Taupo Kayak Tours – Maori Rock Carvings
Kayaking Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo – Taupo Kayaking Adventures will take you kayaking on the crystal clear waters of New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake, its rivers, and tributary streams, while taking in the lake’s stunning scenery, which includes native bush, an active volcano, Maori rock carvings, and unspoilt areas accessible only by boat.
Our nature-based paddling experiences are designed to let you to explore the natural world without damaging its fragile ecosystems and fauna.
With unmatched natural beauty, intriguing history, superb outdoor cuisine, and enthusiastic, skilled instructors, we provide a truly unforgettable kayaking experience.
Our most popular tours are kayaking excursions to the world-famous Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings. Other popular kayaking excursions include kayaking to The Squeeze, leisurely glides down the Waikato River (perfect for families! ), quiet evening paddles on the lake, kayak fishing tours, and overnight kayak expeditions. Inquire about our powered kayaks; we are New Zealand’s first kayaking firm to provide them.
Additionally, we may arrange for hikes, fishing, and hunting adventures. Therefore, contact Taupo Kayaking Adventures and we will assist you in creating your own adventure.
Lake Taupo Guided Kayaking Tours
Taupo Kayak Adventures – Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings (Half Day Trip)
Price: Adults $120 per person
Departs: 8:30 am & 1:30 pm (Winter 10:00 am)
Duration: Approx 4 Hours ( 3 Hours on the water)
Beginning in the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay, come out with us and explore the secluded Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Paddle below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets that can only harbour a kayak before the amazing 14 metre-high carvings come into view. Your experienced guide will explain the carving’s cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them.
On our return we stop for gourmet refreshments, where you can take the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of our beautiful lake. If the breeze comes up, we can raft our kayaks together and sail back – bliss!
No experience is necessary, as all our trips are guided and full instruction is given. Our double kayaks are safe and easy for everyone to use. Children under the age of 12, must be accompanied by an adult in our kayaks.
This is truly a unique trip and one you will remember for ever.
Taupo Kayak Adventures – Kayaking Lake Taupo & Maori Rock Carvings
Price: Adults $265 per person upto 2 kayakers – Book 4 persons $225 pp
Departs: 9:00 am
Duration: Approx 6 Hours – 4 to 5 Hours on the water
If you’re looking for a longer day experience on the water, this is the trip for you. We’ll begin our adventure in the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay. We paddle below native bush, pass steep cliffs and inlets that can only harbour a kayak, then prepare to be wowed by the Maori Rock Carvings towering 100-metres high at Mine Bay.
Then it’s on to Masons Rock – an impressive volcanic fan of rock emerging from the lake. Your experienced guide will explain the carving’s cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them.
During our trip we will stop for refreshments and a relaxing gourmet lunch, taking in the magnificent mountain views, with an opportunity to swim in the clear waters of our beautiful lake. On our return, if the breeze comes up, we can raft our kayaks together and sail back – fantastic!
There are a number of different options available for this trip, contact us and we are more than happy to tailor the trip to your requirements.
No experience is necessary, as all our trips are guided and full instruction is given. Our double kayaks are safe and easy for everyone to use. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult in our kayaks.
Taupo Kayak Adventures – Geothermal Kayak & Walk (Orakei Korako)
Price: Adults $270 per person
Departs: 9:00 am
Duration: Allow 5 to 5.5 Hours
(1-1.5 hour on water), and 1- 1.5 hours geothermal walk)
Our Geothermal trip is without a doubt the best way to experience the spectacular scenery and the geothermal wonders of New Zealand up close via the Waikato River, New Zealand’s largest river, down to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako Geothermal Park.
From our base in Acacia Bay, we will drive ½ an hour north to Tutukau Bridge where we will begin our kayak adventure. As we meander down the glassy waters of the gorge, you will get to explore the warmth of the thermal springs flowing out of the river underneath you and see interesting geothermal activity along the way. Watch out for mini geysers, mud pools and look out for the steam beds as we approach every corner through the gorge.
While taking in the beautiful scenery of willow forests, water meadows, clusters of water lilies and waterfalls towards the sides, you will also get to kayak past ducks, geese, swans, shags, tuis and other water birds. If we are lucky, you may even see an eagle fly past overhead.
You know when you are nearing Orakei Korako as the geothermal steam will be quite visible. If the timing is right, you might even see the main geyser go off (water bursting out of the rocks) from your kayaks. The surrounding waters are quite warm, keeping your butt and legs nice and toasty.
We will take a short break for refreshments before exploring Orakei Korako Geothermal Park. Take your time to walk around the hidden valley which features a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pools and a hidden cave.
Your transport will then be waiting for you to take you back to base. No experience is necessary as all our trips are guided and full instructions are given. Our double kayaks are safe and easy for everyone to use. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult in our kayaks.
Taupo Kayak Adventures – Evening Kayak on the lake
Price: Adults $80 per person – Children $40 pp
Departs: 4:00 pm
Duration: Allow upto 2 hours
Enjoy Lake Taupo at one of its most magical times, with a relaxing evening paddle.
We’ll take you for a leisurely paddle along the Taupo lakefront, where you can take in the sunset and beautiful mountain views from your kayak, spotting wildlife as you go, and sampling our gourmet refreshments. What better way to unwind?
No experience is necessary, as all our trips are guided and full instruction is given. Our double kayaks are safe and easy for everyone to use. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. ………. Allow 1-2 hours.
Check out our Mountain Bike and Kayak combo options
