Top 15 Taupo Volcano Tours

1.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89Our pick

Ride with Rapids Jet from Aratiatia Scenic Reserve near Taupo for a fast 35-minute run on the Waikato River. Your guide handles the 550-horsepower boat through the Nga Awa Purua rapids, narrow canyons, spins, and pressure waves, with commentary on local wildlife, films, and history. The boat holds up to 11 people.

“Found Rapids Jet last year and had the most incredible time. This was a return visit and it was even better than before. Well organised and Shannon was a very skilled, knowledgable and funny! Can’t recommend this enough!”

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2.Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Set out from Taupō Marina for 2.5 hours aboard Fearless, a classic sailing yacht, or a catamaran when conditions require it. Hear local stories from guides such as Aaron, Liam, or Danny, view the 14-metre Ngātoroirangi carving, swim in clear lake water, and enjoy a complimentary drink.

“We had a wonderful cruise with great captain and crew who gave us their undivided attention because we happened to be the only 2 people booked on our cruise! It was smooth with no wind which meant only one sail was up for a short time, but this didnt spoil the fabulous experience on Lake Taupo. We learnt so much about the lake and also the town”

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3.Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 759 reviews · 30 min · from $89

Hold on for a 30-minute Hukafalls Jet ride along the Waikato River, reaching 80 km/h and finishing at the base of Huka Falls. Your local driver handles the spins and commentary, with guides such as Scott, Ricki, Chopper, and Tee praised for their skill and humor. Expect spray, speed, and a very close look at the falls.

“fantastic ride . Ricky our driver was brilliant got us really close to the falls . Also the 360s were great fun”

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4.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · from $33

Sail from Taupō with Chris or Pete aboard a small eco-friendly electric yacht, then reach the 14-meter Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings by water. The 2.5-hour cruise includes lake stories, volcano views, a complimentary drink, and time for a swim in warm weather.

“This trip is a super relaxing and cost effective way to see the beautiful rock carvings on Lake Taupo. Chris is a very engaging captain and host, hugely knowledgeable and passionate (about sailing as much as the lake and Māori culture). If it’s sunny in Taupo, this is a must do.”

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5.Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 658 reviews · from $94

Hold tight for a 30-minute Hukafalls Jet ride from Taupō along the Waikato River. Your driver-guide handles power brakes, fast turns, and 360-degree spins before bringing you close to Huka Falls. Guides such as Scott, Ricki, Arthur, and Rocky add local facts and humor. Expect spray, cold air, and wet clothes.

“You will get wet, especially if you are on the outside of the seats, 4 people per row. Not crazy wet, but take a rain top if you have.”

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6.Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 633 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Spend 90 minutes on Lake Taupō with a local guide, sailing from Taupō Boat Harbour to Matahi Brightwell’s Māori Rock Carvings. Expect clear water, mountain views, live commentary, tea or coffee, and a warm muffin. An optional fishing demonstration adds a local touch.

“Was a great experience would recommend to everyone good laughs from the skipper”

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7.Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 575 reviews · from $36

Set out from Taupō Marina for a 90-minute cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings. Your skipper explains local ecology, volcanoes, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa traditions while you enjoy Tongariro views, tea or coffee, and a warm homemade muffin. Indoor and outdoor seating suit changing weather.

“5 stars is for the quick efficient refund. Can't comment on the tour as it was run from a different birth and on a different boat from usual and I didn't get picked up. Part of the issue was the harbour sales agent in the ticketing building said the Read more”

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8.Lake Taupo 12,000-Foot Tandem Skydiving

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 359 reviews · from $209

You’ll ride to Taupo Tandem Skydiving, gear up with an expert tandem master, and rise to 12,000 feet above Lake Taupo. Expect about 40 seconds of freefall at 200 kph, then a calm parachute ride with views toward Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro National Park.

“I had an amazing skydiving experience with you today, June 19, 2025! The 12,000-ft jump, professional guides, and seamless hotel pick-up and drop-off were outstanding. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!”

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9.Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · 3 hours · from $196

Take a tandem skydive from 12,000, 15,000, or 16,500 feet above Lake Taupo. Your English-speaking tandem master handles the technical work while you enjoy views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. Hotel pickup, a yellow stretch Hummer ride, equipment, and a completion certificate are included.

“Great staff looked after me as soon as I arrived. They explain everything. My guide was Elad Berger he was just so cool.”

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10.Lake Taupo: 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 317 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Join Chris Jolly Outdoors for a 90-minute evening cruise from Taupo Boat Harbour to the Māori Rock Carvings. An English-speaking skipper guides you across Lake Taupo, with open viewing decks, enclosed seating, drinks for purchase, and sweeping views toward Tongariro National Park.

“Great views of these tremendous works of art. Super commentary and helpful staff. Well worth the price.”

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11.Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 234 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Sail Lake Taupō aboard Tiua, a 53-foot catamaran with indoor and covered outdoor seating. Your English-speaking crew takes you to the Māori rock carvings, shares their cultural background, and stops for a swim. A drink is included, with snacks and more drinks available at the licensed bar.

“We had such a great time aboard this boat! The guides were great and it was a nice relaxing trip around lake Taupō. Highly recommend this activity whilst you’re there as it is really great value for money and good for all ages.”

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12.Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 130 reviews · 4 hours · from $80

Join guides such as Glen, Elouise, or Connell for a four-hour paddle across Lake Taupo to its impressive Māori rock carvings. Expect safety gear, local stories, a swim stop, possible rock jumps, and a small group of up to eight. Weather may change the route.

“Best thing I did during my trip to Taupo! Glen was a great guide. So knowledgable and it was such a fun day out!! If you only do one thing in Taupo make sure it’s this!”

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13.From Rotorua: Taupo Day Trip with Orakei Korako or Waiotapu

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · from $153

Travel from Rotorua to Orakei Korako or Waiotapu with an English-speaking driver-guide. Walk among geysers, hot springs, and mud pools, then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Hotel pickup, transport, and a flexible Taupo stop are included. Lunch is at your own expense.

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14.Lake Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 13 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Cruise Lake Taupo aboard a two-story catamaran, with English commentary on the lake and Matahi Brightwell’s Maori rock carving. You’ll have time for photos, tea or coffee, and a muffin, while the skipper’s weather call determines how close a view you get.

“Great. I would recommend sitting inside downstairs. The view is quite nice and it is easy to go to the front of the boat or to the back to get amazing photos. They do a great job of telling you interesting facts and history about the lake and the carvings. I would definitely recommend it.”

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15.Taupo: Huka Falls Helicopter Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 10 min · from $107

Take a 10-minute English-guided helicopter flight over Taupo’s farmlands, township, boat harbor, geothermal power stations, and Huka Falls. With space for only three participants, you get a compact aerial view of the Waikato River and one of New Zealand’s most powerful waterfalls.

“Definitely recommend, the helicopter shows a great view of the Falls and surrounds. Staff were very friendly and helpful!”

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