taupo), then transport you to and from the river. A 5 minute walk from the store to the river may be required.
Known For: Taupo On the Water, Taupo Small Group, Taupo Kayaking Tours, Taupo Excellent Quality.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: Taupo.
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!
Known For: Taupo Seasonal, Taupo Excellent Quality, Taupo Kayaking Tours, Taupo On the Water, Taupo Small Group.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Taupo.
Step aboard Tiua, Taupō Sailing Adventures’ luxurious sailing catamaran and cruise Great Lake Taupo in comfort and style.. Our sailing experience offers a quiet and gentle way to connect with the natural beauty of Lake Taupō. With her stable twin-hull design, Tiua provides a smooth ride and plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the journey. Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupo which combines the relaxing feeling of an eco friendly sailing experience with the comfort of indoor and outdoor seating. With the spacious saloon and covered cockpit she is perfectly set up to go out in any weather and keep customers out of rain and the cold if needed. [Tee-ua] Māori 1. (verb) To move with the wind
Known For: Taupo Adventure Tours, Taupo Excellent Quality, Taupo Top Product, Taupo Water Tours, Taupo Sailing, Taupo Best Conversion.
Duration: Around 2 hours and a half.

Destination: Taupo.
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.
Known For: Taupo Best Conversion, Taupo Small Group, Taupo Excellent Quality, Taupo Top Product, Taupo Jet Boat Rentals, Taupo On the Water, Taupo Extreme Sports.
Duration: Around 30 minutes.

Destination: Taupo.
Escape the hectic life and enjoy your sailing experience on our classical sailing yacht Fearless for timeless charm and authentic sailing. Explore 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. Powered by the wind, this eco-friendly experience lets you explore nature in its purest form - quiet, clean, and unforgettable. And when the wind picks up and the yacht heels gracefully into the breeze, guests feel that exhilarating surge of adrenaline - a moment of pure connection as they face fearless, the raw power of the water. Relax on the 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 in under some blankets. Take a dip and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (weather dependent)
Known For: Taupo Adventure Tours, Taupo Best Conversion, Taupo Excellent Quality, Taupo Sailing, Taupo Water Tours.

Destination: 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.
Known For: Taupo Best Conversion, Taupo Sightseeing Cruises, Taupo Excellent Quality, Taupo Private and Luxury, Taupo Day Cruises, Taupo Cultural Tours, Taupo Top Product, Taupo Water Tours.