2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo

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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

4.89

172 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

160
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3
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  • So worth it!!!!!

    Julia A,May 21, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Doug was so great and kind! Very fun! Super chill vibe! Very experienced and full of knowledge!

    Julia A's photo 1
  • Taupo - 2 hour kayaking

    Ron S,May 16, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Terrific experience ! Doug is a tremendous tour guide. Website is easy to navigate. A must-do activity when in the Taupo area.

  • fun for the whole family

    Jennie C,Apr 16, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    amazing experience we had and beautiful view we experienced. absolutely loved it and would do it again.

  • Great experience

    M9634FZaaronw,Apr 8, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Would highly recommend! I took the kids with me, great time

  • Waikato Paddle

    Jason D,Apr 5, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    No real kayaking experience required. It is more of a float with some paddling than a kayaking effort. But well worth it and enjoyable.

  • Great day on the river!

    Kate S,Mar 23, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    An 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

    5.00

    We 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.

    charmainer975's photo 1
  • Amazing!

    nellj2026,Feb 18, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Super 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

    5.00

    Definitely 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

    5.00

    The 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

From NZ$90.00