Activities & Habitats
There are many choices of outdoor activities in the Lake Taupo district.
Tongariro Crossing
We are in an ideal locality to do the Tongariro crossing; a world renowned walk over a series of volcanic craters in an alpine environment.
A variety of interesting walks are available locally. Or for a more leisurely walk try going down to Omori Bay and through the bush to Pukawa and return. Further afield, try the walk around Lake Rotopounamu (Greenstone Lake) or explore the Tongariro River walks. The Southern Lake Taupo district is a trampers dream. The Tongariro National Park, Kaimanawa Ranges and the Pureora Forest Park are at our doorstep.
Fly Fishing the Tongariro River
Flyfishing in the rivers that run into Lake Taupo is world renowned. The Tongariro river has a wide range of pools beloved by fishermen and there are many other streams nearby . Neil is a keen fisherman and is happy to escort you around, or if you prefer, we can organise a professional fishing guide.
Other fishing options include boat fishing, wet fly fishing from lake side rocks, or a quiet cast from the mouth of the Omori stream in the evening.
Talk to Neil to find out more options for fishing in Taupo and to sort out what gear is needed. Turangi has plenty of sports shops, which sell fishing tackle, and the local dairy sells licences.
Boating on Lake Taupo
Boating is a favourite pastime on the lake. On a summer day the bay will be alive with runabouts, dinghies, yachts, wind surfers and jet skis. There are plenty of choices, depending on the weather, including sightseeing, exploring, waterskiing, picnicing or fishing.
Local points of interest on the lake
- The beautiful Waihi waterfall and nearby maori mission village
- Tongariro River delta with its birdlife and trout fishing
- The wooden jetty at Tokaanu where steamers brought in the mail many years ago.
- The south-eastern bays of Lake Taupo including Pukawa, Omori, Kuratau, Whareroa and a magic spot called Te Hapua or Honeymoon Bay where yachts tie up for the night in the shelter of the bay
Skiing on Mount Ruapehu
Mount Ruapehu is forty minutes drive away and this active volcano is home to three ski fields. The closest is Whakapapa, North Island’s biggest skifield and gives access to a variety of slopes. The popular Turoa ski area is on the southern side of Mount Ruapehu and Tukino is a smaller field on the eastern slopes (accessed from the Desert Rd). We are happy to recommend local ski instructors.
