Free things to do in the Great Lake Taupo

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could explore the whole of New Zealand without breaking your budget? New Zealand has plenty of activities that are worth paying for but as they say, the best things in life are free.

Situated right in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Great Lake Taupo is one of the rare destinations that offers plenty of wonderful fun activities for adrenaline seeking junkies right through to safety conscious families. With the sunny days already here, why not head on down to Great Lake Taupō where you and your mates and family can spend the summer holidays without burning a hole in your pocket.

Here is our pick of the top 5 free things to do in the Great Lake Taupo region:

 

1. View the mighty Huka Falls

This thundering waterfall is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in New Zealand, and for good reason. The volume of pure water flowing through the rock face of the mighty Waikato River often approaches 220,000 litres per second; enough to fill two Olympic sized swimming pools, per second! This huge volume of water forms a spectacular visual feast of powerful falls and rapids over a grand 11m drop.

View the many angles of the mighty Huka Falls from the viewing platforms and wave to the tourists on the Hukafalls Jet and Huka Falls River Cruise boats below. On a sunny day, the water is an amazing crystal clear blue.

 

2. Soak at the Spa Park Hot Pools

Otumuheke Stream (hot river) winds its way through a series of small natural hot pools, merging with the mighty Waikato River at Spa Park to create a wonderful free swimming hole. It is a great place to relax and soak in the open air. Get changed at the toilets before you walk down to the park as there are no facilities at the water’s edge.

There is a walking track beside the stream. The higher you go, the hotter the pools get. Find your ideal spot. Water conditions vary depending on rainfall or the release of water from the dams. Please respect the natural environment around you, keep the place clean and enjoy a soak in the thermal goodness.

 

3. Walk or bike alongside the Waikato River

From Spa Park, pass the Spa Park Hot Pools and walk or mountain bike along the track that follows the Waikato River and enjoy the fresh air and surrounding bush. The track provides some great views of cliffs, mid-channel islands as well as the exclusive Huka Lodge. Bring your camera in case you spot a celebrity!

Continue along the track until you hear the roaring sounds of the mighty Huka Falls. Allow two hours for the return journey.

 

4. Discover the world of honey at Huka Honey Hive

Enjoy free tastings of honey, mead, liqueurs and fruit wines at New Zealand’s largest showcase of honey products. View live beehives and learn about the amazing honey bee. Test a wide range of honey based skincare and wellness products including 100% Pure Active Manuka Honey, Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen. Be tempted by a distinctive range of gifts or relax in the lounge with coffee, gourmet fudge and honey ice-cream. Open daily from 9am – 5pm.

 

5. Picnic by the Great Lake

Walk or cycle around the lake and take in the stunning views of the lake and mountains beyond.  Pack along a basket and a bottle of wine for some chill time and park yourself at one of the many excellent picnic spots. Read a book, soak in the sun and watch the water activities taking place on the lake while the kids play in the water.

 

Find out more free activities and things to do in the Great Lake Taupo region.

 

This post was written by the team at Destination Great Lake Taupo. Thanks, guys!

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