Hiking and Cruise with Chris Jolly

The Guided Hike and Cruise Combo with Chris Jolly Outdoors

Enjoy the experience of the Taupō region’s beautiful K2K trail, hiking from Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay. Reach the collection point on the Lake then relax, have some lunch, and rest your legs as you’re returned to Lake Taupō marina with on a scenic cruise.

Trip Highlights

Stunning wetlands, secluded beaches perfect for a swim and sweeping views of Lake Taupō are highlights of the hiking, then enjoy a beautiful cruise back to Taupō in comfort and style.

What’s Provided

Experienced guide with safety equipment, just in case. Lunch, beverages and alcoholic refreshments provided on board the Launch. Optional activities of clay bird shooting, fishing, Māori Rock Carving viewing.

Transport and Timing

Transport to and from your accommodation by way of guide driven 4WD. The hike segment of the package is approx 2 hours duration

Please note our guests must have a medium fitness level for the hiking section.

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See the best of land and lake that Taupō has to offer with the Hiking and Cruise package.

Want More Adventure?

With all the beautiful trails around the Taupō region, it’s an amazing place to explore! If there’s any trails nearby that take your fancy, the Chris Jolly team can plan a custom guided hike and cruise, just for your group.

To book a hike and cruise package, enquire now with your information such as day and time you’d like to hike, estimated group size, and what you’d like to do!

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Take in the landscapes and immerse yourself in the pristine native bush.

Guided Alpine hiking landscape New Zealand

Be Weather Wise

Weather in Taupō varies a lot – there’s a reason locals say we get four seasons in one day! Seasonally, the averages are:

Summer (December to March) – High of 23°C, low of 10°C

Autumn (April – May) – High of 17°C, low of 5°C

Winter (June to August) – High of 12°C, low of 2°C

Spring (September to November) – High of 18°C, low of 4°C

It rarely snows in the winter down to lake level. Summer months able to get quite humid, between 70-90%. Please bring seasonally appropriate clothing, and we recommend polarized sunglasses. In the days leading up to your hike, definitely check out Metservice to see what the forecast is looking to be.

We had an outstanding guide and we thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with him.

– Sally

Explore the wonders Lake Taupō and the beauty its rugged native bush and lake shore has to offer

Plan Your Hike and Cruise Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jumping into the lake allowed from the boat?: It is encouraged! The crew will tell you when it’s go time. Show us your best bomb – the more water spray, the better!

Do you have transport available?: Yes, we have helicopter transfers available from anywhere in NZ but can also arrange vehicle transfers from Auckland International or Taupo domestic terminals. Our hunting and fishing guided tours have helicopter options to them, with our hunting grounds being either a 90 minute drive or a 25 minute flight from Taupo CBD.

Are there any native birds around Taupō?: Tui, Fantail and wax eyes are amongst the beautiful birdsong that serenades lake Taupō’s verdant native bush.

Does it get cold in Taupō?: Taupo can get to -1 or 2 degrees celsius in Wintertime, with icy winds coming straight off the central plateau mountains. It is best to pack woolly layers and definitely a wind/waterproof jacket.

Can you swim in Lake Taupō?: We would advise a good quality wetsuit if you’re going to attempt it in winter! but December through to March it is absolutely beautiful to get in to that fresh crystal clear water.

Does anything dangerous live in or around Lake Taupō?: No, Taupō, and New Zealand, in general does not have any native or imported predators. There are very small poisonous spiders called the whitetail and katipo, but a quick GP visit and some antibiotics after a bite and you’ll be right as rain.

Is Lake Taupō a volcano?: Lake Taupō is a caldera volcano. Its last eruption about 1800 years. These days, Lake Taupō is the largest freshwater lake in the southern hemisphere.

What should I pack for the boat?: Bring the basics: sunscreen, insect repellent, a muesli bar or two, your own filled water bottle, and a warm jersey. The wind can go right through you on a boat so layering up is always a good idea!If you’d like to go swimming, we suggest togs (Kiwi for swimsuit!), a towel and a spare change of clothes.

What clothing is best for hiking, hunting, fishing or being outdoors in Taupō?

Conditions are changeable in Taupō, so it’s best to be prepared! The locals joke that Taupō can have four seasons in a day!

Hiking boots with good ankle support and grip, or other sturdy footwear
Sun hat or warm beanie – pack one and wear the other
Sunglasses – wear or pack, NZ has harsh sunlight
Gloves in polypropylene/wool – wear or pack for winter
Socks in polypropylene or wool (a spare pair is always a good idea)

Layer up your clothes:

Base layer – top and leggings in polypropylene/wool, quick dry shorts or pants
Mid layer – long-sleeved top in wool or polar fleece – wear or pack depending on the weather
Exterior layer – Wind and waterproof jacket with hood – wear or pack depending on the weather (waterproof overtrousers optional)

What should I bring when hiking in Taupō?

The Essentials

Day pack with a waterproof liner
Drink bottle – 2 litres of water per day you will be out.
Packed lunch and snacks – if you are coming on a guided hike with us, we can cater your hike
Fully charged mobile phone
Personal medication, eg antihistamines, asthma inhalers
Extra base layer and socks
Rubbish bag
Map of the area you’ll be walking – if you are being guided you will not need this, we will direct you

Emergency equipment:

Our guides carry the following items