Whether you are planning a family vacation or simply looking for something fun to do while you are in Taupo, you are sure to find some great family friendly activities here. These include golf, fishing, and even a sand dune safari.
Huka Falls
Located in Taupo, New Zealand, Huka Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Waikato River. These waterfalls are one of the most popular natural attractions in New Zealand. There are several different ways to view the falls, from a boat ride to a jet boat ride.
The most impressive aspect of Huka Falls is watching the water scream over the cliff. The water drops 11 meters into a turbulent pool below. The blue water is stunning and the waterfalls are easy to reach.
The best way to see the falls is to take a boat ride. This will let you experience the rapids and twists of the river. You can also take a helicopter tour of the area. These tours offer a birds-eye view of the Taupo region.
Another way to experience the falls is to take a walk. The Huka Falls walk is a pleasant walk along the Waikato River. This trail is an ideal family-friendly activity. It takes about two hours to complete and begins at the Spa Park.
Another unique Taupo attraction is the Craters of the Moon. This geothermal area was created when underground water pressure was reduced. The resulting steam vents and bubbling mud pools create colourful waters.
There are also several other activities to enjoy in Taupo. You can try your luck at the Lava Glass Studio, or try your hand at a family water cannon battle.
Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge
Located on the shores of Lake Taupo, the Hole in One Challenge is a golf themed game of chance. It’s a fun activity for both adults and kids alike. It features three holes of varying sizes.
The Red Flag, or the shortest hole, is 102 metres out. The White Flag, or the longest hole, is a mere 50cm deep. The smallest hole, the Blue Flag, is a 30 cm sand hole. The Hole in One has been a staple of Taupo tourism since 1993. It is not to be confused with the actual driving range.
The Hole in One is a locally owned business. Taking part in this competition is a fun way to see the region’s most beautiful views. It’s also a great excuse to hit the proverbial golf ball with your own clubs. It’s a fun game to play on a sunny day and is well suited for both golfers and non-golfers alike.
The Hole in One Challenge has the distinction of being one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions. The event has been running for over two decades and has seen over 1000 winners. The challenge is an all weather, year round golfing fun for the whole family.
The Hole in One Challenge is a worthy addition to the Taupo attractions list. If you’re a keen golfer or just looking for a day out with the family, it’s a sure fire winner.
Huka Prawn
Located on the Waikato River, Huka Prawn is an excellent family-friendly attraction. The park is a unique playground filled with cool activities for the whole family. It has an interactive water feature, running water gauntlet, and trout feeding station. The park also has an onsite restaurant. There are also several adventure trails, row boats, and water bikes.
One of the most popular activities is the prawn farm tour. The farm is a great place to learn about the history of New Zealand’s only prawn and to sample a variety of prawn dishes. The restaurant is open all week. You can find a kids play area and cooking shed, and a variety of prawns for sale.
There are several activities to choose from at Huka Prawn, including prawn fishing, trout feeding, and geothermal foot baths. You can also take a guided tour of the hatchery. It lasts for around 25 minutes. The tour includes a demonstration of how to catch prawns, as well as feeding baby prawns.
The Huka Prawn Farm is one of the most fun attractions in Taupo. The restaurant overlooks the Waikato River and offers a variety of prawn dishes. There are children’s play areas and an open fire. The food is delicious, and you can also get a meal in the Riverside Restaurant.
The park also has a jet boat ride and an aqua trike ride. You can also try your hand at stand up paddle boards. You can even take a picnic lunch.
Orakei Korako
Located near Taupo in the North Island of New Zealand, Orakei Korako is one of the best thermal parks in the country. This beautiful thermal valley is not only unique but also relatively uncrowded, making it ideal for those looking for a relaxing day out. There is a range of activities for all the family.
Visitors can take a boat to view the geysers, bubbling mud pools, and silica terraces. The area is also home to one of the world’s largest hot springs. The Orakei Korako Info Centre is also located here. The centre offers a cafe, free wi-fi, and refreshments.
In addition to the thermal park, visitors can visit the Huka Prawn Park and the Lava Glass Studio. This is an excellent place for the whole family to spend a day. It has a range of activities such as a kids playground, trout feeding, and a guided tour of a hatchery. A water cannon battle and geothermal footbaths are also available.
The Taupo Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area. It is located next to the Rose Gardens. The museum has displays about local history and Maori artifacts. There is also a kids’ activity area and a virtual tour of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is a small museum but it is worth a visit.
The Orakei Korako Thermal Park is a popular tourist attraction in the region. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm every day. There is a fee of NZ$39 for adults, and NZ$15 for children.
TROUT Brewery
Located in Wairakei, Crafty Trout is a brewery that produces beer and ciders in a lodge-style setting. They offer an alpine ski lodge experience with a variety of beers on tap. They also have a range of food on their menu, including fresh fish, salads and desserts.
They produce a variety of beers, including Taupo Pale Ale, Line, and Porter. They also have ciders, schnitzels and other specialty items on their menu. They have a great staff, and have some of the best prices in town.
Their menu also includes a bevy of fun activities for families. They have a flight simulator, Maori cultural experiences, puzzles, and games. They also have a shop, cafe, and even a Maori art display. This makes Crafty TROUT one of the top family friendly activities in Taupo.
Another fun family activity in Taupo is a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo. This takes about 1.5 hours and includes great views of the area. You will pass by Huka Falls, a natural hot stream, as well as other birds and natural landscapes. You will even see crashing Huka Falls.
The other coolest thing about this activity is that it’s free! The Lava Glass Garden is home to over 600 pieces of glass sculpture, and features a glassblowing demonstration. You can also take a stroll through fields of glass flowers.
Lastly, there is a small Maori museum in Taupo, with a virtual tour of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. They also have a scenic garden and a kids’ play area.
Mini Golf
Located in the heart of Taupo’s lakefront, the 18 hole Mini Golf course at Taupo is one of the best family friendly activities in the area. The golf course has great views of the lake and mountains. It is a well maintained course. It is a great place to take the kids on a sunny day.
There are plenty of other family-friendly activities to keep the kids occupied during a visit to Taupo. Some of the highlights include the Ora – Garden of Wellbeing in Taupo. The garden features man-made silica terraces, sculptures, and native plants. It won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The Kiwiana Caravan in Taupo contains items from the 1950s and 1960s. The museum also features a scenic garden. The museum also has art displays and Maori artifacts.
The Ora – Garden of Wellbeing is a part of the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park. It features a series of sculptures, including a large tree. There are a few smaller sculptures as well. There is also a giant stainless steel slide.
Another interesting fact about the Ora – Garden of Wellbeing is that it was a winner of the gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. The garden is designed for relaxation, and the geothermal activity of the area is on display.
If you are interested in more geothermal attractions, check out the Craters of the Moon. This geothermal walkway wanders through a strange, otherworldly landscape.