New Zealand’s adventure capital has plenty of activities for the non-anglers to enjoy whilst you’re out on the waters.
Enjoy the best of Taupō's Non-Angling Activities
Experience Ngātoroirangi The Māori Rock Carvings Cruises
The Māori Rock Carvings Cruises offered by Chris Jolly Outdoors is a unique experience on Lake Taupō, New Zealand. The cruise takes you to view the impressive 45ft high Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which are only accessible by water.
The Chris Jolly Scenic Cruise Takes place on board the 52 ft Catamaran. The whole trip takes an hour and a half and includes a complimentary muffin and a cuppa. This daily cruise leaves multiple times throughout the day. The boat is plenty spacious, with outdoor viewing platforms and indoor lounges.
While stopped at the destination of Mine Bay, the boat is maneuvered to allow for all guests to see the carvings up close, marvel at the intricacy, and get that swoon-worthy photograph. The main carving is a depiction of Ngātoroirangi, an esteemed tohunga (priest), whom laid claim to the land of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. This is surrounded by smaller sculptures depicting tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians). Ngātoroirangi is a true showpiece of New Zealand’s cultural artistic ability.
The Taupō Classic Hukafalls Jet and Cruise Combo
Enjoy two of the best landmarks of the Taupō region; Cruise to the culturally significant Ngātoroirangi carvings on Lake Taupō, then hit that adrenaline high, speeding along the Waikato River on a jet boat to the stunning Huka Falls.
The Huka Falls are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taupō. Every year, thousands of people come to see the powerful waterfalls. This incredible landmark is named for Huka, the Māori word for foam.
Extensive amounts of water flow over a cliff 36 feet high – The flow over the Huka Falls fluctuates between 1100 and 9500 cubic feet per second, with an average daily flow of 5650cubic feet per second. The unique blue colour of the water at the base of the falls is created by the clear water reflecting the blue light and the air bubbles in the water intensifying the colour further.
Experience Lake Taupō Lake Taupō Charter Boat Adventures
There’s nothing quite like being out on the water, and Lake Taupō is the perfect place to charter a boat. Chris Jolly Outdoors offers a range of boats for all occasions, from fishing boats to luxury cruisers.
Chris Jolly Outdoors has four vessels available for charter, catering for group sizes from 2 to 40! Our fleet includes the 6 guest luxurious Levante offshore sedan, two large catamarans, the Cruise Cat and Supercat which are perfect on the lake venues for parties, and the most elegant of the fleet, the Waikare II, our iconic grand old lady who has seen many famous faces in her years!
The fleet is decked out with sound systems, fishing equipment, and excursions can be catered for all your food and drink needs. Our catamarans also include onboard wi-fi so you can check in back home if you need to – what better place to catch up on Facetime than the middle of the lake!
Experience Wild Perfection Owhaoko Wilderness Hut Escape
Escape from city life and stay in our mountain cabin. Te Whare Ruruhau means a place of shelter, refuge, and protection in Māori. Accessible only by air in the wilderness of Owhaoko, a series of rugged ranges in New Zealand’s Central Plateau. Our cabin is deeply private, catered with all modern and luxury amenities. Enjoy the scenic backdrop of Owhaoko as you unwind in this very secluded escape.
Hike through native bush and the grasslands of alpine Aotearoa. Meander across the valley floors to find the perfect spot for a picnic surrounded by rare native wildflowers and birdsong. There are sixteen thousand acres of wilderness to explore! The riverbeds teem with brown and rainbow trout, making Te Whare Ruruhau and incredible venue to get in some backcountry flyfishing. As well as fishing, this incredible region is ripe for sika deer hunting.
Please note: There is a two-night minimum stay (or three-night minimum stay on New Zealand public holiday weekends). Transportation to Te Whare Ruruhau is helicopter only.
Experience the Land and Lake Hike and Cruise Combo
Enjoy the experience of the Taupō region’s beautiful K2K trail. Reach the collection point on the Lake then relax, have some lunch, and rest your legs as you’re returned to Lake Taupō marina with on a scenic cruise.
Our experienced guides will take you on a roughly 2 hour hike from Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay. View stunning wetlands, dense native bush, teeming with unique endemic birds, secluded beaches (perfect for swimming in summer), and sweeping vistas of Lake Taupō. Once onboard the boat, enjoy some lunch and dinks as you cruise back to base in luxury. Optional activities onboard include clay trap shooting, fishing, and viewing the Maōri Rock Carvings.
Experience the Land Hikes and Walks
Step into some of the most exclusive and untouched areas of wilderness in New Zealand. Come on a guided hiking adventure with us here at Chris Jolly Outdoors today.
Chris Jolly Outdoors has access to 10,000 acres of pristine nature walks, untouched by the concrete ravages of the modern world. Choose between alpine hiking through volcanic fields and tall ridgelines, dense bush hiking through native flora, or bird watching hikes to experience New Zealand’s birdsong. Explore the wilderness, listen to the birds move through the trees, and talk tall tales with a glass of red under the stars.
Our favourite hikes include the birdwatcher’s dream at the historic Ōpepe, the circuit of Lake Rotopounamu (meaning greenstone lake) for it’s amazing colour, and the Waipakihi hike in the alpine Kaimanawa Ranges. A perennial favorite of many visitors is the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 13 mile trek along the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Tongariro National Park.
Experience the Action Guiding Deer Hunting
Take a journey deep into the New Zealand bush to find the ultimate hunting trophy in our wild Fallow, Sika and Red deer breeds.
An expert hunting guide will help you track down dinner and a trophy. From novice to seasoned, our clients have sought our expertise from every corner of the globe. Step behind the velvet rope into an exclusive playground. Whether your hunting aim is to secure a trophy to take home, or just enjoy the thrill of the chase in stunning natural surroundings, our expert guides have you covered.
Deer hunting in New Zealand’s North Island is an extremely popular tourist activity, and for good reason. New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful deer, and the country’s herds are managed carefully to ensure a sustainable population.
Experience the Trails Guiding Biking Tours
Cycle your way through the spectacular wilderness that Taupō and the Central Plateau of New Zealand’s North Island have to offer.
The Chris Jolly Outdoors guided biking tours are a fantastic way to explore either the lakes edge, dense mountain trails or high alpine ridge lines. Mountain biking offers another dimension to being in the outdoors, providing a sense of freedom and adventure. It can be everything from the relaxed slow pace, too fast, technical and physically challenging.
Our favourite rides include the bike n’ coffee scenic ride from the Taupō towncentre along the beautiful lake front, the Waihaha to Waihora, the best Grade 3 ride in New Zealand, and the beautiful Aratiatia to Huka Falls alongside the Waikato River.
Experience food and retail The Taupō Town Centre
Enjoy the great shopping and cafe culture of Taupo’s town centre. During the day, walk the streets of the vibrant town, perusing boutique clothing shops with high end kiwi brands for both men and women or check out the numerous outdoor specialist vendors to improve your fly fishing kit.
There’s plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, or even a cheeky brunch in town, with fusion dishes inspired by many far reaching cultures. Need some energy? Don’t forget to grab a flat white, the milky espresso coffee you’ll only find in New Zealand and Australia.
In the evenings, head to the lakefront for incredible views, awesome sculptures and the finest al fresco dining. No matter your foodie preferences – unique and gourmet or just after a burger and fries, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a life time? Experience World-Class Fly Fishing
