Corporate Incentives – Choose Lake Taupo

Here we focus on the beautiful Lake Taupo, where we have some great ideas for corporate incentives that are a little different! This thriving area in Central North Island is one of New Zealand’s leading destinations for both holidaying and conferencing, and its central location halfway between Auckland and Wellington makes it easy for everyone to get to.

The exciting range of activities, both adventurous and relaxing, will suit every type of gathering, and the region’s natural assets provide a spectacular backdrop for team building challenges. Here are just a few ideas that can add a little ‘zing’ to your next Taupo incentive…

Jet boat thrills
Take a jet boat ride with Hukafalls Jet on the mighty Waikato River. Slide past sheer cliffs with just centimetres to spare, then race to the base of the thundering Huka Falls. Experience the “jet turn’ where your driver spins your boat through 360 degrees at high speed! Stop on the riverbank for a breather and refreshments! Watch the Aratiatia Dam open and spill out enough water to fill a whole valley in 20 mins and then jet boat with Rapids Jet up to the base of the valley and then down through the Fuljames Rapids...a truly exhilarating trip with Rapids Jet!

Totally Taupo
Enjoy a package of three activities all organised for you! Start with a cruise on Lake Taupo on one of Chris Jolly boats, get picked up by Helipro and helicopter out over the Maori Rock Carvings, and Huka Falls. Land at Hukafalls Jet base and enjoy a 30 minute ride to the base of Huka Falls. What a WOW afternoon!

Floatplane Adventure 
Take a scenic flight on Taupo’s Floatplane over Australasia’s largest freshwater lake, then land on the waters of a secret, secluded bay for a picnic under the native kowhai trees. You may like to have kayaked to Mine Bay first and then get picked up by floatplane for that spectacular flight!

Bungy Jumping
Looking for a team challenge? Thousands of jumpers from around the world have taken the plunge with Taupo Bungy. The platform sits 47 metres above the beautiful Waikato River and you have the choice as to whether to get wet or not! The Cliffhanger provides a tamer alternative.

Heli-wine & Cheese
Your Helistar helicopter will navigate Lake Taupo’s towering volcanic cliffs enroute to the hidden paradise of Omori Estate. Take a stroll and relax over a platter of warm breads and cheeses while enjoying a bottle of Omori Estate’s wine.

The Squeeze! 
Jet boat with NZ Riverjet to the mouth of a hot thermal stream, then negotiate your way by foot up ‘the squeeze’. Break through ‘the squeeze’ and after a short thermal stream walk, you will reach the magic spot… a hot pool and waterfall! Get a thrill jetboat ride back to base.

Tongariro River Rafting
Get ready for some white knuckle, whitewater fun as you ride the rapids with Tongariro River’s most experienced rafting operator. There’s an adventure to suit everyone!

Tongariro Quads 
Head offroad with Tongariro Quads through the spectacular Tongariro Forest Park. Enjoy awesome trails, major mud and mayhem, river crossings and trails to challenge the best. 

Taupo Quads 
Rides are through scenic native bush and through farmlands, over winding all terrain trails with breathtaking scenery at the top! Options for one, two or three hour rides and no experience necessary.

Wairakei Terraces 
View the first ever man-made silica terraces, experience a traditional Maori welcome and challenge, and enjoy a concert and a delicious steam cooked hangi meal.

FreeFall!
Take the skydive plunge and enjoy the spectacular lake and mountain views as you jump from as high as 15,000 feet above Lake Taupo!

Fun in the Snow 
Ski or snowboard on a live volcano in Tongariro National Park .  Mount Ruapehu’s ski season runs from July to October, and one pass gives you access to both Turoa  and Whakapapa ski areas. Mount Ruapehu has New Zealand’s largest ski area, highest lift access terrain and longest vertical drop!

Mountain Climbing The Easy Way
Take the chairlift up to New Zealand’s highest restaurant (2,020 metres above sea level). Walk on an active volcano then enjoy a champagne brunch on the restaurant’s sunny deck with superb views across Tongariro National Park – and even to Mount Taranaki on a fine day!

New Zealand’s Best One Day Trek 
The 17km Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek is one of the world’s most breathtaking eco adventures. You can do the hike over four days, returning each night to the elegant Bayview Chateau Tongariro, or take a guided hike and learn about the Maori legends and the history of this World Heritage Park.

Deer Farm Experience
Complete your day at a Deer Farm and dine in the antler room or gun room, or have dinner under the stars in a forest or at the airstrip at this fantastic venue. Be entertained with a musician of your choice or entertain yourself with pistol shooting and knife throwing activities. Theme a party in this wonderful character barn...even arrive in a stock truck!

Tandem Skydiving
This has to be the ultimate adrenalin rush! The first tandem skydive operation in New Zealand started in Taupo and people come from all over the world to jump out of the sky over Lake Taupo. I will if you will!

Helicopter Silver Service Dinner
Book a helicopter with Helipro to drop you off in the remote Western Bays of Lake Taupo for a silver service dinner. Dine in a beautiful private setting on the edge of the lake, then charter a boat for the return journey.

Wine Cellar Dinner
Treat your group to a special dining experience in the underground wine cellar at the famous Poronui Ranch. This property is set on 16,000 acres of pristine countryside with private hunting and trout fishing waters, horseriding treks, mountain biking and heli-hiking tracks.

Formula Challenge
Experience the buzz of Formula One racing or take a spin in a V8! See the world through the eyes of a championship driver as you climb into the cockpit of a Formula One replica racing car of the famous fleet of V8's and learn how to drive on an international racetrack at Taupo Motorsport Park.

Personalised Tour
Discover Taupo’s secluded places with an authentic Maori guide. Take the eco-cultural walk in the forest and learn about traditional plants and healing, see the trees used to construct canoes and weaponry and enjoy the flax weaving techniques of a master. Or take a culinary experience and a journey into Maori Kai (food) with a delicious hangi feast and an overnight stay at Tamau Pa. 

Catch a Trout
Choose a guide and spend a day fly fishing on one of the many rivers or streams in the region. Helicopter up into the back country or drive by 4x4 vehicle to a secluded river or just walk out your door to fish the famous Tongariro River!

Stay out Overnight
The 70ft superyacht Iridium can whisk you away overnight (or longer) to the most sheltered secluded bays. There are three guest cabins, all superbly appointed - it is an exclusive and elite floating lodge! Or have you considered staying out overnight at the top of Mt Ruapehu?

Be Treated Like Royalty
Huka Lodge is one of New Zealand’s most luxurious and prestigious lodges and a favourite destination for visiting royals and movie stars. For a taste of luxury and personalised hospitality, arrange to dine at one of their exclusive private venues.

Editorial supplied courtesy of Destination Lake Taupo

Conference Planning
Call Lake Taupo Convention Bureau on (07) 376 0402 or visit www.greatlaketaupo.com/new-zealand/conferences for all activity, incentive and partner itinerary ideas, and the right advice on the perfect venue for your needs.

Getting There
•   Taupo is served by regular 45 min flights from Auckland and Wellington.
•   The region is a three hour drive from Auckland and four and a half from Wellington.
•   Air New Zealand offers twice weekly direct trans Tasman flights, connecting Rotorua to Sydney.

More Information
•   Order your free copy of Jasons Business Traveller, and Jasons Encounter New Zealand Activities Directory.
•   Taupo Hot Deals  
•   Taupo Accommodation
•   Taupo Activities
•   Destination Lake Taupo