Taupo & the Central Plateau - New Zealand's North Island - page 514

moving river. It's near the beginning of the Huka Falls Walkway, about 20 minutes from
the centre of town.

Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs
MAP

HOT POOLS

GOOGLE MAP

( 07-377 6502; www.taupodebretts.com ; 76 Napier Taupo Hwy; adult/child $20/10; 8.30am-9.30pm) A
variety of mineral-rich indoor and outdoor thermal pools are on offer. The kids will love
the giant dragon waterslide, while the adults can enjoy a wide choice of treatments, such
as massage and body scrubs.

Water Sports
Lake Taupo is famously chilly, but in several places, such as Hot Water Beach MAP
GOOGLE MAP , immediately south of the centre, there are thermal springs just below the sur-
face. You can swim right in front of the township, but Acacia Bay , 5km west, is a particu-
larly pleasant spot. Even better and quieter is Whakaipo Bay , another 7km further on, an un-
developed waterfront reserve perfect for a lazy day.

Canoe & Kayak
MAP

CANOEING, KAYAKING

GOOGLE MAP

( 07-378 1003, 0800 529 256; www.kayaktoursnz.co.nz ; 54 Spa Rd; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat) Instruction and
boat hire, as well as guided tours, including a two-hour trip on the Waikato River ($49) or
a half-day to the Maori carvings ( Click here ) for $95.

Rapid Sensations & Kayaking Kiwi
( 07-374 8117, 0800 35 34 35; www.rapids.co.nz ; 413 Huka Falls Rd) Offers kayak trips to the Maori
carvings (four hours, $98), a gentle paddle along the Waikato (two hours, $48), white-wa-
ter rafting on the Tongariro River ($88 to $115), guided mountain-bike rides ($90) and
bike hire (half/full day $45/60).

KAYAKING, RAFTING

Taupo Kayaking Adventures
( 07-376 8981, 0274 801 231; www.tka.co.nz ; Acacia Bay) Runs guided kayaking trips from its base
in Acacia Bay to the Maori carvings, with the return trip taking around four hours ($100;
includes refreshments). Longer trips and walk/bike combos also available.

KAYAKING

2 Mile Bay Sailing & Watersports Centre

SAILING, KAYAKING