Top Things to Do in Taupō in Winter
Andrea Thackwray 
13 June 2025 
Winter in Taupō is more than just chilly mornings and foggy breath. It’s a time when the region truly transforms. The geothermal steam rises into the crisp air, snow-dusted volcanoes gleam in the sunlight, and the quiet calm of the season wraps the entire landscape in a gentle stillness. We have listed a number of things to do in Taupō in winter that are thrilling and unforgettable.
Choose Your Winter Adventure
Here are some of the top activities you should definitely check off your list this winter season:
Orakei Korako Geothermal Walk
Orakei Korako Geothermal Walk
Taupo
Orakei Korako (also know as 'The Hidden Valley') is a highly active geothermal area situated in the Taupo Volcanic Zone on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri. Orakei Korako is New Zealand's largest geyser field with aroun ...
It’s winter, and the steam rising from the earth at Orakei Korako feels even more surreal against the crisp air and quiet stillness of the season. Known as The Hidden Valley, this geothermal wonderland offers a unique winter walking experience just outside Taupō. You’ll start with a short ferry ride across Lake Ohakuri, where the real adventure begins. The 2.5 km walk takes you through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic geothermal landscapes.
You will see colourful silica terraces, bubbling mud pools, and around 26 active geysers bursting to life in the cool air. You’ll even come across one of only two known geothermal caves in the world. Winter adds a special charm to this already magical place. After the walk, warm up with a bite or a hot drink at the on-site café while you soak in the views of the lake. Mist rising, birds calling, and nature simply doing its thing, while you marvel at the beauty of Taupō.
Mt Ruapehu Vista
Mt Ruapehu Vista
Taupo
Flightseeing at its best! Discover NZ’s most scenic & spectacular vistas. Enjoy a unique flightseeing experience over Tongariro National Park, snow-capped mountains and volcanoes, geothermal wonders
Winter is when the snow-covered peaks of Mt Ruapehu and the surrounding volcanoes create a view you simply can’t miss. The Mt Ruapehu Vista flight gives you a front-row seat, as every passenger gets a window seat to soak in the beauty from above. This popular scenic flight takes off from the shimmering waters of Lake Taupō and climbs to 10,000 feet, offering a bird’s-eye view of New Zealand’s highest volcano.
From the steaming crater lake of Mt Ruapehu to the icy outlines of the Tama Lakes, Mt Ngauruhoe, the emerald lakes, and other volcanic craters of Tongariro, the winter scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. There’s something extra special about taking off from and landing on water in the chill of winter; it adds to the magic of the whole experience. If you're in Taupō this season, bundle up and get ready to see nature from a whole new angle.
Scenic Cruise to the Famous Ngatoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings
Taupo
Chris Jolly Outdoors has been looking after you for 40 years and that continues during COVID-19. Our ability to socially distance you on your 90 minute tour makes us part of your 'top things to do in Taupō'. Spacious a ...
If you want the cold breeze to gently sway your hair away, then you need to board the scenic cruise to the famous Ngatoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings. You will cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings and the scenic areas near Lake Taupō. And it is not just the blue water that will enchant you, but the gigantic mountains of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.
Besides the breathtaking view in the chilly weather, you will also get proper commentary on the volcanic history and Māori korero stories related to Lake Taupō. If you are someone who likes to travel in an eco-friendly way, this tour is perfect as the boat is smoke-free and doesn’t cause any inconvenience to the travellers. You can also purchase your favourite snacks and munch on them while you marvel at the stunning views of the lake and its surrounding region.
Cabin in the Woods – Escape Room Experience
Cabin in the Woods - Escape Room Experience
Taupo
Venture into a creepy forest to investigate for yourself the ghost stories that have been circulating about the lady in the cabin in the woods. She is supposedly mad, but your curiosity has got the better of you and you ...
Winter is the perfect time to stay indoors, but I recommend you go to the Escape Room. At Confinement Escape Rooms Taupō, you can step into the heart of a chilling mystery with the Cabin in the Woods experience. In this haunted place, curiosity takes over, and you venture into a creepy forest to investigate the ghost stories about a mad lady living in a secluded cabin. Ignoring the warnings, you enter her eerie home, searching for answers. But beware, the longer you stay, the more your mind begins to play tricks on you. Stay over an hour, and you might just end up like her!
This immersive escape room is ideal for a cold winter’s day, keeping you warm and entertained while testing your wits, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. So if you're ready to trade the chill of the outdoors for the chills of suspense, this is the adventure you’re looking for.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Transport Ketetahi Shuttle
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Transport Ketetahi Shuttle
Mt Ruapehu & Tongariro
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the best one-day trek in New Zealand. It is 19.4 km (12 mile) through volcanic alpine terrain. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located in the Tongariro National Park - New Zealand's old ...
Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes on a whole new level of drama and beauty in winter. With snow-dusted peaks, crisp mountain air, and fewer crowds, the 19.4 km journey through this volcanic alpine terrain becomes nothing short of magical. The expedition also offers return transport from Taupō town centre to make your winter adventure smooth and stress-free.
You’ll be walking through New Zealand’s oldest national park, the iconic Tongariro National Park, which is a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you’ll witness the famous Red Crater, the surreal Emerald Lakes, and vast volcanic landscapes that feel straight out of another world. Winter conditions can change quickly, but don’t worry, you’ll receive up-to-date weather information before your trek, along with a map and an information sheet on the morning of your journey. If you're up for the challenge, winter is a stunning time to experience this legendary crossing, with proper preparation and reliable transport making all the difference.
Tandem Skydive over Lake Taupō – 12,000ft
Tandem Skydive over Lake Taupo - 12,000ft
Taupo
12,000ft: Marvel at the beauty and sheer size of Lake Taupo as you take the ultimate leap of faith out of an aeroplane from 12,000ft. Strapped to your qualified instructor, you'll reach speeds of up to 200km/h as you fre ...
If you're looking to break free from the ordinary, this adrenaline-pumping experience will warm you up in no time, even in winter. The 12,000ft Tandem Skydive over Lake Taupō offers a rush like no other! Nothing can beat the feeling of free-falling through crisp winter skies with snow-capped volcanoes and a shimmering lake below.
After a safety briefing and getting geared up, you’ll board the plane for a scenic ascent. As you climb, take in the breathtaking winter views of Lake Taupō, which is the largest lake in the Southern Hemisphere. And do not forget to marvel at the iconic volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau, including Mt Doom from The Lord of the Rings. At 12,000ft, the door opens, and it’s time for the leap of your lifetime. You’ll free-fall at 200 km/h for 40 unforgettable seconds before your parachute opens and the world slows down. For those seeking even more unforgettable adventure, check out the Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride in Rotorua, offering a high-octane off-road experience. Float peacefully back to earth with the majestic Tongariro National Park spread out beneath you.
Final Thoughts
From soaking in geothermal wonders and exploring snow-dusted landscapes to skydiving over icy-blue lakes and escaping horror cabins, winter in Taupō offers experiences that are as soul-shaking as they are scenic. So layer up, grab your adventure boots, and come see the winter magic of Taupō.
Andrea Thackwray
