THINGS TO DO
Things to do in Taupo
From Huka Falls to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Lake Taupo is one of New Zealand's great outdoor destinations - and Roam Taupo puts you right in the middle of it.
Huka Falls
New Zealand's most visited natural attraction. The Waikato River is squeezed through a narrow gorge before thundering over an 11-metre drop at 220,000 litres per second - the water turns a brilliant turquoise blue in the sunlight.
View from the bridge above, or get closer on a jet boat with Huka Falls Jet. The Huka Falls Trail is a scenic 2.5km walk from town along the river.
→ 15 min drive from Roam
Lake Taupo
Australasia's largest freshwater lake. Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and fishing happen year-round. Roam Taupo guests have complimentary access to kayaks — you can be on the water in seconds from the property.
For a guided experience, Chris Jolly Outdoors and Sail Barbary run daily cruises to the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.
→ Right at your door
Ngatoroirangi Maori Rock Carvings
A 14-metre cliff-face carving at Mine Bay, accessible only by water. Depicting the legendary tohunga Ngatoro-i-rangi, it is considered one of New Zealand's most significant contemporary Māori artworks.
Kayak tours and scenic cruises depart from the Taupo marina. Chris Jolly Outdoors and Sail Barbary both include the carvings on their lake tours.
→ Cruise from Taupo marina
Geothermal Landscapes
Craters of the Moon has a 45-minute loop walk past bubbling mud pools and steaming vents just north of town. Orakei Korako, 38km north, is accessible by ferry and features geysers, silica terraces, and a hidden cave.
For something free, Spa Thermal Park has natural geothermal pools where the Otumuheke Stream meets the Waikato River - one of the best free experiences in the region.
→ 10–40 min from Roam
FOR THRILL SEEKERS
Adventure Activities
Skydiving
Tandem skydives from up to 16,500 feet over Lake Taupo — one of the most iconic skydive locations in the world, with views across the lake and volcanic peaks on the way down.
Bungy Jump
New Zealand's first cantilever bungy platform, 47 metres above the Waikato River. Choose a jump or a swing — both offer a dramatic view of the canyon below.
Jet Boating
High-speed rides on the Waikato River below Huka Falls, with 360-degree spins and canyon-wall passes. Some tours continue to natural hot springs further downstream.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Consistently rated New Zealand's best one-day walk. The 19.4km crossing traverses volcanic terrain past active Mount Ngauruhoe, steaming vents, and the vivid Emerald and Blue Lakes. Takes around 6–8 hours.
Shuttle services run daily from Taupo. Bookings are required during peak season - Tongariro Crossing Shuttles operate from town.
→ 1 hr drive from Roam
BY SEASON
WINTER
Hot pools & mountain views
Winter brings clear skies and fewer crowds. DeBretts Hot Springs is a winter favourite - mineral pools, hydro slides, and outdoor pools. The geothermal areas are at their most atmospheric in the cold. Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields are around 80km south.
SUMMER
On the lake & the Great Lake Trail
Long days and warm water make summer the season for the lake. The Great Lake Trail - 71km of walking and biking along the western shore - is best tackled in summer. The lakefront path from Roam into town is one of the nicest evening walks in the region.
How far is everything?
- Taupo town centre 15 min walk
- Hot Water Beach (geothermal) 5 min walk
- Huka Falls 15 min drive
- Craters of the Moon 15 min drive
- Māori Rock Carvings cruise Taupo marina
- Orakei Korako 40 min drive
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing 1 hr drive
- Whakapapa Ski Field 1.5 hr drive
- Rotorua 1 hr drive
- Wellington 4 hr drive
Contact Us
Email: bookings@roamtaupo.co.nz
Phone: 07 222 3630
Address: 173 Lake Terrace, Hilltop, Taupō 3330, New Zealand