Kinloch to Acacia Bay
We start this trip on the beautiful beach of Kinloch where we head north towards Masons Rock which resembles a fantails tail. We stay overnight at Whakaipo Bay which is one of the last untouched public and farmed reserves left on the shores of Lake Taupo. This places is so rustic and raw that you will fall in love in with it.
Day two we kayak pass the historic Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, be captivated by these striking carvings as your experienced guide will explain the carving’s cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas while you float beneath them. Paddle below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets as we paddle back to base as watching the crystal clear water as it unveils.
Western Bays Tasters
These are both short paddles from the Lakeside village of Kinloch, the gateway to the Western Bay, and offer a great way to get an intro into what the Western Bays have to offer (the less explored hidden gems of Lake Taupo). Both offer fantastic camping spots; Kawakawa with its shelter and short walk to see glow worms at night and, Boat Harbour with its beautiful natural harbour for swim and home-made pot belly stove.
Both trips offer chance to go exploring by foot or kayak; or relax, sleep-in and enjoy getting away from it all. At night time enjoy dinner and treats prepared by your guide, stories around the camp fire if possible, and then walk to the sound of birds in this beautiful bush that fringes the Western Bays.
Western Bays Expedition – Kinloch to Kuratau (3 or 4 Days)
This is our full monty Western Bays expedition, a good level of fitness is recommended for this trip to enjoy paddling for multiple days in a row but you do not need an experienced or super fit paddler.
This is the best way to see the Great Lake Taupo most people miss, we leave from the village of Kinloch and don’t see road access to the Lakes edge again until we pass Te Hapa Bay only 4kms from our trip end point of Kuratau.
