The largest fresh water lake in Australasia and created by the world’s largest volcanic eruption of the past 5000 years, Lake Taupo is fast becoming the next Queenstown. Taupo is a vibrant resort style community with a buzzing café and restaurant scene, varied nightlife and some great pubs and lounge bars.
Action World
As we drove into Action World we instantly noticed all the crazy kids flying metres above the ground with no ropes! Panic started pumping through my body- “UM, where are the harnesses?” I asked the ever cheerful and energetic Bev. “No ropes and harnesses needed, one of the world’s leading Trapeze artist has developed this airbag landing system that ensures a soft and safe landing”. Hmmmm, this should be interesting.
Action World Taupo allows you to experience amazing feats without the risk, thanks to the airbag safety systems. This includes:
• The Circus Trapeze as high as the professionals swing;
• A High Wire Tight Rope at 4 metres;
• The Jungle Swings;
• A Jousting pole that allows you to knock your friends off a padded pole 3 metres above the ground; and
• A slide, which catapults you off a ramp at high speed sending you flying for 5 metres before landing!
Then of course there is the Free Climb Wall and amazing Big Swing, which Bev and her sons can teach you how to do flips off. It is the perfect place to attempt those circus tricks and flying trapeze moves.
First on the agenda was the Big Swing. Bev went before me and disembarked with a backwards summersault then casually said “OK your turn”. This is the ultimate fun swing- I wasn’t as adventurous as I thought on this one and didn’t do the back flip. There is always next time!
I did however do a few forward flips off the launch pad.
After having a play around in the park I headed for the Circus Trapeze- the ultimate and thrilling challenge in Action World. A once in a life time opportunity, I knew I couldn’t back out of this one- I was going to master the catch. The Trapeze is an exact replica of a professional flying trapeze rigging, minus the safety harness and ropes. Damon a staff member at Action World coached me through the technique of swinging before I was able to do the jump. “Lift”- stomach muscles tensed, legs up, “and swing”- squeeze buttocks, swing legs back, deep breath and LEAP. First times a charm, second time not so good, third jump even worse, nailed it on the fourth! Two out of four isn’t so bad!
For more information on Action World visit their website at: www.actionworld.co.nz
Suncourt Hotel
The Suncourt Hotel and Conference Centre in Taupo, is ideally located alongside the lake front of Lake Taupo and only a minutes walk into town. The accommodation options vary from studios to self-contained one and two bedroom units. Most of the rooms offer the best uninterrupted views in town, overlooking the magnificent Lake Taupo.
The accommodation provided by Suncourt Hotel is perfect for families, with spacious, affordable rooms, as well as the business traveller seeking accommodation during their Taupo conference or function.
Our Superior Twin Studio featured a double and a single bed, spectacular views of the lake, and your standard facilities including tea &coffee making facilities, fridge, digital SKY TV, air conditioning/heater. Fully refurbished in 2008, the room was well appointed, modern and very comfortable.
On our fishing trip onboard the Bravado 111 we caught our very own dinner! Proud little bunnies we hopped into Chill, the restaurant onsite at Suncourt Hotel, and asked the famous chef if they could cook our Trout for us. He is famous because he was on Master Chef New Zealand, which happened to be broadcasting that night. So we watched Master Chef along with the locals, while enjoying our catch of the day with scrumptious vegetables and salad.
Package deal:
Spend one night in the superb Suncourt Hotel and receive a Huka Jet Boat ride for two people- $318. For more information on the normal daily rate please visit their website at: www.suncourt.co.nz
Bravado III. Taupo Lake Adventures
Whether fishing or just enjoying the scenery on a cruise with friends, indulging aboard the luxurious Bravado III is the best way to see Lake Taupo.
This vessel is on of the few in Taupo that allows you to take in the views and soak up the sun from the oversized, comfortable lounges on the upper deck. Bring your own refreshments and use the BBQ on board or have your meals catered for by Nick and Daphne.
The owners and operators of the tour, Nick and Daphne offered an exclusive, personal and friendly service. With Nick’s passion for fishing and Daphne’s flair for entertaining they make an amazing team and will ensure you walk away with unforgettable memories.
Now I am not a keen fishing enthusiast at all but the feeling of catching your own meal for the day is brilliant. I could definitely see myself returning with a group of friends and lounging on board the Bravado III, drinking a glass of bubbly, while the boys catch our dinner. Fabulous!
In 2009 Nick and Daphne won the award for the Best Nationwide Charter Boat in the Corporate Events Guide People’s Choice Awards. The cost for 8 adults is $140 per hour. For more information visit their website at:www.taupolakeadventures.com
Hukfafalls Jet
After an amazing day on the Bravado 111, we visited the Huka Falls via the Hukafalls Jet- the only jet boat company permitted to take passengers there. Hukafalls Jet offers a unique combination of excitement and natural beauty.
The 30-minute thrilling jet boat ride was with our down-to-earth, funny and professional jet boat driver, Steve. He took us along a beautiful river environment lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs. Combining 360 degree spins, with lightning speeds and skimming through narrow passage ways, this is a must-do visitor experience. That’s not even the best part. From the unique vantage point on the jet boat we had the best water level view of the awe inspiring Huka Falls- New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.
Hukafalls Jet was voted as a finalist in the Arrival Magazine’s People’s Choice Tourism Awards for the North Island 2007, took out two awards at the 2007 Westpac Waikato Business Excellence Awards and was named finalist in the Adventure Category for the New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards 2008- and I can see why. I left Huka Falls with a beaming smile and a heart pumping with adrenalin!
Prices for an adult cost $99. For more information please visit their website at: www.hukafallsjet.com
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