Oxfam Trailwalker
(http://www.oxfamtrailwalk...). the world's greatest team challenge to overcome poverty and injustice offers you a rewarding physical endeavour, a fun experience to share with friends and colleagues and the chance to do something amazing for yourself and others.
Taupo Events
Taupo has a lot more events than just these, although these are main events - they aren't the only ones. This is a list of all of the current events happening right now, tomorrow and next week!
Ironman New Zealand
(http://www.ironman.co.nz). taupo has been home to this event since 1999. ironman new zealand is the oldest event outside of the world championships in hawaii. it is held on the first saturday in march each year.
Starlight Cinema Centre
Info Line +64 7 378 7515, All Cinemas Air conditioned & Wheelchair Accessible.
Over recent years the event industry in Taupo has been thriving. A combination of attractive venues and a supportive community have been key to this growth. Taupo now hosts a number of major international and national events, including:
There is no shortage of activities on offer in Taupo, be it an adrenaline rush or the more sedate - there is something for everyone! From the ever popular Bungy to Taupo being internationally known as a mecca for Skydiving, to Jet Boating and even fishing for the father who loves the catch even Scenic Flights to the even places as simple to Taupo's AC Baths and our one and only Starlight Cinema!
Great Lake Cycle Challenge
(http://www.cyclechallenge...). started in 1977 with just 30 riders this 160km road cycle around lake taupo now attracts over 10,000 entrants every year. it is also a round of the prestigious uci golden bike series. the last saturday in november is when the event takes place.
Levene Half Marathon
(http://www.taupohalfmarat...). new zealands largest half marathon and also the biggest in the southern hemisphere, follows the shore of lake taupo for most of the course. held in early august every year.
chartered & fly fishing
Lake Taupo itself is widely considered to be the Rainbow Trout capitol of the world and the lake's tributaries also contain some fine Brown Trout. As a result, there are numerous charter and guiding companies which offer both lake and river fishing expeditions. The easiest way to find and book such trips is via local fishing stores and booking centres.
fishing stores
Fly & Gun Shop, 27 Gascoigne Street, +64 7 378 4449
Taupo Launchmans Association, Taupo Boat Harbour, +64 7 378 3444, (http://www.fishcruisetaup...).
Taupo Rod & Tackle, 7 Tongariro Street, +64 7 378 5337. (http://www.tauporodandtac...)
Greenstone Fishing, 147 Tongariro Street, +64 7 378 3714.
A1 Grand Prix
(http://www.a1nzl.com). the world cup of motor sport. the largest international motor event to be held in new zealand. the new zealand round of the series is held at the taupo motor sport park. (http://www.tauporacetrack...) the 2008 round is being held over january 18-20.
Jet boating
Rapids Jet
Children 5yrs and over, life & spray jackets are provided.
With New Zealand's largest river, the Waikato, flowing from Lake Taupo there is little wonder that jet boating is available and there are three operators providing trips on various sections of the river. Jet boating is a very New Zealand activity and well worth the effort.
Cruising/sailing
With a surface area of approximately 616 square kilometers, Lake Taupo is the focal point for the town and its people and to truly appreciate it you really need to head out on it. There are many hidden bays and some spectacular views to be had from on the water. Well worth a look are the large Maori rock carvings which can only be accessed by water.
The options available range from large, powered charter boats to kayaks. The Barbary, a 1926 racing yacht with an interesting history, is quite popular and a good option for a sunny day.
Ernest Kemp Cruises
Family & children
Taupo Puzzle World
Lilliput Farm
Scenic flights
With the natural beauty of Taupo and its surrounds a scenic flight is well worth considering. There are a number of companies offering flights ranging from 15 minutes to several hours over the town, lake, mountains and volcanic areas. Both helicopter and fixed wing flights are available.
Swimming & sauna
Bungy jumping
Taupo Bungy
FREEPHONE: 0800 888 408 New Zealand Only
Taupo Bungy operates not far from the town centre at what is known as the Hell's Gate section of the Waikato River. The location is quite scenic and utilises a custom-built cantilever platform protruding from a cliff face over the river. There is a cafe and several good vantage points. They are open 7 days a week and are endorsed by the New Zealand Safety Standards Authority.
Tramping/walking
There are many opportunities to walk in and around Taupo. Forest, mountains, guided walks and unguided.
Awhina Wilderness Experience
Skydiving
Taupo's natural scenery with its lake, forests and volcanic backdrop make for an excellent skydive location. Taupo can safely be described as New Zealand's skydive Mecca as people flock here to do a jump at the cheapest prices in the country with a saftey record unbeaten by any other skydive company in the world. There are three companies operating from Taupo Airport: Freefall, Skydive Taupo and Taupo Tandem Skydiving. Each company offers tandem skydives from both 12,000 and 15,000 feet above the ground and also provide various DVD and photo options to capture the moment. Freefall and Taupo Tandem can also cater for experienced solo jumpers and a skydive school also operates over the summer months which offers training to beginners.