Family and Kids' Activities

This is a must-do if you have small children. 

Lilliput is a piece of NZ farmland with different species of animals and birds. Wander over ten acres of farmland feeding and patting deer, rabbits, pigs and many more! A play hut, swings, and baby animals will leave everyone with a smile on their face. 

There are many great spots for a picnic, so feel free to take your time and make a day of it.

Huka Prawn Park located in the Wairakei Tourist Park is the ultimate prawn-themed adventure park for all ages, Taupo’s only riverside restaurant, and the only geothermally-heated prawn breeding park in the world.

Enjoy a fun-filled day of entertainment with the family.

Taupo Mini Golf is located on the lakefront, and offers some of the best views of Lake Taupo and the Tongariro Mountains beyond.

This is a tidy and challenging 18 hole course suitable for the whole family.

Experience New Zealand's TWO largest ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa, unique ski fields in New Zealand!

There is a tremendous sense of personal achievement, confidence and camaraderie with this type of activity.

If you are not sure of your fitness levels or your fear of heights, anyone from the age of 7 can take part at Rock’‘n Ropes, their half day package is the most popular with a progression of six exhilarating high ropes course activities. Rock’n Ropes is suitable for individuals, couples and groups.

Wairakei Terraces offers an authentic taste of Maori culture, learn all about the skills, arts and crafts of early Maori settlers.

The day time tour includes a visit of the traditional village and geothermal areas.

The night time cultural experience includes a Powhiri (traditional welcome), guided tour, hangi and dance and music performance.

Chris Jolly Outdoors offers a range of outdoor adventures on and around Lake Taupo.   Hunting, hiking, fishing, biking or just cruising the lake... take your pick!

With four fully equipped launches, Chris Jolly Outdoors provides everything from daily scenic and brunch cruises to the Maori Rock Carvings, to private fishing charters and even weddings afloat. 

They also create packages for customised guided hiking, fly-fishing, hunting and wilderness experiences.

This fun activity has become a Taupo icon!  Whether you're just there to watch or take a swing yourself, the Taupo Hole in One Challenge is not to be missed. 

You'll attempt to hit golf balls onto an 8m x 12m floating pontoon in the lake, receiving a free ball each time you hit the pontoon.  Use the golfing equipment provided or feel free to bring your own lucky clubs.  There are three holes to go for and fantastic prizes if you hit the jackpot.

Head down to the Riverside Markets, held every Saturday's from 10am until 1pm.

Here you'll find a fabulous variety of stalls from fresh produce, handmade crafts & plants to name a few.

Don't worry about packing lunch, theres plenty of tasty food stalls that cater to your tastebuds, with a big emphasis on healthy & organic morsels.

If you feel like a coffee fix or a cold drink, you'll discover a couple of beverage carts to quench your thirst.

What better way to explore Lake Taupo than aboard a beautifully restored, historic electric yacht?  If you’re looking for an awesome activity in Taupo, join the locals on an eco-friendly boutique cruise with Sail Barbary.

Sail Barbary has been locally owned and operated since 1983, and offers Taupo water activities the Kiwi way. You can look out over sparking bays or stormy waters from the comfort of your bean-bag style seating, swim in the crystal clear waters, and have perfect photo opportunities of the 14-meter high Maori Rock Carvings.