2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
One of Taupō’s best kept secrets… the sheer beauty and tranquillity found on the crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River will take your breath away. Begin your kayaking journey at the source of NZ’s largest river and drift past various islands, nature reserves, swimming spots, the drop zone of Taupō Bungy before swimming or soaking your feet in warm geothermal pools enroute. This is an extremely scenic, guided tour that is perfect for beginners, families, couples, and friends.
The tour is approx. 1.15 hrs on the water (2hrs return trip including transport) depending on group size and river flow. We start & finish at the store (54 Spa Rd, Taupo), then transport you to and from the river. A 5 minute walk from the store to the river may be required.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All children must be accompanied by an adult
Children under the age of 12 must have a 1:1 ratio with an adult.
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Operates all year, please dress appropriately for the seasons - NO JEANS/DENIM
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kayaking down the beautiful Waikato River, soak your feet in the warm natural geothermal hot pools, pass islands, natural reserves and underneath the Taupo Bungy and Extreme Swing. Please note that a minimum of four bookings are required for a tour to proceed, contact us directly for single bookings. Age limit 4-80.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
All equipment
Lunch
Options
9am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm Departure
9am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm Departure : One of Taupo's best kept secrets... The sheer beauty and tranquility found on the crystal clear waters of the Waikato River will take your breath away. Begin your kayaking journey at the source of NZ
Reviews
169 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day on the river!
Kate S,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An easy paddle downstream, beautiful clear water, with a couple of stops for swimming and a dip in the hot pool. Lovely way to spend a couple of hours on part of the river otherwise hidden from view. Thank you to our awesome guide Glen!
Awesome
charmainer975,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great time. Our guide was fantastic, the river was beautiful. We all jumped in for a swim which was an awesome experience.
Amazing!
nellj2026,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fun! River was beautiful and Connell was so great and interesting! We had a blast and would recommend to anyone :)
A great trip - even in the rain!
Sue L,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Definitely wear swimsuits and flip flops for this, even if you don’t want to swim at the hot water spot. It much easier to get in and out of the boat. We felt very safe and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Our guide was really knowledgeable too.
A nice relaxing float
lucasj500,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The team were amazing and friendly. Connel our guide was super encouraging and friendly and shared lots of info on the area. Really made the experience! The water was clear the hot springs were wonderful. Thanks team
Safe, scenic and enjoyable
Roy S,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a lovely scenic trip down a gently flowing river. It was well organised, on time and above all we felt very safe. There were families with young kids and they were well looked after too. It was not hard work and you could float most of it if you wished to. The guides gave good information too
Great fun!
Michael C,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Relaxing row along a beautiful lazy river with a friendly knowledgable guide. Me and my wife took the early session which ended up being essentially a private tour. Eloise was lovely and shared some interesting facts and took photos for us.
Family Adventure
MarcW1467,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved it. Check in and transfer to lake very easy and collection was done at the other end. Great staff and tour guide. Felt right at home and my little boy and wife loved it.
Highlight of our Taupō trip!
Ambassador696212,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience we (my daughter and myself) didn't't want to hop out. Great for young children who have no or minimum experience too! Loved that the kayak is see through too. And we stopped for a swim too. We will definitely do it again. Thanks team!
Photos not sent
563mabell,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The kayak trip itself was great, we really wanted to give 5 star review. Unfortunately, after 3 weeks, multiple phone calls and email, our guide still wouldn’t send us our photos. (We were advised not to bring it in case it gets wet) It shouldn’t be hard at all so it shows poor professionalism and attitude towards clients (staff over the phone were apologetic but let down by colleague). We will always have memory of the trip but at least one photo of the family with the picturesque backdrop would be nice.
From NZ$90.00
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