With a great Lake Taupo and the mighty Waikato River here, there is plenty of ways to experience cruising in Taupo.
A must-do in Taupo on any evening is strolling down to the lakefront. Here you can watch the sunset over the mountains and Lake Taupo. The light show is on for about a half-hour after the sunset, and the colours are amazing.
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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will also find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
Need a Car?
If you want to book a car, you can try using one of these car rental websites, EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars, Expedia or RentalCars.
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Try using these accommodation websites to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day exploring, Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia.
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On Lake Taupo
Ernest Kemp Cruise
On Lake Taupo, I went cruising on the Ernest Kemp. It has covered seating inside to protect you on those not-so-pleasant days. On fine days, you can enjoy the sun and the views outside, upfront or on the back. Free Wi-Fi, postcards, tea, coffee and cookies are also on board. The commentary is of the area you are in, the history and what it’s like now as we motor in the bays along the foreshore.
You can do a two-hour cruise, in either the mid-morning or afternoon. This informative cruise takes you to the Maori Rock Carving that towers over you at 14m above the water. Taking four years to sculpt, it was finished in 1980 and now is one of the top attractions in Taupo. There is plenty of time spent here getting photos from every angle. You can also do this tour to the Maori Rock Carving at 5 pm as a Cocktail Cruise with wine, beer or a non-alcoholic drink.
Times and Prices
You can have a cruise from 1.5 to 2 hours. Take in the Maori Rock Carving, or an evening cruise. You can find the times and prices by clicking on the link.
Check their website for any specials that may be on while you are there.
Sail Barbary
Another way to cruise to the Maori Rock Carving is under sail with Sail Barbary. This 2.5-hour cruise is Taupo cruising at its cruisiest. You can relax on the deck or hoist the sails and get into the spirit of the old sailing days. Always remember the sunscreen.
A complimentary tea, coffee or milo awaits you on the morning and afternoon cruises. My trip on the yacht was under clear skies, gliding across the lake powered by an electric motor. We did have a gentle breeze under sail coming back.
It’s best to get in early for all of these cruises as they sell out fast at any time of the year, and there are limited numbers.
Times and Prices
Day Cruise 10:30 am and 2:00 pm
The cruise includes complimentary hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO are from NZD$55.
The evening cruises are 5.00 pm in Spring and 7.30 pm in Summer.
The cruise includes complimentary snacks, wine, beer or cider, hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. Licensed & BYO and are from NZD65.00.
For more information on cruises and private charters click here.
On the Waikato River
The Lake is not the only place you can go cruising in Taupo. The Waikato River hosts two boat rides up to Huka Falls, Huka Falls River Cruises and Huka Falls Jet.
Huka Falls Jet
For adrenaline junkies, the Huka Falls Jet will not disappoint. Open every day, fast jet boats take you to the bottom of Huka Falls in 30-minute long trips. With speed and agility, you’ll be doing 360° turns, swerving up and down the river getting closer to nature than you ever thought at speed and having a ball. First, you go down the river to Aratiatia Dam for some action before heading up to the Falls.
Getting as close as possible, you can feel the spray coming off the falls as you go in at least a couple of times before heading back and doing more 360° turns.
Hours
9 am – 5 pm daily.
Trips depart every hour (others on request) for a 30-minute duration.
To find seasonal and updated times click here.
Prices
For all types of passes from individual to family click here.
Huka Falls Cruises
The other cruise is Huka Falls Cruises. There are four cruises a day 10.30 am, 12.30 am, 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm, each being a one-hour and 20-minute relaxing cruise up to Huka Falls. As it departs from the Aratiatia Dam, you can see the gates opened half an hour before the cruise departs. Standing on the road bridge you will see the gates opened, and water rushing through.
There is also a path off to the side of the rapids. This leads you to two viewing points to see the water falling through the small opening.
Complimentary tea and coffee are onboard as we set off. From the boat, you can see nature at her best. The power in this area powers the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. You can see steam rising from the water near the Huka Falls Jet ramp as a hot water stream water mixes with the cooler water of the Waikato. The water is so crystal clear in parts you can see trees and rocks lying on the river’s bottom. It doesn’t seem to take long to get to the falls, as our Captain gives a great commentary on the area.
We are taken to the Falls four times, feeling the spray hitting those sitting up front. We finish back at the Aratiatia Dam in time for the next opening of the gates.
Cruise Times
10.30 am daily
12.30 pm daily
2.30 pm daily
4.30 pm (daily summer only)
*Please note: Cruise times are subject to change during the winter months.
Cruise Prices
- Adults $45.00
- Child $15.00
- Family $105.00
Check their website for more information and updated prices and times.
Rapids Jet
This is one of Taupo’s cruising options I haven’t done. The Aratiatia Rapids also have their own Jet Boat ride. The rapids are famous for spectacular breathtaking views and have been featured in The Hobbit. You can watch the waters rush down at a staggering 80,000 litres per second after the opening of the gates. You can drive to the Dam or walk from Huka Falls or further back to Spa Park for those with time and energy.
You can read about the walks in the area from a previous blog 3 Ways to Get to Huka Falls, New Zealand.
Rapids Jet also
Rapids Jet’s 35-minute experience is unique to Taupo, with you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You still have fast speed and the 360° turns, this trip offers the added thrill of powering over the rapids. It’s also a longer experience.
See their website for more prices, including combos with other cruises and family, passes.
Where I Stayed
I stayed in the Taupo Youth Hostel, Finlay Jacks. Not only do you have free street parking, but the hostel is set up in a U-shape with a fantastic courtyard in the middle. Here you can talk with your fellow travellers on what’s best to see and do.
In the evening, take a stroll down to the lakeside and see the sunset over Lake Taupo. It’s one of the must-dos in Taupo as I’ve mentioned above.
Facilities
- Free Wifi
- Free Parking
- Outdoor area with BBQ
- Fully equipped kitchen (with food storage area), Communal Dining and Lounge Room with Netflix
- Recycling Stations
- Laundry Facilities
- Book Exchange
- 24-Hour Guest Access
- Travel/Activity Bookings
- Bicycle Hire
- Luggage Storage options
- After-hours Check-in on Request
- Hair Dryers
- Towel Hire
- Bicycle Hire
Conclusion
Whichever boat option you take, or cruising on Lake Taupo or the Waikato River has so much to offer, whether you’re an adrenalin junkie or those who like something more sedate.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
Travel Resources
- Flights, Accommodation & Car Hire – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Hopper and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
- Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more tips, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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Really enjoyed my trip around Taupo most informative the photos were just beautiful makes me want to pack and go
Thanks Kathy. You’ll have to save up, come over here and escape the heat of next summer.
That was terrific and makes you want to go and see those places.
Glad you enjoyed it Joan.
We adored that area on our visit in 2015. Those water’s are crystal clear, wish we had done the cruise.
Thanks Karen. Missing things is a problem with travelling as you have limited time but at least you can back sometime.
I definitely said “Wow” out loud looking at your New Zealand photos at Taupo! NZ is next on my list, especially after seeing these pictures. Love seeing all of the colors and the pristine nature.
Thanks Crystal. New Zealand should definitely be on your list with all the nature walks you can do here.
Huka Falls Jet looks so much fun yaa… Although I have a phobia of water, I would love to do that.
Jet boating is so much fun and you would have a ball. It is also very safe, so you don’t have to worry.
New Zealand has been on my bucket list and sailing on the yacht is my kind of activity—will absolutely keep this in mind when I travel there!
I hope that you enjoy it when you get there, Mia. It is a great day out on Lake Taupo.