With a great Lake Taupo and the mighty Waikato River here, there are plenty of ways to experience cruising on Lake 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 half an hour after sunset, and the colours are amazing.
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Contents
On Lake Taupo
Ernest Kemp Cruise
I went cruising on Lake Taupo 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, up front or at 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 is now one of the top attractions in Taupo. There is plenty of time spent here getting photos from every angle. You can also take this tour to the Maori Rock Carving at 5 pm as a cocktail cruise, accompanied by wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic drink.
Times and Prices
You can enjoy a 1.5- to 2-hour cruise, see the Maori Rock Carving, or take an evening cruise. The times and prices are available 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.
On the morning and afternoon cruises, complimentary tea, coffee, or Milo awaits you. 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 have limited numbers.
Times and Prices
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 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
Summer Season (Oct – Apr): 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Winter Season (May – Sept) 9 am – 4 pm.
Open every day of the year.
Trips depart every 30 minutes (or upon request) and last 30 minutes.
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 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm (summer only), each 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 open and water rushing through.
There is also a path off to the side of the rapids. This leads to two viewing points where you can watch the water fall 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 mixes with the cooler water of the Waikato. The water is so crystal clear in parts that 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 gate opening.
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
Check their website for more information, 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. From the bridge or the lookouts along the river, 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 in a previous blog, 3 Ways to Get to Huka Falls, New Zealand.
Rapids Jet also offers a combo package that includes Whitewater rafting and Skydiving.
Rapids Jet’s 35-minute experience is unique to Taupo, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You still have fast speeds and 360° turns; this trip offers the added thrill of powering over the rapids. It’s also a longer experience.
Visit their website for more information, including prices for combo packages with other cruises and family passes.
Where I Stayed
I stayed in the Taupo Youth Hostel, Finlay Jacks. Not only is there free street parking, but the hostel is also set up in a U-shape, with a fantastic courtyard in the middle. Here, you can talk with your fellow travellers about what’s best to see and do.
In the evening, take a stroll down to the lakeside and see the sunset over Lake Taupo. As I mentioned before, it’s one of the must-dos in Taupo.
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
How To Get Here
Finlay Jack’s is at 20 Taniwha Street.
Conclusion
Whichever boat option you take, whether cruising on Lake Taupo or the Waikato River, it has so much to offer, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who likes something more sedate.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them on the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.
Travel Resources
- Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
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- Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
- Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
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- SIM cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
- Power Stations—Bluetti Australia and EcoFlow Australia Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.
- For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources 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.