Adrenalin
Formula Challenge
Taupo is the home of the A1 Grand Prix, which has a state of the art race track facility and hosts a driver formula challenge.
The course is tailored to suit the complete novice or the experienced road car driver who wants a taste of what it is like to drive a Formula Challenge single-seater race car. Before you get behind the wheel, your Motorsport New Zealand qualified driving instructor will take you around the track to reinforce your earlier classroom tuition and familiarise you with the racetrack. No experience is required. Choose from a single seater race car or Holden or Ford V8 race car.
Jet Boating
Children must be over one metre tall in order to ride the Huka Falls Jet and the Rapids Jet.
Huka Falls Jet
The 30-minute adrenalin-filled trip, skims close to cliffs and trees at an incredible 80km an hour. Get ready for the thrill of 360º spins as you make your way down to the Aratiatia Dam and back to view from the base of the spectacular Huka Falls, all in a beautiful river environment. Safety is paramount and the drivers are experienced professionals. Life jackets are provided and spray jackets in cooler months.
NZ Riverjet and The Squeeze
A 2-3.5 hour round trip with NZ Riverjet incorporates a unique experience as well as an exhilarating jet boat ride. Encompassing one-hour of jet boating, with views of the stunning native bush and abundant wildlife through the magnificent Tutukau Gorge.
You will disembark from the boat in knee-deep warm water and head towards a narrow gap in the cliff face. Squeeze your way through crevasses, climbing boulders, wading through waist deep warm water and emerge in stunning native New Zealand bush. You will have the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere while relaxing in the thermal waters of a naturally heated bathing pool. New Zealand Riverjet site is located approximately 34kms from Taupo. Transfers may be arranged at an additional cost.
Rapids Jet
Rapids Jet boats the biggest and longest rapids that spill from the Aratiatia Dam daily. Shoot through narrow canyons, be exhilarated by the spin on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and surf the pressure waves of the awesome Nga Awapurua Rapids. The riverbanks are lined with fantastic native bush and steaming hot springs.
Trips depart to coincide with the release of water from the Aratiatia Dam, 4 times daily.
Life jackets are provided and spray jackets in cooler months.
Orakei Korako with NZ Riverjet
A 2-3.5 hour round trip with New Zealand Riverjet incorporates a unique geothermal wonderland as well as an exhilarating jet boating experience. Encompassing one-hour of jet boating, with views of the stunning native bush and abundant wildlife through the magnificent Tutukau Gorge where canyon walls rise dramatically a 50 meters above the magnificent Waikato River.
Visit the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako. This enchanting, natural geothermal park has fabulous walks around steaming cliffs, amazing hot pools and the awesome Aladdin’s cave, an extremely rare geothermal cave. New Zealand Riverjet site is located approximately 34kms from Taupo. Transfers may be arranged at an additional cost.
Para-Sailing
An exhilarating adventure above the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo.
- 400 feet and 8 minutes in the air.
- 800 feet and 10 minutes in the air.
Tandem Skydiving
Situated on the shores of Lake Taupo in the beautiful volcanic plateau of the Tongariro National Park. Taupo Tandem Skydiving was the first tandem sky dive operation in New Zealand and is currently the largest in the world. Operating daily, all year round (weather permitting) since 1992, they have the capacity to sky dive up to 220 tandem students a day. Exiting the plane up to 15,000 feet, over one minute in free-fall, you have the opportunity to experience the incomparable exhilaration of free falling. A spectacular parachute ride over the stunning background of the Lake Taupo region and the snow-capped volcanoes ends the adventure.
Full body harness together with a jump suit are provided. All you need to bring is firm clothing and shoes. Photos and DVD’s are available. Weather permitting.
A strict weight limit of 100kg applies for tandem passengers, for your own and our staff’s safety.
White Water Rafting
Rafting is fun for everyone and suitable for all ages. Taking place mostly on the Rangitaiki River, it is two hours of fast flowing action through the heavily wooded Kaingaroa Forest, with superb back country scenery. This picturesque river has everything from raging rapids to quiet peaceful glides, making it our most popular trip among both expert and novice rafters.
The first half of the trip is more difficult (grade 4). Younger children (minimum age 8 years) may join the trip for the easier rapids (grade 3). Thorough instruction will be provided before the trip begins.
Wet suits, fleece sweaters, life vests, swimming shoes and helmets are all provided. You will need to bring your own swimsuit or dry underwear and a towel. Includes a light lunch.
,em>Rafting on the Tongariro River is also available for the less adventurous.
Waikato River trip
Join us for a one-hour float down Taupo’s spectacular Waikato River. We recommend that you consider the kayak option, but rafting is ideal for those who are less adventurous or for groups with several small children.
Raft or paddle under the bungy site, swim in the river and soak in the natural hot springs. No experience necessary – this trip is for everyone and excellent for children.
Bungy Jumping
Taupo’s leading adventure and extreme activity! Leap 150-feet from a fixed platform over the waters of the Waikato River, upstream from Huka Falls. The colour of the water alone is enough to inspire you. At 47 metres it’s New Zealand’s highest water-touch bungy.
Kayak to the rock carvings
Experience Lake Taupo’s fresh clear waters and explore the beautiful shoreline, while learning about the region’s incredible volcanic creation and the area’s local history. Lake Taupo has itself experienced at least 26 volcanic eruptions in the last 26,000 years. Two of which were possibly some of the largest the world has experienced in recent geological times. View the Maori Rock Carvings, which are over 10 metres high and are only accessible by boat or kayak. Sea kayaking will allow you close access to the carvings and a chance to examine them in detail. Hear about their history, how they were carved, and also of their cultural significance. There is time for swimming in summer, while in winter there is the opportunity to further explore Mine Bay before the return journey home.
Total time required for this trip is 4.5 hours, but this can be adjusted to suit individual needs. Stop for a break on the beach and enjoy some classic kiwi treats such as ANZAC cookies, slice and tea, coffee or milo (kiwi version of hot chocolate).
