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.
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!
Our thin ozone layer means you can get sunburnt quickly
Tips for what to bring on your hike and cruise:
Sunscreen and sunhat
Sunglasses
Appropriate clothing
Warm layers
Hike friendly footwear
Bottled water
Take in the landscapes and immerse yourself in the pristine native bush.
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
Private charter boats with catering/bar/fishing equipment and crew
Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
Functions, corporate events & team building
Reliable & Experienced
Over forty years in the central North Island tourism industry
We’re a family business, with local Taupō knowledge
Our staff are experienced adventure experts
Adventure Qualified
5 Star Rated Gold Qualmark
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides
Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice 2023
Partnered with Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Your Taupō Activity Partner
From beautiful lake views, to fishing crystal pools, to scenic hikes in the central North Island wilderness; Chris Jolly Outdoors are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.
In Taupō, the adventure possibilities are truly endless. We guarantee one thing – we’ll create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever.
You can book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors by either calling us on +64 7 378 0623, emailing us at bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz or filling out the form to make an enquiry. If you want to book a cruise to the Māori Rock carvings, head over to the experience page to book direct.
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. Some of our trips include transfers but we can arrange helicopter or road transfers from anywhere in the country. Our guided fishing adventures have heli transfer options, with our grounds being either a 90 minute drive or a 25 minute flight from Taupo CBD.
Are there any native birds around Taupō?
Tuī, pīwakawaka and korimako are amongst the beautiful birds that serenade lake Taupō’s verdant native bush. If you’re looking for a bird watching trip, let us know when you book!
Does it get cold in Taupō?
Taupō’s temperature can vary between lows of 0°C to highs of 15°C in winter, with icy winds coming straight off the Central Plateau mountains. It is best to pack woolly layers and definitely a wind/waterproof jacket. In summer, temps vary from lows of 10°C to highs of 30°C, so you’ll definitely need to bring water and sunscreen!
Can you swim in Lake Taupō?
Yes! From December through to March it is absolutely beautiful to get in to that fresh crystal clear water. We would advise a good quality wetsuit if you’re going to attempt it in winter!
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, formed approx 26,000 years ago. It erupted 29 times, with the last eruption about 1800 years ago. These days, Lake Taupō is the second largest freshwater lake in the southern hemisphere.
Is Lake Taupō fresh water or salt water?
Lake Taupō is a fresh water lake with excellent water quality, perfect for swimming, fishing and even drinking!
What should I pack for the boat?
Bring the basics: sunscreen, insect repellent, a snack, a filled water bottle, and a warm jersey. 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 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
Basic first aid kit including hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent
Head torch/torch and spare batteries in case you take longer than intended
Survival blanket to keep you warm in an emergency
Whistle in case your split up or need help
Extra high energy snack food
What risks are involved in your activities?
All our activities include some level of risk. Your guides takes all practicable steps to ensure your safety, and with any activity in the outdoors you acknowledge an element of risk involved.
Scenic Cruise / Private Charters are operated on Lake Taupō, which is a deep and exposed body of water, with its inherent risks.
Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport.
Hiking in the outdoors is an inherently dangerous activity.
Fly Fishing is a water based activity, and that with water, risks are increased.
bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
07 378 0623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, 
