KAYAK - Western Bays Scenic Adventure (Boat Harbour to Kinloch) - Kayak Hire & Transport (unguided).

From NZD $325.00
  • Duration: 9 Hours (approx.)
  • Location: Taupo
  • Product code: P09ELQ

Scenic Lake Cruise & Kayak Tour 

Allow 7-8 hours (3.5 – 4 hours kayaking, and 30-minute boat cruise)
Lunch and refreshments provided 

Highlights: Scenic boat cruise around the WesternBays; Kayak to waterfalls, admire majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs;      Visit a cave (guided tour)


You must have a relatively good level of fitness.

This trip is for relatively fit adventurers who would like to explore the many secluded hidden gems of Lake Taupo’s Western Bays which are mainly only accessible by water.

You’ll meet us at our base in Acacia Bay where we will set off by vehicle to Kinloch (or you can meet us at Kinloch mariner.

On our Western Bays Scenic Adventure trip, we will depart from Kinloch Marina by boat across the pristine waters of Lake Taupo to the remote shores of the Western Bays.  

Our first stop would be the majestic Otupoto Waterfall, a unique spot where the water cascades off the cliff straight into the lake. A spectacular sight indeed. Then it is on to Tutaewaroa Stream to view another waterfall. If we’re lucky, we might be able to spot some trout.

For those on the unguided tour, Boat Harbour is where we will leave you to gear up and launch your kayaks for your paddle across the bays to the pretty lakeside village of Kinloch. 

There is nothing but spectacular natural scenery as you kayak by the coastline towards Kawakawa Bay. There, the long, sweeping sandy beach, which is quite different from the rest of the Western Bays, beckon for a lunch stop.

Jump into the crystal clear waters or if the weather is too cold, simply have a drink - this is one of the only freshwater lakes left that you can still drink from! Otherwise, sun bathe on the shore, listening to the soothing sounds of native birds, while taking in the magnificient sight of the Tongariro National Park mountains across the lake. Don’t forget to look out for rock climbers tackling the surrounding cliff faces.

For those on our guided tour, we will take you after lunch to visit a cave that you are able to paddle right up to.

The last part of your trip will find you kayaking past unique volcanic landscape and the spectacular towering vista of cliffs, a solid wall of rock rising high above you then plummeting hundreds of feet below. This would be the highlight
of your adventure.

The Western Bays Scenic Adventure is truly a unique trip and one you will remember forever.


Kayak Hire, 2 way transport & Boat Transfer (unguided) package includes:
  • Scenic boat ride around Western Bays
  • Top quality kayaking equipment
  • Full kayaking instruction
  • Packed lunch, snacks, and refreshments
  • Transport to and from Kinloch – from our base or
  • Transport from Taupo CBD if you do not have your own transport to
    get to our base (on request only).

 Time:  (can be flexible with times for group bookings)

  • 8.30am


Starting Location
  • Our Base - unit 2 876 Acacia Bay Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo or
  • Kinloch Marina, 23 Mata Place, Kinloch

Gear List:

  • Please view our website under GEAR LIST for what to wear and bring, no jeans please.                            https://www.tka.co.nz/gear-list/ 
  • Please arrive wearing the appropriate clothing and already have sunblock applied, so we can keep to  tour time.