Things to Do in Taupō with Kids of all Ages
From to geothermal wonders to stunning lakes, Taupō is a ideal family destination.
- By Auckland for Kids
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Planning a family trip to Taupō? Whether you are travelling with young children or older teens, Taupō has lots of experiences to make lifelong memories. Discover the best places to go and things to do in this stunning lakeside town with our comprehensive guide. From natural wonders like Lake Taupō, the Huka Falls and Tongariro National Park to family-friendly attractions like the AC Baths and L’Arte, there’s something for everyone in Taupō. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or culture, we have you covered. Read on for insider tips, recommendations, and must-see destinations that will help you make the most of your family trip to Taupō.
Where is Taupō?
Taupō is centrally located in the North Island of New Zealand and is only a 3 hour drive from Auckland or a 4.5 hour drive from Wellington. The closest airport to Taupō is Taupō Airport which is a small airport with domestic flights from Auckland and Wellington and is 13km from the centre of Taupō.
When is the best time to visit Taupō?
Taupō’s weather is mild and enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. The summer months from December to February are the warmest and busiest, with plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking. However, it is also more crowded during this time, so be prepared for longer queues and higher prices.
If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit, consider the shoulder seasons of Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is milder, and crowds are smaller, making it easier to enjoy family-friendly activities like cycling, picnicking, and visiting local attractions.
Winter from June to August can be chilly, but it’s a great time to visit if you want to hit the ski slopes at the nearby Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields. Just be sure to bring warm clothing and check weather conditions before you go.
Overall, Taupō offers plenty of family-friendly activities year-round, so choose the time that works best for your family’s interests, schedule and the school holidays!
Get out on Lake Taupō
Of course, no visit to Taupō would be complete without a visit to Lake Taupō itself. It’s your chance to do some water activities with kids on the largest lake in New Zealand. You can hire a Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboard, Jet Ski or Boat for your family to experience the vast lake. If you are visiting in Summer enjoy going for a swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupō to cool down.
Admire Huka Falls
Huka Falls are free to visit and are only a 5 minute drive from Taupō’s town centre. You will hear the Huka Falls before you see them.
The stunning blue colour of the water at the bottom of the waterfalls is created by the clear water reflecting the blue light and the air bubbles in the water making the colour more intense. Huka means “foam” in Maori.
The water flows quickly as the Waikato river is around 100 metres wide before the falls and then it suddenly narrows to 15 meters wide before the waterfall which is why is crashes with such a long sound as it lands. The Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction!
The falls are easily accessible, and there is a walking track that leads to a viewing platform where you can get a great view of the falls.
If you want to get up close to the bottom of the waterfall, then take the family on an exciting jetboat ride that goes on the Waikato river past the cliffs right up to the base of the thundering waterfall. The boat has fun 360-degree spins so children need to be at least 1 meter tall to go on the ride. Huka Falls jetboat rides depart from the Waikato River near Taupō at Karetoto Road, Wairakei.
Make a splash at one of Taupō's thermal pools
There are plenty of options to take the kids for a swim in Taupō. The mineral-rich thermal water at Taupo’s pools are said to have healing properties, making them an ideal spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing or outdoor activities.
Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs are family-friendly thermal mineral hot pools and hydro slides. The hot springs are located just a few minutes from the town center and are surrounded by beautiful native bush. There are a range of pools to choose from, including a family pool, an adults-only pool, and private pools. Although if your kids are like our ours, they will probably spend all of their time on the water slideshydroslide.
AC Baths & Thermal Hot Pools have indoor and outdoor thermal pools, hydroslides and a children’s area with water toys, making it a perect spot for a day of family fun and relaxation.
Turangi Turtle Pools is a small but charming aquatic center that’s perfect for families traveling with young children in Turangi which is a 40 minute drive from Taupō. With a heated indoor pool, toddler pool, and hydroslide, there is lots of opportunities for the kids to splash and play. The center is also home to several freshwater turtles, which can be seen swimming in their own tank. With affordable admission prices and a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, the Turangi Turtle Pool is a great place to cool off and have fun with the kids during a visit to Turangi.
Taokaanu Thermal Pools are fed by natural hot springs and are rich in minerals, offering a therapeutic and relaxing soak. In addition to the pools, the facility features a steam room, a sauna, and a spa. Visitors can also explore the nearby geothermal reserve and learn about the area’s unique geothermal features and history.
Bath in the warm Otumuheke Stream
Relax in the natural rock hot pools or under a waterfall in the Otumauheke Stream. The water is a stunning deep green and of course it’s FREE so a perfect spot to visit lots of time during your holidays.
The natural hot pools of Otumuheke Stream are located in Spa Thermal Park in Taupō.
Next to the Otumuheke Stream is the start of the Huka Trail which if you follow the banks of the Waikato River to the Huka Falls takes a one hour walk each way.
Go Hiking in Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is located just south of Taupō and is home to some of the best hiking trails in New Zealand. The park is home to three active volcanoes, Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngauruhoe.
The most popular hiking trail is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is almost 20km long and takes you through stunning landscapes and past some of the park’s most famous attractions, including the Emerald Lakes and the Red Crater. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is more suited to families with older children who are fit as the terrain can be rugged and the weather conditions unpredictable. It’s essential to be well-prepared with appropriate clothing, equipment, and supplies, and to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before embarking on the hike.
For younger families we would suggest going on either the Taranaki Falls Track, Silica Rapids Track, Mead’s Wall Track and Magatepopo Valley Track instead.
See the Taupō Maori Rock Carving
Head out with your family on a scenic boat cruise to learn all about Lake Taupō and see the famous Maori rock carvings on the cliffs of Mine Bay which is only accessible by boat. There are several companies that offer boat tours to see the carvings, with options ranging from large, comfortable vessels to smaller, more intimate boats. Seeing the Taupō Maori Rock Carvings is a unique and memorable experience that’s not to be missed during a visit to Taupō.
Visit Taupō Museum, Art Gallery & Ora - Garden of Wellbeing
The Taupō Museum and Art Gallery offer a range of interesting exhibits and displays that showcase the rich history and culture of the region, and don’t miss the Ora Garden of Wellbeing which is a peaceful oasis where visitors can relax and unwind. With it’s man-made silica terraces, sculptures and native plants it is a special “living” exhibit at the museum. The garden won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show too! If your family is visiting during the school holidays they often have free holiday activities to entertain the kids happening.
Learn about bees at Huka Honey Hive
Thet Huka Honey Hive in Taupō offers an exciting range of activities that are perfect for families with children. From learning about bees and honey production to sampling delicious honey products and enjoying sweet treats, there’s something for all of the family to enjoy. Children will love the live bee display, where they can get up close and personal with the bees, and the gift shop offers a range of unique bee-related products that make great souvenirs. Plus there is a cafe on site serving delicious honey-inspired treats and an interactive experience that’s both fun and educational.
Discover Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave is an incredible natural wonder that families visiting Taupō won’t want to miss and it’s only a 25 minute drive from Central Taupō. The park is home to some of the most unique geothermal features in New Zealand, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pools, which are sure to captivate the imaginations of children and adults alike. Your kids will love seeing the active geysers, bubbling mud pools and the silica terraces.
Families can take a guided tour of the park to learn about the geothermal activity and the history of the area, or explore the park’s network of walking tracks at their own pace. The cave at Orakei Korako is another must-see attraction, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient geological history of the region.
See the giant dam at Aratiatia Rapids
Watch the release of water from the Aratiatia Dam at 10am, 12pm and 2pm each day over the summer months flower through the gorge.
The rapids are formed by the release of water from the Aratiatia Dam, and your kids can watch the stunning transformation of the rapids from calm to turbulent as the gates of the dam open.
Families can also explore the walking tracks in the area, which offer stunning views of the rapids and surrounding landscape.
Go Trout Fishing
Learn about freshwater Trout at Tongariro National Trout Centre. There is a special Kids Fishing Pond where the kids can go rainbow trout fishing in the school holidays.
Plus there is a year round Family Package which includes all the equipment needed, licences, tuition and preparation of any fish caught. Adults receive instructions on how to cast from experienced anglers on the Tongariro river while the kids fish in the Kids Fishing Pond.
Admire the stunning glass sculpture gardens at Lava Glass
Discover the colourful glass art and glass sculptures in the gardens and grounds at Lava Glass. With over 600 sculptures there will be a few that each member of your family will like. Whether it’s the giant glass flowers, the rainbow arch or giant marbles this garden dosen’t disappoint.
Don’t miss the glass blowing show and workshop tour either where the kids can see how the artists make the glass and see glass blowing first hand. Even the teenagers will like it.
You will find Lava Glass at 165 State Highway 5 in Wairakei, Taupō. There is a cafe on-site too.
Go bike riding
Take the family for a ride on the Great Lake Pathway (Lion’s Walk) with stunning view out to Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Ruapehu and of course of Lake Taupō! It’s a relatively flat 10km ride which begins at the Taupō Boat Harbour goes along the lakefront and then past The Mile Bay boat ramp.
Play on the Tongariro Domain Playground
In the Tongariro Domain is a fun playground for the kids with a giant stainless steel slide with climbing nets, mini tramps, swings, toddler playground and more fun.
Go Bungy Jumping with your tweens and teens
Take the teens bungy jumping from the cliff-top bungy that is 47 metres above the crystal clear waters of the Waikato River with A J Hackett’s Taupo Bungy. You can choose to be dunked or go dry. Children must be at least 10 years old to go bungy jumping and weight at least 35kgs.
Or if leaping head first scares you then there is the Taupo Swing. This is a feet-first freefall
Challenge the family to some games at the Mind Junction
Head out to the Mind Junction and take on the challenge of the 2m high Giant Maze, play mini golf, fly in the Flight Simulator or try the hands on interactive science experiences in the Discovery Centre. Mind Junction is on the Corner of SH 5 and Palmer Mill Road, Wairakei in Taupō.
Go rafting on the Tongariro River
Go on a family adventure with Tongariro River Rafting. Enjoy just having you, the kids and a guide in one raft as you raft along the river on a Family Float.
Find all the street art in Taupō town centre
Taupō is home to a vibrant and growing street art scene, with a number of murals and installations dotted throughout the town. From colorful abstract pieces to intricate portraits, the street art in Taupo adds a unique and creative touch to the town’s already beautiful landscape.
Play Disc Golf with the kids
Visit the Spa Park Taupo Disc Golf Course to try your had a the Blue 9-hole course or Red 18-hole course of disc golf. You can find the course at 281 Spa Road in Taupo.
To play Disc Golf you through a Frisbee into a standing metal basket which has loose hanging chains to catch the disc from a desingated tee. The aim is to through it into the basket with as few throws as possible.
Check out the mosaic art at L'Arte
Stop in at the L’Arte Cafe and Gallery in Acacia Bay in Taupo, which is a combination of a gallery, cafe, sculpture garden and shop all housed within a charming cottage sytle building. The gallery features a wide range of art and crafts from local and international artists, while the cafe serves up delicious homemade meals and baked goods made with locally-sourced ingredients. The kids will love exploring the sculpture gardens and seeing the quirky mosaic sofas, unicorns and flying teapots.
Take your teens Skydiving
If you’re teenagers are feeling adventurous, why not try skydiving in Taupo? Taupo is known as the skydiving capital of New Zealand, and there are a range of skydiving operators in the town. Each skydiving company will have their own age restriction and requirements, so you will need to check that your teenagers are old enjough to jump. You can choose from a range of heights and jump locations, including the Taupo airport and Lake Taupo itself. It’s the perfect way to get a bird’s eye view of the stunning scenery.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun Taupo has something to offer everyone. Make sure to add a visit to Taupo to your next holiday or as part of your New Zealand family roadtrip!
