BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAUPO WITH KIDS

INSIDE: Everything you need to know about the best things to do in Taupo with kids. Updated 2024.

Lake Taupo is the home of nature-based experiences for families and kids, and the scenery here is spectacular.

The adventure playground Taupo style is in the centre of town, AND the World’s Coolest McDonald’s too.

(Yes, that’s a thing, and it won the award.)

When planning New Zealand Family holidays, book at least one or two nights in Lake Taupo.

You won’t see everything there is to see in Taupo, but you’ll make a good start.

Take a look below for details.

Disclosure: This article, written by a real human (me), without AI input, may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO COST to you. For our Disclosure and Disclaimer statements, and an explanation of our Advertising policy please click here Main image credit: QFSE Media via Wikipedia CC BY SA-3.0

Lake Taupo Image credit: Denisbin via Flickr CC BY ND-2.0

Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAUPO WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in NZ dollars, unless otherwise stated

We’ve showcased a whole bunch of things to do in Taupo New Zealand for family adventures, as well as the best of Taupo for kids of all ages, including toddlers, preschoolers and teen.

You’ll find a bunch of FREE things to do in Taupo too.

Not far away, Waitomo is best known for the caves tours.

While the Waitomo Caves are one of the most ‘touristy’ and sanitised places we’ve EVER been to, we still recommend a visit.

The Waitomo Caves Glow Worm tour has a special magic to it.

Both places deserve a spot on your NZ itinerary.

Take a look at the big list of things to do in Taupo with families below, and let us know if we missed anything!

(Find a list of all the best things to do in Waitomo with kids at the end of the post, including our review of Waitomo Caves with kids)

RELATED: Best New Zealand Souvenirs and Food Gifts Guide!

TOP 26 TAUPO ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

These are the top 10 fun things to do in Taupo for kids.

Hot tip for Campers: The Taupo superloo is the place to have a shower for $2.50

No.1: The World’s Coolest McDonalds Taupo

This is the only place in the world where you can drink your Chai Latte and eat your Macca’s burger INSIDE AN AIRPLANE!

McDonalds is our pitstop for hot Chai Latte (or coffee) at any time of the day.

We love their clean toilets, but most of all, we are grateful for their playgrounds.

When it’s raining and we’ve had our fill of indoor tourist attractions , or when the kids’ fighting in the backseat on a roadtrip is no longer tolerable, we google ‘McDonalds near me’ and make a detour.

But we didn’t know that the Taupo McDonalds was the World’s Coolest McDonalds until we got there!

This is a picture of inside the McDonalds airplane where kids and families can take their food and eat.

Order your meal and then take your lunch up inside the Taupo McDonalds plane dining room.

You’ll find comfy retro seating, lining the aircraft in pairs by each window.

Where else can you eat your treat from the McDonald’s menu inside an airplane?

Nowhere in the world.

(You can however eat regular restaurant food inside an aeroplane at the Keramas Aero Park in BALI too!)

Lake Taupo McDonalds Playground in NZ

They have a play area too – a fun outdoor playground sits below the airplane for the kids to explore too.

The best news is that this playground is undercover.

On our roundabout drive to Waitomo from Rotorua, stopping at the coolest McDonalds playground was our best idea of the day.

How to get to Taupo New Zealand McDonald’s

You can’t see the McDonalds Taupo plane from the main road into Taupo, so be sure to follow our directions to get there.

Taupo McDonalds Plane Address: Taupo McDonald’s is on the corner of Roberts and Ruapehu streets at 48 Roberts St, Taupo
Telephone: +64 7-378 8679
McDonalds Playground Hours: The World’s Coolest McDonalds airplane is open from 9am – 4.30pm. Don’t be late.
Entry Fees: It’s FREE!
By Car: Avert your eyes from the glorious sight that is Lake Taupo with the snow-covered Mt Ruapehu in the distance, and turn right off the main road, Lake Terrace, on Ruapehu Street. McDonald’s fast food restaurant is one block up. There’s free street parking directly out front.

No.2: Taupo Playground in Tongariro Domain

“Quick, find the playground!”

Roadtrips and playgrounds go together like tents and a campground.

One cannot exist without the other!

That thing called ‘cabin fever’. There’s a thing called ‘car fever’ too.

Anyone travelling with kids on a roadtrip knows it all too well.

On our recent New Zealand road trip, we pulled into Taupo late one afternoon, in desperate need of a playground.

This one, Tongariro North Domain Playground in Taupo city centre, has equipment for all ages, and is surrounded by nature too.

To find the Taupo public playground, look for the SuperLoo Taupo building and the futuristic Space Ball fort and slide.

Park in the public car park at Story Place, and it’s steps away.

This playground is one of the best things to do in Taupo for kids.

There’s plenty of green space for a picnic, a life-size chess set, and playground equipment for all kids, big and small.

Grab a reviving cup of coffee from a cafe across the road.

Taupo Public Playground for Toddlers

Toddlers love the Toddler Fort, with:

running ramp
platforms to scale
bridges to cross
tunnels
slides
stairs to climb, and
X’s and O’s games too.

It’s transport themed.

There’s a spider web swing too.

Taupo Liberty Swing

There’s a Liberty Swing on site.

Ask the attendant at the Superloo for a key.

There’s tonnes of family friendly playground fun for older kids too.

No one will be bored or complain here.

The biggest challenge for older kids and teens?

The GIANT pyramid net structure to climb!

This was a unique piece of play equipment in Taupo.

Monkey Bar dome

There’s lots of standalone equipment around the edges of the park too.

Plus, open space for running games, and bike and scooter paths.

BYO wheeled toys.

Nature Playground in Taupo

There’s a Stone Circle, the perfect spot to gather before a game of hide-and-seek.

Or perhaps as part of a Parkour Adventure.

Or a session of ‘The Ground is Lava’ game where your feet can’t touch the grass, and can only move by climbing on or over things, staying off the ground at all times.

Lion Express Train Taupo

There’s a miniature Taupo train fun ride that loops through the park on select weekends during summer, and school holidays too.

The Cobb and Co train choo choos around the park on public holidays too.

Start time is usually around 11am until mid afternoon.

The train costs $2 per person to ride.

Tongariro Domain Park – Location, Tickets, Opening hours

Address: 4 Story Place, Taupo
Telephone: +64 7-376 0899
Website: Click here
Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: Free

How to get to Taupo Playground by Car:

From Napier direction on Napier-Taupo road, turn right at the final T intersection near Lake Taupo, onto Lake Terrace/Thermal Explorer Highway.
Follow this along for 2km until you reach Tongariro Street.
Turn right, then turn left onto Story Place, just after Superloo.

Free parking in Story Place carpark.

Subway, Dominos, Burger Fuel and Lone Star are around the corner on Roberts Street. Plus, there are plenty of cafes too.

Image credit: Taupo museum

No.3: Best Museums & Art Galleries in Taupo

No.1: Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

The Taupo Museum and Art Gallery has:

a Maori meeting house
an exhibition of Taupo district history
a huge collection of Maori artwork and carvings
work of contemporary local artists from Taupo, and
the award-winning Ora – the Garden of Wellbeing.

The museum and library host fun, free activities such as Maori storytelling with a local Indigenous storyteller, and craft workshops, to keep the kids occupied during school breaks.

For more information please see the Library and Museum Kids page.

Located just behind the iSITE, in the centre of town on Story Place between the Super Loo and the Rose Gardens.

Entry to the Taupo Museum costs $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and is free for children (school age and under).

Open daily 10-4.30pm.

Closed Good Friday and Christmas day.

Click here to visit their website.

Phone 07 376 0414 or email [email protected].

Image credit: Lava Glass NZ Cafe & Art Gallery

No.2: Lava Glass Sculpture Garden

Lava Glass cafe and art gallery is located just north of Taupo.

Take a walk through the Lava Glass garden with over 600 art glass sculptures in amongst ponds and fields of glass flowers.

Keep hold of the kids!

These spectacular glass art masterpieces glint and shimmer in the sun, and kids love this rainbow-hued environment.

Catch a glassblowing demonstration, grab a snack in this Taupo cafe, and buy up a few special glass gifts for loved ones before you go.

Free entry to the cafe and gallery.

Click here for their website.

Lava Glass Garden Entry Fees

$10 per person ($5 becomes a credit towards any glass purchase)
$40 per family of up to 6 people ($20 becomes a credit towards any glass purchase)

No.3: More Art Galleries in Taupo

Visit the Taupo i-Site Tourist Information Centre to collect a brochure listing all the local art galleries in town.

Image credit: Rafting NZ

No.4: Rafting New Zealand 6D Adventure Cinema

Looking for a rainy day activities in Taupo?

Try this.

The New Zealand 6D Adventure Cinema.

Watch your choice of movie – either:

Triple Thrill (sky diving, whitewater rafting, jet boating and flying over the Tongariro National Park) or
Journey into the Unknown (experience the rush of whitewater rafting and the beauty of the Central Plateau)

Not sure you’ll like the real thing?

This is the perfect way to find out, with ‘real life’ adventures up on screen in High Definition, a thrilling soundtrack, dynamic smooth motion, and wind and water spray effects!

Build your courage with a practice run in the safety of a movie cinema!

The 6D Adventure Cinema is located at the Rafting New Zealand Adventure Centre in Taupo at 47 Ruapehu Street, Taupo, New Zealand.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your session time.

Book tickets here.

No.5: Taupo Starlight Cinema

Starlight Theatre is the local cinema showing modern mainstream flicks, quirky arthouse films, and themed events.

There’s five theatres on site, guaranteeing something for everyone in the family.

Click here for current showings and session times.

No.6: Huka Honey Hive

Buy gourmet honey-flavoured ice cream for the kids, and honey-infused skincare and beauty products for yourself at Huka Honey Hive in Taupo.

This tourist attraction in Taupo is a quirky homage to the honeybee and the liquid gold they produce – honey.

Schedule a visit, and

taste NZ honey products for free; including honey mead, liqueurs and wine
sample Manuka honey skin care products
check out the bee displays and watch bees at work in glass hives
indulge in gourmet honey ice cream, and
watch the video about these magical and clever creatures.

Huka Honey Hive is located at 65 Karetoto Rd, Wairakei Park, Lake Taupo, New Zealand.

Huka Honey Hive boasts New Zealand’s largest showcase of honey products and is open 7 days from 9 am – 5 pm in summer, and from 10am – 5 pm in winter.

Entry is Free.

Huka Honey Hive is located just 5 minutes out of Taupo travelling north, near some of Taupo’s other great attractions:

Huka Falls River
Craters of the Moon
HukaFalls Jet Boat experience
Huka Prawn Farm and
Wairakei Terraces.

Image credit: Bruce Manninen

No.7: Spa Park Thermal Pools

You’ll need at least 2-3 hours at Spa Park Thermal Park.

This free swimming hole in Taupo has:

new changerooms and toilet facilities
wooden platforms to lounge on by the river
a seating area, and
steps

These improvements make access to the hot water of the Waikato river safer for everyone.

This natural hot pools are situated where the Otumuheke stream meets the Waikato River.

It’s a hot spot for both locals and tourists.

Do remember to take all your rubbish with you, and leave it as you found it.

Check out the Spa Park playground near the carpark.

It has a timber fort, neon green slide, swings, and toddler sand play area.

Access to Spa Park Thermal pools is from Spa Road. Find it at 281 Spa Road, Tauhara, Taupo 3378, New Zealand.

Take the first left after Taupo Bungy and Cliffhanger into Spa Thermal Park, and drive until you reach the car park.

Take all your things with you, and follow the path towards the river until you come to a bridge.

The hot pools are located around and under the bridge.

It takes about 25-30 minutes walk from Taupo city centre to Spa Thermal Park.

Click here for directions

Image credit: Taupo De Bretts Water park

No.8: Taupo DeBretts Thermal Pools & Taupo Water Park

Taupo DeBretts Thermal Pools has an interactive warm water playground for kids, big and small!

There’s also a separate children’s pool at DeBretts Taupo Hot Springs Spa where the toddlers and young kids can swim in thermally heated fresh-water.

A giant dragon slide, and two new curved hydro slides to race down will keep the kids busy at this Taupo water park for hours.

Happily, two huge mineral pools set amongst beautiful landscaped resort surroundings are set aside for mum and dad.

Jump in the fresh water pool and the two spas (or jacuzzis as they are also known) next door to cool off when you have soaked long enough.

If you can manage to sneak away for an hour while the other half watches the kids, there’s massage and treatments to soothe the weariest traveller.

BYO picnic or BBQ, or buy lunch at the Savour Cafe.

DeBretts is open all year round, from 8.30am – 9.30pm daily.

Phone +64 7 377 6502 or check their website for pool opening hours and prices.

Buy tickets to the Waterpark here.

You can stay onsite too – accommodation options include:

luxury lodges and spa chalets
campsites
cabins
studios
deluxe family units
campervan/RV sites, and
motel rooms.

No.9: Mind Junction Taupo Family Activities (& Mini Golf Taupo)

Mind Junction is Taupo’s most family friendly attraction, a collection of 9 different things to do in Taupo with kids of all ages.

This place humbly began as Puzzle World, and there’s still plenty of unique games and puzzles.

Grab a coffee from the onsite cafe while you play for free.

Mind Junction now has:

a Giant Maze
15 Shooting games in the shooting simulator
New Zealands only LEGO display
a Discovery Centre with a Hologram Gallery, mirror and optical illusions, magnet and sound experiments, and a sensory maze
a very very tricky 9-hole Mini Golf course

The newest attraction is the thrilling Flight Simulator where you can jump behind the controls of a small aircraft and buzz over the most iconic cities of the world.

Located on 8 Palmer Mill Road, via State Highway 5, the Taupo-Rotorua Highway, 10 minutes north of Taupo towards Rotorua.

Free entry.

Pay per activity – check the price list here.

Open 10am to 4pm daily.

Image credit: Larry Koester via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.10: Taupo Maori Carvings

Enjoy a Maori cultural experience in Taupo.

Here’s a few activities to choose from.

Visit Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

Mine Bay Maori rock carvings are only 40-odd years old, and there’s a story behind their creation.

Book a family friendly cruise to see them, or if your kids are teens, you can kayak your way there, as they are only accessible by boat.

Take your swimmers and enjoy a dip in the cool clear waters of Lake Taupo too.

Combine a Cruise with a Maori Cultural Experience

Book a Maori cruise to the famous Maori Rock Carvings with Chris Jolly Outdoors and you will experience:

an interactive performance of traditional Maori songs
meet the performers on board
learn the poi and play traditional Maori stick games

Kids will get their own washable Moko tattoo.

You will also receive a selection of breads with homemade dips.

Image credit: Wairakei hot pools

No.11: Visit Wairakei Terraces Hot Thermal Pools

If you have teens in tow, take a dip in the healing waters of Wairakei thermal pools, Taupo’s own geothermal field.

This is the most picturesque collection of bathing pools in Taupo, terraced in layers below the silica terraces and waterfalls to take full advantage of the natural waters of the stream.

Book a massage here too.

Unfortunately kids under 14 are not allowed.

Open:

Summer: October – March, 8.30am – 9.00pm
Winter: April – September, 8.30am – 8.30pm

Image credit: Taupo Bike Park

MORE TAUPO ADVENTURES FOR KIDS

No.12: Taupo Pump Track and Dirt Jump Park

The Taupo Pak ‘n Save Pump Track and Dirt Jump Park is situated off County Ave, in Spa Park.

Head down there with your bikes to ride over the bumpy mounds of dirt with your friends and family.

It’s free!

Click here for details of upcoming events

No.13: Taupo Indoor Climbing Wall

Challenge the whole family at Taupo’s indoor rock wall at Taupo Events Centre.

There’s 30 different climbing routes across the 12 metre high wall, so everyone in your family can find one to suit.

(There’s an indoor pool and sauna here too – see below for details)

Find it at 26 AC Baths Ave.

No.14: Drive around Great Lake Taupo

Pack a picnic and lots of snacks and drive the 160km distance around the entirety of Lake Taupo!

If it’s warm, bring your swimmers and take a dip at one of the divine swimming bays around the lake.

The route around Lake Taupo is via the Western Bays Highway and State Highway One.

Take in the scenic views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruho as you go.

No.15: Ride Bikes along the Great Lake Walkway (Lions Walk)

Starting at Taupo CBD, ride along the lakefront on this concrete pathway to Five Mile Bay.

It begins at the Taupo Boat Harbour (Redoubt street and Ferry Road intersection)

Image credit: Sids1 via Wikipedia CC BY 2.0

VISITING TAUPO WITH KIDS WHO LOVE NATURE?

ANOTHER Taupo Top 10 attractions, this time for nature lovers!

No.16: Huka Falls Walk

There’s two places to start this round-trip walk to Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s most visited natural attractions.

Hear the roar of the super powerful, turquoise-coloured, Huka Falls before you see them – there’s 300 000 litres of water surges down per second!

To start from Spa Park carpark

From Taupo, drive along Tongariro street, then turn right into Spa Road, and left into County Avenue to find the Spa Park carpark.

Take your belongings with you.

Follow the signs to the walkway, cross the bridge at the hot stream, and follow the track along the banks of the Waikato River for 6 kilometres to reach Huka Falls.

Find detailed directions here.

Allow 2.5 hours.

To start from Huka Falls carpark

From Taupo, follow Thermal Explorer Highway, then turn right into Huka Falls Road.

There is a huge carpark on Huka Falls Rd with toilets.

Take note of carpark hours:

Winter – 8am to 5.30pm
Summer – 8am to 6pm.

It’s an easy all-access walking track to the Huka Falls waterfalls lookouts, that takes no more than 15 minutes return trip.

Allow 30 minutes.

If you want to see more of the falls, hop back in the car, turn right back onto Huka Falls road, and right again into Loop Road to find another lookout.

Hot tip: Book the HukaFalls Jet Boat experience and see the Huka falls up close and personal!

Image credit: Ogwen via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0

No.17: Craters of the Moon Walk Taupo

Craters of the Moon can be found on Huka Falls Road, Wairakei Park, Taupo

The Craters of the Moon thermal area is a manmade phenomena, created in the 1950s.

This moon-like surface of misty pools burst through the surface of the earth when the nearby power station lowered underground water levels.

Take the 40 minute walk that meanders past bubbling craters, mud pools and steam vents.

Plant life here is unusual too, as this greenery has learned to adapt to the conditions of a humid, steamy environment.

Image credit: Tongoriro River Rafting

No.18: Tongariro River Rafting

If you have children with you, the Tongariro River Rafting FAMILY Float can be found at 95 Atirau Road, Turangi

Book an afternoon trip.

The rafting cruise is a 1½ hour trip down the softer, tumbling waters of the Lower Tongariro river.

This trip is more gentle, with none of the heart racing moments of a regular tour, making it the ideal tour for both first time rafters and children.

Rafting participants are encouraged to paddle through the tiny rapids, so you don’t miss out on that fun.

Suitable for children from 3 years of age.

Allow 2 hours.

Book tickets here

No.19: Volcanic Activity Centre

The Volcanic Activity Centre in Turangi is located at 1 Ngawaka Place, Turangi Taupō.

This is the spot to learn more about the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Visit the interactive learning centre about volcanos, earthquakes, and geothermal activity, and engage with:

the earthquake simulator
interactive displays
an audio visual presentation.

No.20: Feed the Trout at Tongariro National Trout Centre

Tongariro National Trout Centre is located on 257 State Highway 1, Turangi New Zealand

The National Trout Centre in Tongariro is a great place for kids.

Visit this freshwater aquarium to:

learn about conservation, check out the interactive gallery showcasing the history of trout fishing
look through the underwater viewing area, and and
feed the beautiful rainbow trout and native fish.

The learning centre is a place to pick up skills and knowledge of conservation.

Look out for the New Zealand birds, the Kereru, Tui or a Whio on the Tongariro River too.

Open 7 days from 10am to 3pm.

Kids trout fishing is on offer during school holidays. Book into a class. Kids must be 5-16 years.

For details, click here

Image credit: Lilliputt Farm Fun and Animal Park

No.21: Lilliput Farm Taupo

Lilliput Farm Fun & Animal Park is located at 136 Link Road, Oruanui, Taupo

Vist the Lilliput Taupo farm for kids to see and hand feed some of the animals on site, including:

Donkey and Ponies
Emus
Goats and Sheep
Deer
Llama and Alpaca
Pigs
Goose, Ducks and Chickens
Parrots and Birds
Turtles and Lizards
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
Peacocks.

Looking for fun things to do in Taupo for toddlers?

The playground here has:

slides and swings
a trampoline
ride-on toys
a whole bunch of play forts in different themes – trojan horse, spaceships, time machine, the old woman who lived in a shoe!

Bring a picnic!

Open 10-2 weekdays, 10-4 weekends and public holidays.

Adult entry costs $12 NZ, children from 2-14 are $6 NZ, and a family pass (2+2) is $30 NZ

Animal food is $3 NZ per scoop.

Image credit: The Timber trail

No.22: Pureora Forest Park

If you love mystical forests a la Once Upon a Time, then take a drive to to Pureora forest in Taupo.

It’s the home of otherworldly and misty ancient native rainforests, filled with giant native totara, rimu, matai, miro and kahikatea trees.

The best way to see the ancient trees and feel the magic is to join the Timber Trail, where you will walk through and above the forest on suspension bridges.

Look out for the native birds – the kaka (bush parrot), dancing piwakawaka (fantails) and the shy kokako (blue-wattle crow).

Pureora Forest is also the geographical centre of the North Island.

Tracks take between 30 minutes to 2 ½ hours to walk.

Pureora Forest Park is located at Off State Highway 32, Western Bay Road

Image credit: Huka Prawn Park

No.23: Huka Prawn Park Taupo

One of the most fun Taupo attractions for kids is meeting Shawn the Prawn at New Zealand’s only Prawn Park!

If you are visiting New Zealand with toddlers, don’t miss this place.

Join Shawn’s Walk guided Hatchery Tour taking you through the prawn nursery and see them up close.

Hire stand-up paddleboards, water trikes, and pedal boats and ride them on the brand new boating lake.

Follow the adventure trail to join in all the interactive activities – the best one for families are the water cannon spray battle stations and walking the gauntlet without a bucket of water tipping over you!

But you can:

feed the trout
go fishing from a boat (pull yourself out by rope to the middle of the lake!)
try prawn fishing
join the treasure hunt
ride the waterbikes
play on the playground
challenge yourself with the water weights
check out the water compass, and
enjoy a foot soak in the geothermal foot bath.

Stop by the restaurant for lunch of delicious prawns!

Admission price includes all activities.

Adults: $29.50 NZ
Child: $16.00 NZ
Seniors and Students $22.00 NZ
Family: $75.00 (includes 2 adults & up to 5 children 15yrs and under)

Location is Karetoto Rd, Wairakei Park, Taupo

Find details here

No.24: Aratiatia Rapids

Remember the barrels on the raging river scene in the Hobbit: The Desolation of the Smaug?

It was filmed at Aratiatia rapids, but cleverly done through a mix of real world action and green screen magic so that no actors or stunt crew had to be involved.

The raging torrent of water was a real thing though, and you can watch the release of this surge of white water every single day.

Head to Aratiatia rapids in time for the flood gates to open. We suggest arriving at least 15-20 minutes early, so you have time to walk and get into position at one of the two lookout points.

Gates open at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm in summer and 10am, 12noon and 2pm in winter.

The rapids are approximately 10km north of Lake Taupo.

Find them here.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT SWIM HERE. IT IS DANGEROUS.

Image credit: Tokaanu pools

No.25: Tokaanu Thermal Pools

Head to the healing waters of the Tokaanu thermal bathing area and soak in natural spring thermal pools in Taupo.

These pools are not a fancy polished tourist attraction, but there’s a certain charm in that.

There’s both a public and private pools – pick your fancy.

Entry prices start from $8 NZ adults and $6 NZ kids to the public pool, and $12 NZ adults and $8 NZ kids for the private pools.

Public Pool 10am – 9pm
Private Pools 10am – 8pm

Tokaanu thermal pools are located on Mangaroa Street, Tokaanu, just off the main road.

Click here for directions

Be sure to enjoy the Tokaanu Thermal walk through the boiling mudpools – it’s right next door.

Image credit: AC Baths

No.26: AC Baths

AC Baths are thermally heated using natural hot water. They are in the same building as Taupo climbing wall.

The kids will LOVE the outdoor Tarzan swing into the hot pool, and the two enclosed hydro slides – the JAWS mouth at the exit is a fun touch!

Toddlers love the red slide into the deep leisure pool, and the shallow wading pool for toddlers is the spot to splash about in the shade.

Be sure to visit on the weekend, as they have giant sized inflatables for kids to run over, dodge the obstacles and slip and slide.

They are up every weekend from 10.30am to 4.30pm, weather dependent.

You’ll also find:

two 25-metre lane pools
four private thermal mineral pools
a sauna and
a café.

Click here for opening hours and price list.

Image credit: Taupo markets

SHOPPING IN TAUPO

No.1: The Taupo Market

Taupo Market is held every Saturday from 9am – 1pm at the Nukahau shopping centre on 150 Acacia Bay road Taupo.

This market is full of things made in New Zealand – created by local chefs, growers, artists and local artisans.

You’ll find:

pumice art
Marty’s microgreens & free range eggs
Luv it range of soap, creams, massage wax
handmade cards
knitted treasures
organic bread, meat, pies, sausages
natural pest control products
gourmet goodies – sweet treats, cookies, jams, relishes
beeswax wraps
outdoor furniture
hand crafted donuts and crepes
rawfood deliciousness
fruit wines
pottery
tied dyed goods and fashion
traditional Maori Rewana bread

Don’t miss the raclette on ciabatta buns at Holy Cheese!

Pop by for a coffee, shop for Kiwiana souvenirs for family and friends, and enjoy the atmosphere.

No.2: Taupo Art in the Park

Local artists showcase their creations each Saturday at Art in the Park, held in the Colonel Roberts Reserve on Taupo lake from 10am to 3pm.

Weather dependent.

Take a piece of New Zealand art home with you.

If it’s raining, head to the Taupo i-Site to grab a list of the local art galleries in town.

No.3: Taupo Rose Gardens & Scented Gardens

There are over 500 rose bushes in the Taupo Rose Gardens, right next to the Taupo Museum and Taupo playground, off Story Place in town.

Close by in the Tongariro North Domain parkland, you’ll also find the Scented Gardens filled with fragrant herbs and shrubbery.

Built for the visually impaired, the Scented Gardens can be enjoyed by all.

No.4: Visit Pak’n’Save to buy all the best New Zealand Food Souvenirs

Check out our New Zealand Food Guides for ideas of what to buy for souvenirs in NZ to take home for family and friends

Best New Zealand Candy
Best New Zealand Snacks
Best New Zealand chocolate (& chocolate factories you can visit in NZ)

WHERE TO EAT IN TAUPO?

If you are visiting Taupo with kids, try dining at:

Pauly’s diner at 3 Paora Hapi Street
Dixie Browns at 38 Roberts Street
Indian delights at 10 Roberts Street
Jolly Good Fellows at 80 Lake Terrace

MORE THINGS TO DO IN LAKE TAUPO?

You can also see the Giant Bicycle on 19 Luberon Way, Nukuhau

Image credit: Lakefront Lodge

BEST TAUPO HOTELS FOR FAMILIES

No.1: Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

This is an excellent choice for family holidays in Taupo, because of the pools and water park, as mentioned above.

Great place to retire after a big day of Taupo adventures.

No.2: Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Another of the family friendly hotels in Taupo with a log cabin feel.

This one has Taupo lake views, and a pool.

No.3: Sails on the Lake Taupo

A budget friendly option for families who like to be close to the action, and within walking distance to town.

Modern, airy, light filled and clean.

FAQ ABOUT TAUPO

No.1: How big is Lake Taupo?

It’s 616 km², roughly the same size as the city of Singapore!

It’s also 46 kilometres in length.

Pretty big.

No.2: Where do I find a Taupo supermarket?

Pak n Save Taupo is on Ruapehu Street.

Countdown Taupo is on the corner of Spa Road &, Tongariro Street.

There’s also lots of mini marts and convenience stores, and smaller locally owned supermarkets too.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN WAITOMO WITH KIDS

No.1: What to do in Waitomo Caves with Kids

From time to time, we find a tourist attraction or activity with that extra special something.

An unexpected surprise is the spark that sears the place into our brains permanently, long after most holiday memories have faded.

I honestly didn’t expect to find this happen at Waitomo Caves, BUT IT DID.

This one thing made our side trip to Waitomo worthwhile.

THIS tour has a SURPRISE ENDING!

Waitomo Caves is a highly polished, glossy tourist operation, with expensive entry tickets, and overpriced food in their on-site cafe and restaurant.

It’s clinical and impersonal, despite the grand entranceway, and if we hadn’t already booked the tickets, I probably would have walked straight back out.

The stench of money-grabbing opportunity was strong.

There’s a spiel, and our tour guide could hardly disguise his boredom, taking yet another group of tourists on a quick in-and-out Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour in exactly 45-minutes (and not a moment longer).

I was hardly surprised when the tour exited through the obligatory souvenir shop. (Yawn)

But despite all this, our experience on the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour rates as one of the best things we did in New Zealand this last trip.

I definitely don’t want to give it away, and spoil the surprise of what’s in store.

What I will say is that you should take the kids.

The Waitomo Caves Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a glow worm cave from a DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE, in complete darkness, and silence.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

You’ll learn about Glow Worms!

As far as tour spiels go, this one about the Waitomo Cave glow worms was above average too, despite our host’s gloomy demeanour.

I did not know much about glow worms, full stop.

I definitely did not know that Waitomo Caves glow worms catch their food by dangling sticky mucus-lined threads of silk from their mouths to trap tiny insects, and pull the threads upwards until the prey is close enough to nibble.

I definitely had not SEEN these silvery threads in real life.

(WOW factor 10 out of 10!)

I also definitely had not been in a cave with a modern tiled floor!

My jaw hit the ground when I saw this surprise – our nature experiences are usually 100% natural, not polished for commercial gain.

Waitomo Caves History

The Waitomo caves were first explored in 1887 by English Surveyor Fred Mace, accompanied by local Maori chief Tane Tinorau.

They built a raft of flax stems and with candles as their only lighting, floated into the cave where the stream goes underground.

130 years later, we can head in too.

What to buy at the Waitomo Caves Gift Shop

Glow Worm fanatics can also buy a Glowworm soft toy in the souvenir shop.

The Glowworm toy is a bit odd, but definitely a talking piece.

More Waitomo Caves Souvenirs

There’s also more Waitomo Caves souvenirs including:

Glow in the Dark keyrings and magnets
Glowworm finger puppet
Waitomo Glowworm cartoon key rings
Glowworm puzzles
Glowworm stacking puzzles and magnetic toys
Paua shell jewellery
Retro magnets and posters
Enamel mugs, coffee mugs, reusable travel mugs, colour change mugs
shot glasses, cups and stainless steel water bottles
Bottle openers
Homewares including totes, hats, string bags
Hats, caps, rain ponchos, and tshirts

Waitomo Caves Restaurant & Cafe

Waitomo Caves restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch.

There’s all your faves – burgers, fish and chips, curry, and pizzas.

Plus fries, AND KUMARA FRIES!

There’s also a kids menu with a couple of options too.

Seating is inside, or outdoors under the Visitor Centre canopy.

If you just want a quick snack, the cafe upstairs has bakery goods, muffins, croissants, wraps, coffee, tea, soft drinks and ice creams.

MORE of the Best Things to do in Waitomo Caves

Waitomo has more than one glowworm cave to explore around town (although this is the best marketed), plus other adventures including:

Black Water rafting,
a Zip line park, and
a caving museum.

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves New Zealand – Location, Tickets, Opening hours

Waitomo Caves Address:

The Waitomo Caves are located at 39 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo Caves.
Drive through town and around the corner to find the Waitomo Caves Tourist attraction.
It is 550 metres past the iSITE tourist information centre, on the left.
Parking is on the right, across the road. The car park is on an incline and is steep. If you have anyone with you who requires assistance to walk, drop them off out the front before parking.
Walk to the entrance via the underground tunnel to avoid crossing the busy road.

Telephone: +64 7 878 8228
NZ Freephone: 0800 456 922
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here

Waitomo Caves Opening Hours

9am to 6pm
7 days a week

Image credit: Kristina DC Hoeppner via Flickr CC BY ND 2.0

The Waitomo Caves Tour Options

There are three main tours you can join at Waitomo Caves.

There are a few different activities included in each of the Waitomo Caves Tours

No.1: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

A good introductory cave experience for busy tourists with limited time. Allow 45 minutes.

See Mother Nature’s light display – a starry wonderland of glow worms in the darkness of the grotto.

THIS is the tour to book if you want to experience the ‘surprise’ ending boat ride I mentioned earlier.

Tours depart every half hour daily.

From 9am-5pm daily from 01 April – 31 October
From 9am to 5.30pm from 01 November – 31 March.

Book tickets here (Bestseller)

No.2: Waitomo Cave Tours – Aranui

Aranui Cave is a magical, mystical place that is steeped in Maori myth and legend.

It’s Waitomo’s smallest, most delicate cave and it’s dry, with no river running through it like the others.

Regular tours run daily from 9:00am with the last tour at 4pm

(Bookings are recommended).

Allow 1 hour.

No.3: Ruakuri Cave Tour

The Ruakuri Cave Tour is New Zealand’s longest underground tour at 2 hours duration.

Suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Tours depart daily at:

9:00am
10:00am
11:00am
12:30pm
1:30pm
2:30pm &
3:30pm.

Book Waitomo Caves deals here

Image credit: 2ilorg via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Waitomo Caves Prices 2024

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves price at the ticket desk is:

$55 per adult
$25 per child
$136 per family of four, and
$20 per extra child.

The Aranui Cave tour price at the ticket desk is:

$55 per adult
$25 per child
$140 per family of 4, and
$20 per extra child.

The Ruakuri Cave tour price at the ticket desk is:

$79 per adult
$30 per child
$190 per family of 4, and
$20 per extra child.

Please note:

Rates are in NZD and are inclusive of 15% GST.
Child prices are for 4 -14 years old inclusive (proof may be required).
Children under 4 years of age are free.

Waitomo Cave Combo Deals

The cheapest way to visit is to buy a Combo Ticket – the most popular combo, the twin cave combo, or the triple cave combo.

Doing so will save you 30%!

There’s also a Sky and Cave combo (including Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave and Sky Waka Gondola) or the Original Cave and Canopy combo of Black Water Rafting & Rotorua Canopy Tour.

MORE Waitomo Glowworm Caves Deals

Check the Waitomo Caves website above for seasonal discounts and package deals before you book.

They often offer:

2-for-1 deals
50% a second tour when you buy one, or
30% off specials for limited time.

Waitomo Caves Discount tickets?

Call in and ask the friendly staff at the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre at the Waitomo iSITE tourist information centre at 21 Waitomo Village Rd.

They may have current brochures with discount coupons.

Or google Waitomo Caves discount code to see what current discount codes are available.

NEVER PAY FULL PRICE.

Image credit: Dennis Bin via Flickr CC BY ND 2.0

How to get to Waitomo Caves

By Car from Auckland to Waitomo Caves: The drive to Waitomo caves from Auckland takes 2.5 hours, a distance of 197 kilometres, via State Highway 1 and State Highway 39

By Car from Rotorua to Waitomo Caves: The drive takes 1 hour 50 minutes from Rotorua, a distance of 147 kilometres, via SH 5

Waitomo Caves parking

There’s onsite parking for free across the road.

Stay safe by using the underground walking tunnel to cross the road.

Cars and buses speed around the bend, and accidents do happen.

Waitomo Caves Map

Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options: Onsite cafe and restaurant
Toilets: Yes including baby change table
Disability access: Limited
Dogs: No

FAQ about Waitomo Caves with kids

No.1: Can you visit Waitomo Caves with a toddler?

The main cave tour is totally doable!

There were toddlers on our tour. As it’s a walking tour, you can hang back and follow the group in your own time (keeping in mind they are on a schedule)

No.2: What is the best time to visit Waitomo Caves?

Arrive as early as you can during peak and shoulder seasons, around 8.30am so you can join the first tour of the day, before the tour coaches arrive.

Waitomo is warmest during the Summer months, from November to April.

If you visit any other time of the year, bring LOTS of warm clothing as it cools down quickly and the caves can be freezing.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN WAITOMO WITH KIDS

Visit the Waitomo playground. It’s small but if the kids need a run, it’s a good spot.

There’s picnic tables too.

Or, you can stop into the i-SITE visitor centre to view all the artefacts, skeletons and old photographs in the Waitomo museum.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR WAITOMO CAVES

Where to stay in Waitomo?

Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

This is a good option for families also, with a swimming pool and playground on site.

Check latest prices here.

Woodlyn Park Hobbit Motel

THIS is a themed hotel in New Zealand, with Hobbit rooms, and Ship rooms, and Train rooms.

Super fun for kids, but very popular. Book early.

Check latest prices here

Freedom Camping Waitomo

Head to Roselands Waitomo Caves, on 579 Fullerton Road, Waitomo 3943, New Zealand

Stop in for their famous all you can eat $10 dinner of Beef Casserole stew, roast potatoes and rice.

Waitomo Caves Hotel

We stayed at the 100 year old Waitomo Caves Hotel, a grand historic hotel that despite having seen better days, was a delight!

Unfortunately, it’s now closed.

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

Click the links in blue below for our Ultimate Family Travel Guides.