Spring School Holidays in Taupō: Yay, We Can Get Outside Again

Yay, it’s warming up and the days are getting longer. It’s so good to be outside again! Just in case the kids are driving you mad and you’ve forgotten how many cool things there are to do in Taupō, I thought I’d put a few ideas together for these holidays, whether you’ve got a full day free or just an hour to fill.

Kids Bike Taupō

Taupō’s bike trails are basically made for this time of year: not too hot, not too muddy, just right. If your kids haven’t been to one of Cath’s bike sessions yet, now’s the time. It’s a brilliant, low stress way to build confidence on two wheels, whatever age or skill level you’re working with. Read our feature or check the calendar to see where she’ll be and when.

Roller skating

If skating’s more your family’s thing, check out our feature on Skatescool Taupō. It’s the kind of holiday activity that burns off energy and teaches a new skill at the same time. Kazna runs discos on Friday and Saturday nights, with some extra sessions during the school holidays.

Sleep among nature

With the weather warming up, overnight hikes start to feel possible again without freezing your toes off. If you’ve got older kids who are keen for an adventure, an overnight walk on one of our local tracks, with a cosy hut waiting at the end, is a great way to switch off from screens for a bit. It’s a proper digital detox, and honestly, it makes you appreciate your own bed and all the little comforts a whole lot more when you get home.

The simple stuff

Some of the best holiday afternoons in Taupō are spent walking to the lake (or parking somewhere and walking from there) and skimming stones. It’s amazing how quickly kids’ imaginations start running wild. My other favourite is feeding the ducks; grab a coffee from Steaming Bean while you’re at it.

A Nukuhau favourite

Another budget friendly holiday favourite is a walk up to the Nukuhau shopping centre with the kids. The challenge is simple: everyone picks just one bag of the $1 lollies, no pricier options allowed (their teeth will thank us later). Then it’s off to the park for a run around before we wander home. Cheap, easy and somehow always a highlight of the day.

Disc golf for the whole family

Disc golf is well worth a go these holidays, and we’ve just put up a full feature on Taupō’s disc golf scene, including how Spa Park ended up ranked among the world’s top 100 courses. All you need is a few discs, which you can hire or buy from Taupō Bungy on Spa Road, and you’re sorted. Guaranteed burnt energy for all involved.

The Taupō Local Challenge

Here’s a bit of fun for the break. If your family gets out to any of the spots mentioned here, whether it’s a bike session, the lakefront, a disc golf course or somewhere else on your own Taupō adventure, snap a photo and tag #taupolocal on Instagram. We’d love to see how your holidays are shaping up, and you might just end up featured.

However you spend these holidays, we hope you get plenty of fresh air, a good dose of vitamin D, and meet a few of our local businesses along the way.