Taupo Archives

Kayaks preparing to head out on Lake Taupo. In somewhat better conditions.

Lake Taupo kayaking, New Zealand: Battling waves, bluster and unexpected rescue

A kayaking adventure on Lake Taupo, New Zealand, goes wrong... Pulling over in the bay We pull over in the more placid bay. I slump forward and drop the paddle across the front of the kayak. Melt me down for glue – I’m done. I…

The Douglas D3 plane outside McDonald's Taupo.

Taupo McDonald’s plane restaurant: New Zealand’s strangest fast food stop

Set against Lake Taupo and surrounded by adventure tourism, the Taupo McDonald’s plane restaurant is an unlikely curiosity. This piece explores why a converted Second World War aircraft has become one of the town’s most talked-about stops. Scepticism about McDonald’s as a destination I don’t…

Complete guide to visiting Huka Falls, Taupo – with parking, walks & tours

Huka Falls is an 11-metre waterfall where the Waikato River (New Zealand's longest river) is forced through a narrow 15-metre-wide rock channel, creating a powerful cascade with water flow of approximately 220,000 litres per second. It's located 5 kilometres north of Taupō in the central…

The Shotover Jet on the Shotover River, Queenstown, New Zealand.

The best places to go jetboating in New Zealand

When choosing a destination for jetboating in New Zealand, look for river trips. Here’s why. New Zealand is not exactly short of things to do. One day you might kayak to the Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo, the next seeing the albatross colony near…

Kayaking to the Mine Bay rock carvings on Lake Taupo

Kayak across Lake Taupo in New Zealand to see the impressive Mine Bay rock carvings of Ngātoroirangi. Find tour details and advice for this unique cultural experience. Lake Taupo kayak tour summary Strong winds made the kayak trip challenging but rewarding. Matahi Brightwell learned stone-carving…