Half Day – Maori Rock Carvings Tour (Mine Bay)
GUEST FAVOURITE
TIME: 4 hours (3 hours on water with rest breaks and story telling)
MOTORIZED KAYAKS (AVAILABLE)
DELICIOUS MUFFINS & HOT DRINKS
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 kayaks can only harbor into at (Whakamoenga Point) before the striking carvings (14 meter-high) come into view. Your experienced guide will captivate you with fascinating stories and legends behind creation of the carving’s and their cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them inches away in orr.
On our return if the breeze comes up, we can raft our kayaks together and sail back – bliss!
Full Day – Maori Rock Carvings Tour (Mine Bay)
TIME: 6 hours (4-5 hours on water with rest breaks & story telling)
MOTORIZED KAYAKS (AVAILABLE)
LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS
From our base in Acacia Bay, we will drive for 20 minutes to Whakaipo. Whakaipo Bay is one of the last untouched public and farmed reserves left on the shores of Lake Taupo. This place is so rustic and raw, you will be speechless.
Once we have unloaded the kayaks and equipment. Your guide will equip and brief you before setting off on our kayaking adventure. Firstly, to Masons Rock – an impressive volcanic fan of rock emerging from the lake.
Then onto the historic Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Where you will be captivated by these striking carvings (towering 14 meters high) as your experienced guide explains the carving’s history & cultural significance while you float beneath them inches away in orr. The smaller surrounding carvings become alive as you get visually closer to them.
Evening on the Lake
TIME: 2 hours (1-1.5 hours on water with rest breaks & story telling)
MOTORIZED KAYAKS (AVAILABLE)
DELICIOUS MUFFIN & HOT DRINKS
Enjoy Lake Taupo at one of its most magical times, with a relaxing evening paddle.
Our guides will take you on a relaxing and scenic paddle towards the Taupo CBD. Where you can take in the stunning backdrop of the local maunga (mountains), as the sunset glows over the precious Lake Taupo waters on your return to base.
Waikato River Float
FAMILY FAVOURITE
TIME: 2 Hours
STOP FOR A SOAK AT NATURAL HOT SPRINGS
SNACK REFRESHMENT
Gently paddle through the un spoilt beauty of the Waikato River, through the pumice gorge with crystal clear slow moving water. Be amazed by the stunning cliff faces and lush native forest. We begin our journey just minutes from Taupo Town Centre and finishes at Reids farm, which is located 900m from the Huka Falls.
Whilst paddling we will pass various islands and swimming spots and drift past the bungy platform (let’s hope someone’s jumping). Along the way we will stop at the natural hot springs where you can take the opportunity to soak in the beautiful mineral water. At the end of this trip we will stop for refreshments.
Geothermal Kayak & Walk Adventure (Orakei Korako)
GUEST FAVOURITE
TIME: 5 – 5.5 hours (1-1.5 hour on water), and 1- 1.5 hours geothermal walk)
SOAK AT HOT BATHS & WATERFALL
LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS
ADMISSION INTO HIDDEN VALLEY (Geothermal walking track)
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 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.
Geothermal Walk and Waterfall (Squeeze Trip) Adventure
TIME: 5-6 hours (1 hour walk, 1 hour paddle, 1 hour Squeeze).
SOAK AT NATURAL HOTSPRINGS & WATERFALL
LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS
ADMISSION INTO HIDDEN VALLEY (Geothermal Walking Track)
Starting from our base in Taupo, we will take you to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako Geothermal Park where you can explore a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.
Orakei Korako boasts the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand. Up to 23 active natural geysers play freely through the area, which is constantly changing. Marvel at the number of boiling hot springs and the vibrant colours all around you, or take a native bushwalk through this untouched geothermal paradise. The Lonely Planet Guide describes Orakei Korako as “…arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand”.
The Squeeze Trip
GUEST FAVOURITE – LONGER PADDLE
TIME: 5 hours (3 Hours on Water)
SOAK AT NATURAL HOTSPRINGS & WATERFALL
LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS
Our squeeze trip is without a doubt the best way to experience the spectacular scenery through the Waikato River and down to paradise valley.
We begin our adventure at the Tutukau Bridge, that leads us through the remarkable landscapes and natural beauty of the gorge and past the hidden valley (Orakei Korako, geothermal park) where you can see gushing geysers, silica terraces and boiling mud pools from sitting in your kayak.
Wilderness Trip
TIME: 4 – 4.5 hours (1.5-2 hours on water)
DOUBLE & SINGLE KAYAKS AVAILABLE
DELICIOUS MUFFIN & HOT DRINKS
On this trip we will take you through the wilderness. You will sense the feeling of isolation and freedom.
We will be paddling on the Hinemaiai dam, an early hydro lake which gave Taupo its first electricity back in 1953.
It is a gentle paddle across calm water/ stream through native bush covered hills, pumice cliffs.
The Ultimate Escape
TIME: Allow for 8 hours (3.5-4 hour paddling)
PLAY AT THE WATERFALL IN KAYAKS
LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS
BOAT TRANSFER – Scenic Boat Ride Around The Western Bays
On our Ultimate Escape trip, we’ll take you across the pristine waters of Lake Taupo by boat (catamaran) to the remote shores of the Western Bays. Here you’ll see some of Lake Taupo’s most spectacular scenery, only accessible by water.
We launch the kayaks into the lake and paddle to the base of the spectacular Waihaha Waterfall, while taking in the beautiful natural scenery that surrounds the area. On return to the boat, we stop for a gourmet barbeque lunch, and a chance to swim in the crystal clear waters. After lunch we continue onto the Otopuotu Falls, a unique spot where water cascades off the cliff straight into the lake. At the end of the day, while cruising back to Taupo, enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly or beer.
Western Bays Scenic Adventure – Boat Harbour to Kinloch
TIME: Allow 7–8 hours (3.5 – 4 hours kayaking, and 30-minute boat cruise) Cave Visit (guided tour)
PLAY AT THE WATERFALL IN KAYAKS
LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS
HIGHLIGHTS: Scenic boat cruise around the Western Bays; Kayak to waterfalls, admire majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs; Visit a cave (guided tour)
You’ll meet us at our base in Acacia Bay where we will set off by vehicle to Kinloch (or you can meet us at Kinloch mariner.
On our Western Bays Scenic Adventure trip, we will depart from Kinloch Marina by boat across the pristine waters of Lake Taupo to the remote shores of the Western Bays.
Our first stop would be the majestic Otupoto Waterfall, a unique spot where the water cascades off the cliff straight into the lake. A spectacular sight indeed. Then it is on to Tutaewaroa Stream to view another waterfall. If we’re lucky, we might be able to spot some trout.
Western Bays Taster – Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch
TIME: Allow 4.5–5.5 hours (2 – 2.5 hours kayaking, and 20-minute boat cruise)
Light Refreshments provided on tour
Scenic Lake Cruise & Kayak
HIGHLIGHTS: Scenic boat cruise; Kayak past towering cliffs; Visit a cave (guided tour)
This half day trip is for those who would like to explore a few secluded hidden gems of Lake Taupo’s Western Bays which are mainly only accessible by water.
You’ll meet us at our base in Acacia Bay where we will set off by vehicle to Kinloch (or you can meet us at Kinloch mariner.
On our Western Bays Taster trip, we will depart from Kinloch Marina by boat across the pristine waters of Lake Taupo to the long, sweeping sandy beach of Kawakawa Bay, which is quite different from the rest of the Western Bays.
Western Bays Scenic Escapade – Waihora to Kinloch
TIME: Allow 8-9 hours (4.5 – 5 hours kayaking, and 30-minute boat cruise)
PLAY AT THE WATERFALL IN KAYAKS
LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS
Highlights: Scenic boat cruise around the Western Bays; Kayak to waterfalls, admire majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs.
This trip is for relatively fit adventurers who would like to explore the many secluded hidden gems of Lake Taupo’s Western Bays which are mainly only accessible by water.
You’ll meet us at our base in Acacia Bay where we will set off by vehicle to Kinloch (or you can meet us at Kinloch mariner).
On our Western Bays Scenic Escapade trip, we will depart from Kinloch Marina by boat across the pristine waters of Lake Taupo to the remote shores of the Western Bays.
