Taupō with Kids: 7 Best Geothermal Waterslides, Prawn Parks & Lake Adventures
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Taupō with Kids: 7 Best Geothermal Waterslides, Prawn Parks & Lake Adventures

Taupō with Kids: 7 Best Geothermal Waterslides, Prawn Parks & Lake Adventures

Set on the shores of Australasia’s largest freshwater lake, Taupō (Taupō-nui-a-Tia) is a giant natural playground for families. With its clean alpine air, crystal-clear lake water, steaming natural hot springs, and thunderous waterfalls, Taupō offers an ideal blend of outdoor adventure and family relaxation.

Whether your children want to race down heated outdoor waterslides in the middle of winter, fish for giant freshwater prawns, scale indoor climbing walls, or feel the roar of Huka Falls, Taupō is built for family fun.

Here is your essential parent-tested guide to Taupō with kids.

🌊 1. Zoom Down Warm Waterslides at Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort

Set in a natural thermal valley, Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs is the ultimate family thermal water park.

The facility features a massive outdoor freshwater pool and tiered natural thermal mineral pools ranging from 38°C to 40°C. For kids, the main event is the Waterpark Playground, featuring:

  • The Living Water Curved Hydroslides: Two large, twisting outdoor hydroslides heated with geothermal water so kids stay warm even in cold weather.
  • Warm Water Play Area: Complete with tipping buckets, splash jets, and mini toddler slides.
  • Family Logistics: Clean family changing rooms with heated floors. On-site cafe serving toasties, ice creams, and barista coffee.
  • Location: 76 Napier-Taupo Highway, Taupō.
  • Hours: Open daily 8:30 am – 9:30 pm.
  • Admission: Family Pass (2 adults + up to 4 kids) approx. $79.00 NZD; Under 2s Free.

🦐 2. Catch Giant Prawns & Splash at Huka Prawn Park

Located along the Waikato River right next to Huka Falls, Huka Prawn Park is New Zealand’s only geothermally heated prawn farm and family activity park.

Kids are handed small bamboo fishing rods and bait to catch live giant Malaysian freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) from the fishing ponds. Afterwards, explore the interactive water playground featuring hand-cranked water cannons, stand-up paddle-boards, aqua water trikes, and geothermal foot spas.

  • Riverside Dining: Bring your freshly caught prawns to the Riverside Restaurant to have them cooked up with garlic butter, or enjoy kid-friendly burgers while watching the river rapids.
  • Location: Karetoto Road, Wairakei, Taupō.
  • Hours: Open Thursday to Monday 9:30 am – 3:30 pm (daily in school holidays).
  • Admission: Family Activity Pass approx. $95.00 NZD; Under 5s Free.

🧗 3. Scale Indoor Peaks at The Wall and Vertigo Climbing

When rainy or cold weather hits the central plateau, head to The Wall and Vertigo Climbing Centre in central Taupō.

Featuring 30 distinct climbing lines, over 1,000 square metres of indoor wall terrain, and automatic safety belay machines (Auto-Belays), kids aged 3 and up can safely scramble up vertical walls under the supervision of friendly instructors.

  • Location: 29 Heuheu Street, Taupō Central.
  • Hours: Open daily 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
  • Admission: Kids climbing pass (including harness hire) approx. $18.00 NZD.

🌊 4. Witness Roaring Rapids at Huka Falls & Walk Aratiatia

Just 5 minutes north of town, Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most-visited natural attraction—and it’s 100% free.

Over 220,000 litres of crystal-blue water shoot through a narrow 15-metre volcanic gorge every second before plunging 11 metres into the churning pool below. The viewing platforms on either side of the pedestrian bridge are fully stroller accessible.

  • Aratiatia Rapids Spillway: Time your visit to watch the Aratiatia Dam gates open (at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm in summer) as a dry rocky gorge transforms into a thundering torrent of rapids within minutes.
  • Location: Huka Falls Road & Aratiatia Road, Taupō.
  • Admission: Free.

🏊 5. Low-Cost Swimming Fun at AC Baths

Operated by the local council, AC Baths is an expansive, affordable, all-weather geothermally heated aquatic complex.

It features indoor and outdoor heated 25m and 50m pools, two spiral hydroslides, a dedicated toddler beach area with warm water jets, and private thermal mineral baths.

  • Location: 26 AC Baths Avenue, Taupō.
  • Hours: Open daily 6:00 am – 9:00 pm.
  • Admission: Family Swim Pass approx. $26.00 NZD.

🎨 6. Watch Glowing Glassblowing at Lava Glass Studio

Located in Wairakei, Lava Glass features an open glassblowing studio where kids can sit safely behind protective glass to watch master glass artists transform molten 1,100°C orange glass into dazzling sculptures.

Afterward, stroll through the 1-acre Glass Sculpture Garden, filled with over 600 glass flowers, giant glass mushrooms, and rainbow ponds.

  • Location: 1651 State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupō.
  • Hours: Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
  • Admission: Studio is free; Sculpture Garden family entry approx. $25.00 NZD.

🗺️ Taupō Family Day Blueprint

  • 9:30 AM (Roaring Waterfalls): Start with the free, stroller-friendly walk to Huka Falls.
  • 11:00 AM (Prawn Fishing & Water Trikes): Head next door to Huka Prawn Park for rod fishing and aqua-trikes.
  • 1:30 PM (Lakeside Picnic & Playground): Grab lunch along the lakefront and play at the Taupō Lakefront Playground.
  • 3:30 PM (Thermal Waterslides): Spend the afternoon soaking and sliding at Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs. For general planning, see our Taupō 3-day itinerary, check hiking routes in Taupō walks & hikes, and find lakeside motels in where to stay in Taupō.

❓ Taupō with Kids: Real Questions, Real Answers

Is Lake Taupō safe for children to swim in?

Yes. Lake Taupō has clean, freshwater beaches with no ocean rip currents or tides. Popular swimming spots like Wharewaka Point and Acacia Bay have shallow, sheltered sandy shores perfect for young children in summer.