Partner Programme Ideas
Activity options for the day
Often the Lake Taupo region is a popular destination for partners or non-conferencing delegates. We have some excellent suggestions and organised programmes, and the options may range from the difficult to the relaxing activities, to choose from...
Out On The Lake
Chris Jolly Outdoors
On one of Chris Jolly's boats try your hand at fishing (even arrange your own fishing tournament) OR just cruise out on Lake Taupo to the Maori Rock carvings and beyond. You can be served lunch on board and when you catch a rainbow trout, enjoy it barbecued or fresh sashimi style!
If you wish to take a guide and try fly fishing on a river, Chris Jolly Outdoors can provide you with equipment, tuition, transport and the guide!
| Contact: | Chris Jolly |
| Address: | Taupo Boat Harbour, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 0623 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 9458 |
| Email: | chrisj@chrisjolly.co.nz |
| Web: | www.chrisjolly.co.nz |
Prawns & Speed
Huka Prawn Park
At the Huka Prawn Park you can enjoy a fascinating tour of the world's only geothermally heated prawn farm, which produces the Giant Malaysian Freshwater Prawn. After the tour, you could take a seat in the restaurant and taste the prawns or sample other delicious items on the menu. An open fire certainly adds ambience. There is Prawn Golf and Prawn Fishing as well!
| Contact | Karen Rainbow |
| Address: | Wairakei Park, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 374 8303 |
| Fax: | +64 7 374 8204 |
| Email: | info@prawnpark.co.nz |
| Web: | www.prawnpark.co.nz |
Hukafalls Jet
Hukafalls Jet is located right next door to the Huka Prawn Park. Join the team for a thrilling 30-minute jet boat ride down the Waikato River to the might Huka Falls. You will pass by clouds of steam rising whwere a hot stream joins the river and slide past sheer cliffs with just centimetres to spare. You will also experience the "Shotover Jet Turn" where your driver spins your Huka Jet through 360 degrees in its own length at high speed.
Hukafalls Jet has four boats avaialble and can offer lots of combo options for groups. Hukafalls Jet is well suited to groups who have a short time frame, have packages available for partners and incentive groups. The 'Champagne Surprise' trip is a great group option.
| Contact: | Michelle Caldwell |
| Address: | Wairakei Tourist Park, PO Box 563, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 374 8572 |
| Fax: | +64 7 374 8573 |
| Email: | info@hukafallsjet.com |
| Web: | www.hukafallsjet.com |
Paddle and Walk
Rapid Sensations
Let Rapid Sensations take you on their Waikato Kayak Cruise. This trip starts from the source of the mighty Waikato River and finishes with a small rapid just above Huka Falls! It is a gentle paddle down through a scenic waterway. Have a soak in the natural hot pools on the side of the river near Spa Park and take the Spa Thermal Park - Huka Falls (1-1.5 hours) walk back to the Huka Falls car park or mountain bike back along the specially built mountain bike track.
| Contact: | Kristen Grose |
| Address: | PO Box 321, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 7902 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 7904 |
| Email: | info@rapids.co.nz |
| Web: | www.rapids.co.nz |
Some Short Walks
There are a number of short walks located in the Lake Taupo region. The walks follow Lake Taupo, the banks of the Waikato River and also venture in the geothermal area of the region.
Great Lake Walk (1-1.5hours)
This walk starts at the Lake Taupo Yacht Club and follows the paved path beside Lake Terrace (SH1).
Lions Walk (1 hour)
The Lions Walk was formed on the lake reserve by the Taupo Lions Club and is an easy, level walk. Beginning at Two Mile Bay Boat Ramp, it follows the lakeshore south. Kowhai trees have been planted along the way to provide shelter for local wildlife. Ducks and swans can usually be seen on the lakeshore, shags are also common.
Spa Thermal Park - Huka Falls (1-1.5hours)
This walk takes you across hot water streams and follows the banks of the Waikato River to the mighty Huka Falls. Native Silver eye and Fantail birds are common on this walk. When reaching Huka Falls you have the option to continue on to the Aratiatia Rapids.
Craters of the Moon (1 hour loop)
Situated in the Wairakei Park, and following a board walk through the amazing lunar landscape, you will see boiling mud pools and steam.
Pampering Yourself Or Your Team
Taupo Hot Springs Spa
Fancy a day of pampering at Taupo Hot Springs Spa? Have lunch afterwards at Outrigger Terraces Resort on top of the hill!
Before you have a nice relaxing swim, you can enjoy a massage from the private rooms situated adjacent to the pool itself. A new modern private facility has been created for indoor massage. Relax and unwind. Living Water Hydrotherapy is offered as part of every face and body spa treatment. All 10 massage therapists are qualified and offer a large range of massage services plus beauty therapy specialists are available for full treatment of the body!
After the massage, soak in either one of the 2 mineral outdoor pools with the termperature ranging from 36-40 degrees or in one of 2 heated chlorinated spas or the fresh water pool. Private pools are also availabe if you just don't want to see anyone else. A group visit can be tailored to suit the needs of each person.
| Contact: | Barry Kirkland |
| Address: | State Highway 5, Taupo/Napier Higway, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 376 5260 |
| Fax: | +64 7 377 5260 |
| Web: | www.taupohotsprings.com |
Food and Wine Experience
Wine Tasting at Scenic Cellars
Join the team of connoisseurs at Scenic Cellars for a wine tasting in the cellar or at your venue. We can cater for the team orientated group and offer the options game or if you prefer a focussed educational tasting, we can accommodate all. No matter what, we will educate, feed and water you with expertise and enjoyment. Special theme dinners can be arranged in our upstairs Scenic Room (up to 60) or simply experience great food and wine in our underground cellar (up to 70)
| Contact: | Cate Langley |
| Address: | 32 Roberts Street, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 5704 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 5771 |
| Email: | info@sceniccellars.co.nz |
| Web: | www.sceniccellars.co.nz |
The Merchant Of Taupo
Visit this incredible food and wine store. There are over 6,500 different products on show and using these the staff can orgniase an amazing 'tasting', matching delicious food combinations with NZ wines. They also do whiskey and wine/food tastings and can basically tailor a package to suit a groups needs as required. If you have that special event and need a helping hand ......staff to hire, glassware to hire, food platters, delivery of beverages etc then get in contact with US!
| Contact: | The Manager |
| Address: | 14 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 4626 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 1715 |
| Email: | |
| Web: | www.themerchant.co.nz |
Adrenaline Plus and/or Cruise to Huka Falls
'Surf the wave' with 'Rapids Jet' and then gently cruise up to the base of Huka Falls on Huka Falls River Cruise Boat.
Rapids Jet
Rapids Jet is a spectacular white water jet boating trip where you speed through narrow canyons and braided shallows plus 'surf the wave' of the internationally acclaimed "Fulljames Rapids'. Experience 360 degree spins and at the same time hear an excellent commentary on the history of the area.
| Contact: | Russell Poppe |
| Address: | Rapids Road, Aratiatia |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 5828 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 3828 |
| Email: | info@rapidsjet.com |
| Web: | www.rapidsjet.com |
Huka Falls River Cruise
Take a leisurely cruise on the crystal clear waters of the Waikato River, viewing natural hot springs, birdlife, native bush lined gorges and the spectacular Huka Falls where tons of water thunder above you. It could be a pre-dinner drink cruise, a morning tea or a moonlight glowworm cruise.
| Contact: | Dave Kilmister |
| Telephone: | 0800 278 336 |
| Fax: | +64 7 377 3454 |
| Email: | dave.ang@paradise.net.nz |
Golf
An ambrose competition or a group activity at the driving range? There is a choice of golf courses to play at or what about a mini golf competition or a hit off at the 'Great Lake Hotel In One Challenge'.
Wairakei International Golf Course
| Contact: | Kevin Park |
| Address: | State Highway 1, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 374 8152 |
| Fax: | +64 7 374 8289 |
| Email: | wigc@globe.net.nz |
| Web: | www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz |
Taupo Golf Clubs - Centennial or Tauhara (both 18 holes)
| Contact: | Grant Hill |
| Address: | 32 Centennial Drive, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 3786933 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 6932 |
| Email: | play@taupogolf.co.nz |
| Web: | www.taupogolf.co.nz |
BayviewWairakei Resort 9 Hole Golf Course
| Contact: | Bayview Wairakei Resort |
| Address: | State Highway 1, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 374 8021 |
| Fax: | +64 374 8485 |
| Email: | stay@wairakei.co.nz |
| Web: | www.wairakei.co.nz |
Turangi Golf Club 18 Holes
| Telephone: | +64 7 386 8724 |
| Fax: | +64 7 386 8734 |
| Email: | turangigolfclub@golf.co.nz |
Taupo Mini Golf
| Contact: | Jim Boshier |
| Address: | Northcroft Street, PO Box 1188, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 377 1086 |
| Fax: | +64 7 377 1086 |
| Mobile: | +64 25 848 509 |
The Great Hole In One Challenge
| Contact: | Jo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 8117 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 5817 |
| Email: | holeinone@xtra.co.nz |
Arts and Wine Tour
Paradise Tours
Paradise Tours are the perfect company for providing you with not only transport but also very personable and knowledgeable guides if you require one. They have different sized coaches/mini buses from an 11 seater to a 22 seater but can organise charters for up to 100 if required.
| Contact: | Alan Arnold |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 9955 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 8899 |
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Email: Web: |
A suggested itinerary would be to visit the following art galleries and follow up with a wine tasting at Wishart Winery and lunch at Huka Vineyard Restaurant.
Larte
A cafe with a difference. Set in a wonderful sculpture garden you can take a wander through their outdoor mosaic lounge or simple enjoy the ambiance and look at the art surrounding you.
| Contact: | Jo Brennan |
| Address: | 255 Mapara Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 2962 |
| Fax: | +67 7 378 2933 |
| Email: | us@larte.co.nz |
Kura
Contemporary Ethnic Art Gallery
| Address: | 47a Heu Heu Street, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 377 4068 |
| Fax: | +64 7 377 4069 |
Zea You Gallery
Contemporary art - some local artists.
| Address: | Cnr Heu Heu and Ruapehu Street, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 1361 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 1361 |
Taupo District Museum of Art & History
Displays depict history and growth of the Lake Taupo region and include the historic Reid Carving Collection. Art displays change regularly. The famous 'Ora garden of Wellness' that won first prize at the Chelsea Garden Show in 2004 is also on display at the Museum from December 2006.
| Contact: | Karen Williams |
| Address: | Redoubt Street, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 4167 |
| Fax: | +64 7 378 9150 |
Lava Glass Gallery
Be mesmerised by the hypnotic action of hand-manipulated glass. Lyndon Over is a glassblower from the Pacific region who brings unique qualities to his glass art works.
| Address: | State Highway 5 (just north of Taupo) |
| Telephone: | +64 7 374 8400 |
| Email: | l.glass@clear.net.nz |
| Web: | www.lavaglass.co.nz |
The Cultural and Historical Experience
Wairakei Terraces
Wairakei Terraces is home to the replicated magnificent pink & white terraces. This is an Education and Tourism Corporation who teach bone carving and wood carving in a traditional Maori Village setting. You will have an exclusive guided tour of cultural historical and geothermal significance. Enjoy a latte or famous hangi pie from the cafe by day or come back at night time and participate in the traditional powhiri (welcome), concert and hangi.
| Contact: | Raewyn Hill |
| Address: | PO Box 1546, Taupo |
| Telephone: | +64 7 378 0254 |
| Email: | raewyn@wairakeiterraces.co.nz |
| Web: | www.wairakeiterraces.co.nz |
Garden Tour
A group tour of approximately 8 private gardens can be arranged plus a visit to the Botanical Reserve and the Taupo Rose Gardens could be included. All are of course better at different times of the year.
| Contact: | Jill Lloyd |
| Telephone: | +64 7 377 2269 |