Taupo Township
- Trout-fishing: charter an excursion to catch the elusive rainbow or brown trout on Lake Taupo, or go fly fishing with a local guide up one of the many rivers in the area
- Huka Falls: watch as over 200,000 litres/44,000 gallons of water fall over the cliff face every second or take a jet boat ride or river boat cruise to the base of the falls
- Parasailing and sky diving
- Craters of the Moon: walk around an active thermal area with mud pools, craters and steam in the Wairakei Tourist Park
- Wairakei Geothermal Visitor Centre: Displays and audio visuals of Wairakei and Ohaaki geothermal power schemes
- Boating on Lake Taupo: hire a boat or take a scheduled cruise
- Scenic flights: get a bird's eye view over the area, including Mt Ruapehu
Taupo Area
- Aratiatia Rapids: stand on the lookout for a view of the Rapids, where water is released from the dam at 10.00am, midday, 2.00pm daily and an additional time of 4.00pm in the summer
- Orakei Korako Geyserland (25 minutes north of Taupo): visit a valley of geysers, hot springs, mud volcanoes and silica terraces
- Walks: enjoy any of a number of walks around Taupo, including walks in Pureora Forest Park, just one hour from Taupo
Turangi
- White water rafting: ride the Tongariro River
- Trout fishing: guided fishing trips or purchase gear from fishing shops in Turangi village and go-it alone
Tongariro National Park
Set in the centre of the North Island, the National Park attracts thousands of visitors every year, keen to experience the spectacular volcanic scenery of New Zealand's oldest national park.
- Turoa ski area: go skiing just 20 minutes from Ohakune. (Season: June to late October/mid-November.) Turoa is characterised by wide open terrain and long runs. The skifield is reached via a 17 km/11 mile road from Ohakune, which is sealed and particularly scenic. Accommodation options - Ohakune or National Park Village.
- Whakapapa ski area: travel 45 minutes from Turangi to Whakapapa. (Season: June to late October/mid-November.) Whakapapa ski area is reached via a 6 km/4 mile sealed road from Whakapapa Village. All levels of skiers are well catered for. There is an excellent beginners area called Happy Valley. For intermediate skiers there are over 30 groomed trails while expert skiers can explore steep chutes and couloirs. As well as marked trails advanced skiers can take advantage of excellent off-piste skiing. Accommodation options - Whakapapa Village, National Park Village or Turangi.
- Visitor centre at Whakapapa Village: as well as seeing interesting, well presented displays and audio-visuals, visitors can obtain up-to-date track, weather, volcanic and skifield information
- Day walks: visitors can enjoy walks ranging from 10 minutes to a full day. Most walks begin within walking distance or a short drive of Whakapapa Village.
- The Tongariro Crossing: this one-day, one-way 17 km/11 mile tramp takes seven to eight hours, going past volcanic features and the beautiful Emerald Lakes. It begins and ends at different points so visitors will need to organise transport
- Ngauruhoe summit: the walk to the summit is often done in conjunction with the Tongariro Crossing, but for a more leisurely trip with time to spend at the top, it is best done separately. The return trip is 16 km/10 miles and takes six to seven hours
- Ruapehu crater: the easiest and safest way to climb to Mt Ruapehu's crater is to join a guided walk with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. Over the summer months and weather permitting, walks leave daily from the base of Whakapapa skifield at around 9.30am
- Overnight tramping: follow the Tongariro Northern Circuit for a tramp through some of the best scenery in the Park. Walkers can spend one to four days on either the entire circuit or a portion. Hut passes, which can be purchased at the visitor centre at Whakapapa Village, are required