Parasailing Lake Taupo: 1,000 feet above the water

Soar 1,000 feet above Lake Taupo without getting wet

Parasailing on Lake Taupo puts you 1,000 feet above the water for 10–12 minutes of flight, launching and landing directly from a purpose-built parasail boat with no swimming required. Solo, tandem and triple flights are available. The crew tailors every flight to the day's conditions and your comfort level, whether you're a first-timer or thrill-seeker. The total experience runs 25–60 minutes depending on how many guests are onboard.

The experience

The boat itself is built for this: a 9-metre vessel with a rear flight deck where you take off and land, so you never enter the water. After a safety briefing from the experienced crew, you're harnessed and towed behind the boat as the parachute fills. Within minutes you're airborne, suspended at 1,000 feet with 360° views of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and on clear days, Tongariro National Park spreading out below. The flight lasts roughly 10–12 minutes of uninterrupted air time: long enough to settle into the quiet and absorb the scale of what you're seeing.

If you want more than the standard descent, you can ask the crew for an optional toe dip before they bring you back to the boat. The whole outing, from check-in through landing, takes between 25 and 60 minutes depending on how many people are flying that day. No prior experience is necessary. The crew handles the setup and talks you through every step. Weight limits apply. The combined flight weight must fall between 70 kg and roughly 200 kg, though the skipper can adjust these based on conditions.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• all parasailing equipment including parachute, harness and safety gear.

Options for this experience

3 options

Parasail for three peopleUp to 6 people · Guide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00Parasail with three people flying together. Total combined weight must not exceed 200kg.

Parasail for two peopleUp to 6 people · Guide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00Parasail with two people flying together. Total combined weight must not exceed 200kg.

Parasail for one personUp to 1 people · Guide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00Parasail for one person only: a single flyer. Combined weight must not exceed 200kg.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Taupo Parasail

Is this one for you?Book solo if you want to focus on the views and sensations without coordinating with others, or tandem/triple to share the experience and split the cost with travel companions.

Traveler reviews

4.20★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need any experience to parasail on Lake Taupo?

No experience is necessary. The crew provides a full safety briefing before you board, and they tailor the flight to your comfort level whether you're flying solo, tandem or triple.

Will I have to swim or enter the water?

No. The boat has a rear flight deck where you take off and land directly, so you stay dry throughout the entire experience.

How high do you fly and how long is the flight?

You fly at 1,000 feet above the lake for approximately 10–12 minutes of flight time. The total experience, including check-in and boarding, lasts between 25 and 60 minutes depending on how many guests are onboard.

What's the difference between solo, tandem and triple parasailing?

Solo parasailing is for one person; tandem is for two people sharing a parachute; triple is for three people. All options are available subject to weather and weight limits, with combined flight weight between 70 kg and approximately 200 kg.

What views will I see from 1,000 feet?

You'll see 360° panoramic views of Lake Taupo, the surrounding mountains, and on clear days, Tongariro National Park. The lake and township spread out below as you drift through the air.