Kinloch offers a wonderful blend of outdoor adventures, scenic cruises, and peaceful hikes, making it a standout destination for those wanting to explore Lake Taupo’s stunning surroundings. Its small size and natural beauty mean you can find a range of experiences without the crowds, whether you’re after a refreshing paddleboard session or a scenic boat ride. We especially love the Lake Taupo Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding, for its mix of adventure and solitude, and the Ultimate Great Lake Trail Guided Hike & Boat Tour, for travelers who want to combine a challenging walk with a short boat ride. These experiences showcase the area’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and native bush, providing authentic ways to connect with nature.
If you’re wondering what options are best suited for your travel style, keep reading. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing scenic cruise or a more active trek, Kinloch delivers with options that are both accessible and memorable.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of tours, from scenic boat cruises to guided hikes—each offers a unique way to enjoy Lake Taupo’s rugged beauty. For a full day of adventure, consider the Ultimate Great Lake Trail Guided Hike & Boat Tour. If you prefer a shorter, more relaxed experience, the Lake Taupo Explorer Sightseeing Cruise provides a scenic journey with a seasonal swim option. For those wanting a blend of exploration and water fun, the Taupo: Lake Taupo Western Bays Catamaran Tour with Bush Walk is perfect. And if you’re after a comprehensive experience combining sightseeing, waterfalls, and a bit of fitness, the Kinloch: Lake Taupo Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding rounds out the list nicely.
1. Kinloch: Lake Taupo Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding
At number 1, this tour stands out for combining a scenic boat cruise with the chance to paddleboard and swim in Lake Taupo’s Western Bays. Starting from Kinloch at Taxicat Adventures, you’ll explore volcanic rock formations, waterfalls, and secluded beaches that you won’t find on typical tourist routes. The 3.5-hour trip offers a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility, with opportunities to paddleboard or relax on the beach for an optional picnic.
What makes this experience unique is the focus on getting off the beaten path—you’ll visit spots where no large boats venture, with views of waterfalls cascading directly into the lake. The tour’s small group size (limited to 6) ensures a personalized experience, and the live English guide shares insights along the way. The itinerary includes a scenic drive, sightseeing, and a stop for coffee or tea, making it well-rounded and flexible.
Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who want a mix of exploration, water activities, and stunning scenery, all within a manageable half-day.
2. Taupo: Lake Taupo Western Bays Catamaran Tour with Bush Walk
For around 1.5 hours, this Lake Taupo Western Bays Catamaran Tour offers a compact yet immersive way to enjoy the lake’s pristine waters. Departing from Kinloch Marina, the trip begins with a safety briefing before heading out into the Western Bays where towering rock faces and waterfalls create a dramatic landscape. The highlight is standing on the bow and feeling the rush of a waterfall as the boat slides past.
The tour also includes a short bush walk, offering great views of the lake and a chance to stretch your legs. The guide shares local insights, making this a laid-back but informative experience. Since it’s limited to 8 participants, you get a more intimate look at the lake’s natural features.
Bottom line: Perfect for those short on time but eager to see stunning waterfalls and enjoy a quick walk in native bush, all with a scenic boat ride.
3. Lake Taupo Explorer Sightseeing Cruise with seasonal swim
Number 3 is a 2.5-hour scenic cruise that takes you through the Western Bays, with stops at waterfalls, sandy beaches, and secret coves. Led by an experienced skipper, this tour allows you to witness Otupoto and Tutaewaeroa Waterfalls up close and navigate through hidden ravines and an escape cave. The tour’s highlight is the chance to take a seasonal swim, which is refreshingly optional but tempting on a hot day.
Guests praise the tour for its relaxed vibe and informative narration. The itinerary includes a scenic drive, passing by sacred grounds and lush native bush, with plenty of photo opportunities. The tour is limited to small groups, ensuring personalized attention.
Bottom line: A great pick for travelers interested in waterfalls, scenic views, and a splash of adventure, all wrapped into a comfortable half-day outing.
4. Ultimate Great Lake Trail Guided Hike & Boat Tour
For those craving a longer, more physically engaging experience, the Ultimate Great Lake Trail Guided Hike & Boat Tour offers a comprehensive excursion over five hours. The day begins with a hike through secluded native bush, with panoramic views of Supervolcanic Lake Taupo. The trail is carefully chosen to maximize scenic vistas and native wildlife encounters, making it ideal for active travelers.
The hike culminates on the sandy shores of Lake Taupo, where a short boat ride reveals waterfalls only visible from the water’s surface. This combination of hiking and boating offers a rare perspective on the region’s volcanic and waterfall landscapes. The guide is knowledgeable, sharing insights about the area’s geology and flora.
Bottom line: Best suited for fit travelers who want a full-day adventure, combining challenging trekking with a boat tour of exclusive waterfalls.
How to Choose
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and fitness level. If you love combining water sports with sightseeing, the Kinloch Catamaran with Paddleboarding is perfect. Looking for a quick, scenic taste? The Western Bays Catamaran Tour with Bush Walk offers a compact adventure. For a more relaxed experience focused on waterfalls and scenic cruising, the Lake Taupo Explorer Sightseeing Cruise fits well. And if you’re up for a full day of hiking and boating, the Ultimate Great Lake Trail provides an in-depth exploration.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons when these tours fill quickly. Think about your preferred pace—whether it’s a half-day cruise or a full-day hike—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Kinloch offers a variety of memorable ways to experience Lake Taupo’s striking volcanic landscapes and waterfalls. For a relaxed, waterside experience, the Lake Taupo Explorer Sightseeing Cruise is ideal. For active travelers, the Ultimate Great Lake Trail Guided Hike & Boat Tour delivers a full-day immersion. And if you’re after a combination of adventure and solitude, the Kinloch: Lake Taupo Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding is hard to beat.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you get your spot in these popular experiences. Each offers a distinctive taste of Lake Taupo’s wild beauty, so pick the one that best matches your travel style and enjoy a truly memorable adventure.