The waters and clays of Wairakei were highly valued by Maori for their healing powers and therapeutic benefits. At the turn of the last century, travelers world wide came by train, by horse or stagecoach to ‘take the waters’, testifying to its ‘remarkable curative properties’.
Visitors can now bathe in a series of hot thermal pools rich in minerals, uniquely situated below magnificent silica terraces that provide a ‘feel back in time’ sensation, leaving you warm long after you have left the water.
This half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and hot water streams. Hold on tight as you'll be travelling in one of our state of the art jet boats at an incredible 80km an hour! Along the way our trademark 360 degree spins will leave you with a beaming smile and a heart pumping with adrenaline. And that's even before reaching the spectacular Huka Falls! From your unique vantage point on the jet boat you will have the best water level view of Huka Falls – New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.
MINE BAY MAORI ROCK CARVINGS
The Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo have been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, the carvings have become one of the North Island of New Zealand's biggest tourist attractions.
The carvings were sculpted over the course of four years and completed in 1980. Marae-taught carver Matahi Brightwell led a team of four artists to create a spectacular carving of his ancestor Ngatoroirangi on the rock face.
The iconic Lake Taupo Hole-in-One Challenge is hard to miss, just look out for the pontoon along the lakefront and plenty of people lobbing balls into the lake.
If you can get a Taupo hole in one in the hole with the red flag, you'll win NZD$10,000! But even if you miss there are a whole host of other prizes on offer including free skydives, bungys, trout fishing, rafting and all sorts of great Taupo activities.
Heli Adventure Flights specialise in scenic flights, wilderness adventures, exclusive charter and aerial work.
Based close to Huka Lodge and the iconic natural wonder of Huka Falls.
Lake Taupo and the rivers in the Great Lake Taupo region are a trout fishing mecca. The town of Turangi is known as the 'Trout Fishing Capital of New Zealand' and is a great place to base yourself to experience the best that New Zealand trout and fly fishing has to offer.
There are many ways to explore this wonderful area including hiring a fishing charter or fly fishing guide.