Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Water Sports
Lake Taupo is famously chilly, but in several places, such as
Hot Water Beach
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
, immediately south of the centre, there are thermal
springs just below the surface. You can swim right in front of the township, but
Acacia
Bay
, 5km west, is a particularly pleasant spot. Even better and quieter is
Whakaipo Bay
,
another 7km further on, an undeveloped waterfront reserve perfect for a lazy day.
Canoe & Kayak
CANOEING, KAYAKING
( 07-378 1003, 0800 529 256;
www.kayaktoursnz.co.nz
;
54 Spa Rd; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat)
In-
struction 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
KAYAKING, RAFTING
( 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-water rafting on the Tongariro River ($88 to $115), guided mountain-bike rides
($90) and bike hire (half/full day $45/60).
Taupo Kayaking Adventures
KAYAKING
( 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.
2 Mile Bay Sailing
& Watersports Centre
SAILING, KAYAKING
( 0274 967 350, 0275 886 588;
www.sailingcentre.co.nz
; Lake Tce; 9am-10pm)
Has a
lakeside cafe-bar and hires out paddle boards ($30), kayaks (from $30), canoes (from
$30), windsurfers (from $55), sailboats ($75) and catamarans (from $65); rates are per
hour.
AC Baths
SWIMMING, CLIMBING
(
www.taupodc.govt.nz
; 26 AC Baths Ave; adult/child $7/3, slides $5, climbing wall adult/child $14/
10;
6am-9pm, climbing wall hours vary)
At the Taupo Events Centre, about 2km east of
