Welcome back to Local Lens, where our Everything New Zealand team shares insider experiences from some of Aotearoa’s most memorable adventures. Each story takes you behind the scenes with locals who live and breathe New Zealand’s most exciting destinations.
In this edition, Kaitlin visits Taupo to experience the incredible power of one of New Zealand’s most famous waterfalls and the thrill of the iconic Hukafalls Jet.
Taupo is home to the country’s largest lake, the starting point of the Waikato River, and one of the most visited waterfall in the North Island — Huka Falls. Sitting right in the heart of it all is Hukafalls Jet, an exhilarating jetboat experience that combines excitement with stunning scenery.
From the moment I arrived, the team made me feel welcome. After a quick check-in, it was time to head down to the river for a safety briefing and photo. Then we climbed aboard, and as soon as the jetboat powered up, we were off — skimming along the Waikato River with high-speed spins that had everyone laughing and hanging on tight.
We paused briefly near the Aratiatia Dam, where our driver shared some great local facts and stories about the river. Then came the highlight of the ride: heading straight towards the mighty Hukafalls. It was incredible to see just how close we got. The sound of the rushing water was powerful, and the colour of the water looked amazing. It was so cool to see the waterfall in action from right on the river.
If you’re chasing waterfalls and adventure, Hukafalls Jet is an absolute must-do in Taupo. It’s the ultimate way to see the power of Huka Falls up close and experience the excitement of a true Kiwi jetboat ride..
Book your Hukafalls Jet adventure today with Everything New Zealand and see why this Taupo experience is one of the most unforgettable in Aotearoa.