Taupo: Lake Taupo Western Bays Catamaran Tour with Bush Walk

Lake Taupo’s Western Bays are best seen from the water: sheer rock faces drop below the lake, and waterfalls spill straight down toward it. This 90-minute catamaran trip from Kinloch puts you close to Otupotu Falls, then adds a short bush walk to a second waterfall.

I like two things in particular: the small group, capped at eight, keeps the outing personal, and the combination of boat ride and bush walk gives you more than a scenic cruise. The trade-off is the location: Kinloch is not Taupo, and transfers from Taupo are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina.

The best of the Western Bays, in brief

• Otupotu Falls from the bow: Stand at the front of the boat and feel the spray as the waterfall tumbles into the lake.
• Rock cliffs and cascades: Cruise along the Western Bays, where rocky faces plunge below the waterline and smaller waterfalls appear along the shore.
• A beach you can reach only by boat: Step ashore for a short bush walk to the day’s final waterfall.
• A small group: The tour has room for up to eight people, which makes it easier to hear the guide and enjoy the close-up stops.
• About 30 km in 90 minutes: Expect a brisk outing that balances open-water cruising, waterfall viewing and time on foot.
• Departing from Kinloch: Meet at Berth 37 in Kinloch Marina. The trip does not include transport from Taupo.

A short, lively outing from Kinloch

This tour is a compact way to see a quieter stretch of Lake Taupo. It starts at Kinloch Marina, where the catamaran eases out of its berth before the skipper opens the throttle and sends it skimming across the water. That change from a slow marina departure to a faster run is part of the fun, and it quickly carries you away from the shore.

The group is small, with no more than eight participants. That matters on a trip built around scenery and stops: you are not trying to catch a distant waterfall over a crowd, and the guide can speak to a manageable group. The English-language tour lasts 90 minutes, so it suits you if you want a focused outing rather than a long day on the lake.

You cover about 30 kilometres, but this is not simply a fast ride to a destination and back. The route takes in waterfalls, rock faces and a boat-access beach, with time for a short walk. The pace is active, though the walk is described as short, not as a long hike.

Otupotu Falls, close enough for spray

The first major stop is Otupotu Falls, where water drops through a chute in a rocky cliff and enters Lake Taupo. From the catamaran, you can see the falls against the stone face and appreciate how directly the water meets the lake. It is a different view from a roadside lookout: here, the lake itself brings you to the base of the cascade.

There is room to stand on the boat’s bow, where you can feel the rush of the waterfall and may get wet. That is the trip’s most hands-on moment, so keep your camera secure and consider the suggested beachwear if you are comfortable with a little spray. You can also stay back from the bow and enjoy the view from elsewhere on the boat.

This close approach is a strong reason to choose the tour over a general lake cruise. The focus is not just on crossing open water. The skipper brings you near a natural feature that is otherwise difficult to appreciate from land, and you get time to look rather than only passing it at speed.

Cliffs, hidden cascades and open water

After Otupotu Falls, the catamaran follows the rocky shoreline. Cliffs descend below the surface, giving the coast a striking edge, while smaller waterfalls can be found along the route. The scenery changes from the broad expanse of the lake to more intimate stretches of rock and water.

The Western Bays are the point of the trip. Instead of spending the outing around the busier parts of Lake Taupo, you head toward coves and shorelines that are less accessible by road. You get a sense of the lake as a place with remote corners, not just a large body of water viewed from town.

A moving boat offers a changing view, but it also means you will need to take photos quickly when the light or angle suits you. I would treat the camera as a bonus, not the main event. The most memorable parts are likely to be the scale of the cliffs, the sound and movement of the water, and the sudden sight of a cascade on the shore.

A boat-only beach and a short bush walk

The tour’s second half brings you to a secluded beach that can only be reached by boat. From there, you take a short bush walk to another waterfall. That change of pace is valuable: after the engine, spray and open water, you can stretch your legs and see the lake from land.

The walk is a modest addition, not a full hiking excursion. If you want a substantial tramp, this is not the right outing. But if you enjoy a little time on foot and the chance to reach a place that road access does not provide, it makes the trip feel more complete than a cruise alone.

The waterfall at the end of the walk gives the outing a satisfying finish. You have seen Otupotu Falls from the lake, explored the rocky shoreline by boat, then followed a short path to another cascade. The mix of perspectives is what gives the 90 minutes its variety.

What the small group and guide add

With a maximum of eight participants, this is a more personal outing than a large sightseeing boat. You can follow the guide’s explanations without competing with a crowd, and there is less distance between you and the places being shown. The small scale also suits the close approach to the falls and the landing at the beach.

Ian has received particular praise for his knowledge of the area and for making the trip engaging. The scenery is the main draw, but a guide who can explain what you are looking at helps the cliffs and waterfalls feel like more than passing views. Guide availability may vary, so do not assume Ian will lead every departure.

Coffee and tea are included among the planned activities during the cruise. This adds a relaxed note to a trip that otherwise has a lively boat ride and a short walk. The outing is not built around a meal or a long stop, so think of the drinks as a small comfort rather than a full refreshment break.

Is $86 good value for 90 minutes?

At $86 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to spend time around Lake Taupo. Its value comes from the access and variety: you travel around 30 kilometres, get close to a waterfall, follow the Western Bays shoreline, and land at a beach that is reachable only by boat. A small group and a guide are part of that package.

If you only want a basic lake cruise, you may find the price harder to justify. But if you value a close-up waterfall visit and a short walk to a second one, the outing offers more than scenery viewed from a seat. You are paying for a specific route into places that are not easy to reach on your own.

The tour lasts 90 minutes, including a 10-minute safety briefing and about 80 minutes on the lake for cruising, sightseeing, a walk and the other listed activities. That is a good fit for a half-day plan with other things to do, but it is a short excursion in its own right. Set your expectations accordingly: this is a concentrated taste of the Western Bays, not a full-day exploration.

Getting to Kinloch and what to bring

The meeting point is Berth 37 at Kinloch Marina, accessed via Kinloch Esplanade. Look for Taxicat Adventures’ bright yellow flag and boat. The tour does not include transport from Taupo, so plan your own journey to Kinloch before choosing a departure time.

Bring comfortable shoes for the walk, along with warm clothing and a windbreaker for time on the water. Sunscreen and a camera are also on the suggested packing list. Beachwear is worth considering if you want to stand near the bow at Otupotu Falls and are happy to risk getting a little wet.

The tour runs in English, and starting times depend on availability. You can reserve a place without paying immediately, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Those terms offer some flexibility, but you still need to check the available departure that works with your own transport plans.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This is a good choice if you like being on the water, want to see more than the main lakeside sights, and are happy with a short walk. It suits couples, small groups and solo visitors who prefer a quieter outing with a guide rather than a large boat experience. The cap of eight makes it especially appealing if you value a more intimate group.

It may be less suitable if you want a long hike, need transport from Taupo, or prefer to stay completely dry. The bow-side waterfall stop can bring spray, and a boat trip is an outdoor experience, so warm clothing and a windbreaker are sensible choices. The walk is short, but comfortable shoes are still important.

Should you book the Western Bays catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a lively, short trip that combines Lake Taupo scenery with close waterfall views and a small amount of walking. Otupotu Falls, the cliff-lined shore and the boat-only beach give the outing a clear sense of place, while the group size keeps it from feeling like a mass excursion.

Skip it if you are looking for a long day outdoors or need a tour that picks you up in Taupo. The main practical question is whether you can get to Kinloch Marina. If you can, and the $86 price fits your plans, this is a worthwhile way to see a quieter side of the lake.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour lasts 90 minutes. It includes a 10-minute safety briefing and about 80 minutes on Lake Taupo.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $86 per person.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Berth 37 at Kinloch Marina. You can access the marina via Kinloch Esplanade and look for Taxicat Adventures’ bright yellow flag and boat.

Is transport from Taupo included?

No. Transfers from Taupo to Kinloch are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to eight participants.

What language is the tour in?

The live guide speaks English.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a windbreaker, a camera, sunscreen and beachwear.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.