Waterfalls without the crowds sounds like a dream. The Chasing Waterfalls cruise from Kinloch Marina takes you to the remote Western Bays of Lake Taupo by boat, with skipper Ian steering you close to cliffs and falls.

I love that this stays small at a maximum of 8 people, so you get time for photos and questions instead of feeling rushed. I also like the mix of boat nose-ins at Otupoto, Waikino, and Tutaewaeroa, plus a short walk to the Kotukutuku Stream waterfall. The catch: you need good weather, because the tour can be changed or refunded if conditions are poor.

Key moments I’d circle

• Max 8 on board: easier conversation and calmer viewing time at the water’s edge
• Western Bays access by boat: remote rock faces and private-feeling shoreline
• Karangahape Cliffs quick hit: dramatic drop-offs that set the tone fast
• Waikino Falls at lake level: waterfall viewing where it meets the water
• Otupoto Falls nose-in: optional splashes when the boat comes up close
• Kotukutuku Stream walk: a brief bush stretch for photos off the boat

Western Bays by boat: why this part of Lake Taupo feels different

Most Lake Taupo sightseeing sticks to the main bays. This one swings you to the southern end of the Western Bays, where the shoreline feels less touched and the rock walls look sheer and wild from the water. You’re not just looking at a view—you’re moving through it at a pace that lets you notice details like cliff angles, rock color, and how the water changes where streams feed in.

The day has a simple promise: rock faces, crystal water, and multiple waterfall stops—done by boat. That matters because some of this coastline is hard to access on foot, and the best angles are from the lake itself.

Kinloch Marina start: getting on board and getting your bearings fast

The tour meets at Venture Beyond – powered by Taxicat at Kinloch Marina, Berth 37/10, Kinloch Esplanade. It’s a short ride out of Taupo to Kinloch (about 20 minutes), so you’re not spending half the day commuting before you even reach the water.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and once you’re onboard, the group stays tight—up to 8 travelers. That small size is a big part of the value. It means the skipper can slow down when a waterfall is worth extra time, and you’re more likely to get good photo moments without a crowd elbowing in.

Stop 1: Western Bay rock faces and quiet shoreline time

Your first major segment heads to the Western Bay area, with about 1 hour 30 minutes there. The focus is dramatic: plummeting rock faces, rock formations that look different from every angle, and private-feeling shoreline moments you simply can’t get from the usual lakeside viewpoints.

This is where you get oriented to the Western Bays. You start to see how the cliff walls channel water and where small inlets pull the light into the shallows. If you’re the type who likes scenery that feels real and lived-in (not staged or tourist-optimized), this part is likely to land with you.

A practical note: even though there’s plenty of viewing time, you’re still on a boat. Bring layers for wind off the water. Lake Taupo weather can change quickly, and a light jacket can save you from getting cold during stops.

Karangahape Cliffs: the quick dramatic drop-off

Next comes Karangahape Cliffs, a short 10-minute stop. In that brief window, you get a strong visual: cliffs that plunge straight down into the lake’s depths. It’s the kind of spot where a quick stop still feels worthwhile, because the sheer vertical drop changes how you read the shoreline.

Think of this as the tour’s “set the scene” moment. After Western Bay’s rock walls, Karangahape adds a different kind of drama—more like a guard wall at the entrance to the southern end of the Western Bays. If you’re trying to decide whether this is worth your time, this quick stop helps you understand the payoff: you really are going to places with big visual impact.

Te Papa Bay and Waikino Falls: crystal water and a sandbank moment

Te Papa Bay is where the tour slows down again for about 1 hour 20 minutes. This bay is known for pristine, crystal clear water—the kind that makes you want to stare instead of just snap photos. You also get a sandbank just meters below the surface, which adds that extra layer of wow.

At this stop, you may get to see Waikino Falls spill into the lake at lake level from the rock face. Viewing a waterfall where it meets the water is a different experience than seeing one from higher up. The mist, sound, and splash zone sit right at your scale, so even short exposure feels close.

If you enjoy water visibility (and you don’t mind getting a bit wet from spray), Te Papa Bay is likely one of the standout segments. It’s also a good place to refocus your energy for the next wave of falls—because the tour keeps moving.

Otupoto Falls: nose-in views and that optional cool-water moment

Otupoto Falls is a 10-minute stop, but it packs energy. The boat comes up close to the base of the falls, giving you a front-row perspective on how the water pours over rock. There’s also an option for the brave to join others on the nose of the boat to feel that cool water up close.

This is the stop where you’ll probably notice the sound most. One of the appeals here is the physical sensation—wind, spray, and the direct water presence. You can treat it as a quick thrill or a full-on photo moment, depending on your comfort level.

What I’d do in your shoes: wear practical footwear and be ready for wet spray. If you’re bringing a camera, keep it secure. And if you’re sensitive to cold water, plan to stay seated while the boat positions you for the best view without going forward.

Waihora Bay pair: Tutaewaeroa and Kotukutuku Stream

This part of the day is built around two short Waihora Bay stops, and it’s a smart way to give you variety without turning the tour into a long slog.

Tutaewaeroa Falls in a smack ravine

First, you’ll head to an area in Waihora Bay where the boat can nose in toward the hidden Tutaewaeroa waterfall in a ravine. The timing is about 10 minutes. From the water, you get a sense of how the cliffs shape the flow, and you can look closely at the flora and fauna on the cliff face as the boat edges closer.

This is the “look with your eyes” stop. It’s not just about the waterfall itself—it’s about the way the cliff wall holds life and water together in a tight space.

Kotukutuku Stream: a brief bush walk for the waterfall angle

Then you return to Waihora Bay, around 10 minutes of positioning and a short 10-minute bush walk at Kotukutuku landing. Here, you disembark to walk up to the Kotukutuku Stream waterfall.

Even though the walk is short, it changes the experience. You get a different angle than you did from the boat, and a bit of dry land time gives your legs a break. This is also where you can slow down for photos without trying to balance on a moving boat deck.

Bring shoes you can trust on uneven ground. If you don’t want to walk, you might still get good viewing from where the boat drops you, but the real photo payoff comes from that short hike to the waterfall.

How the 3.5 hours actually feels on the water

The full tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes. Because the stops are spread out—Western Bay first, then cliff views, then Te Papa Bay, then multiple waterfall moments—you’re never stuck in one spot for too long. It’s a pace that works well if you want a meaningful slice of Lake Taupo without dedicating your whole day.

The upside: you get variety. You’ll see tall rock faces, clear-water shallows, and several waterfall styles all in one morning. The downside: since some stops are only 10 minutes, you can’t treat this like an all-day hike or swim crawl.

Plan around the fact that you’ll likely be on the boat for a big chunk of the time. I’d dress in layers, expect some spray, and keep your phone/camera covered if you’re paranoid. (Not a bad idea on open water.)

Small group, big control: the skipper makes a difference

This trip works because it’s guided closely. Skipper Ian (with Venture Beyond) runs the show from the water, and the tone matters: the day feels friendly and considered, with stops timed for viewing and photo moments rather than constant hurry.

With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’re not fighting for attention or space. That matters when you’re trying to line up shots at waterfalls, where the best angle might only last a minute or two while the boat positions.

Also, the tour is built for people who enjoy learning while they look. Ian shares context as you go, tying together what you’re seeing—water behavior, rock formations, and what’s happening at the waterfalls. It turns a scenic cruise into something you can actually remember, not just something you pass through.

Price check: is $168.80 good value?

At $168.80 per person for about 3.5 hours, this isn’t the budget option. But you’re paying for three things that are hard to fake:

• Access to the remote Western Bays by boat
• Multiple waterfall moments plus a short bush walk
• A small-group experience (max 8) with skipper-led navigation and local talk

Add in that admissions are listed as free for the stops, and you don’t need to plan extra ticket costs for each viewpoint. The price starts to make sense as a guided boat day where the transportation is the attraction.

If you’re the type who hates crowds and loves “we actually went somewhere different” days, it feels like fair value. If you want a long, leisurely itinerary with lots of time on shore, you may feel the time is tight—because it’s designed as an efficient circuit.

Should you book Chasing Waterfalls from Kinloch Marina?

Yes, if you want Lake Taupo waterfalls with a close, on-the-water perspective and you care about avoiding the main-bay crowd. The Western Bays positioning, the clear-water moments at Te Papa Bay, and the sequence of waterfall views (including a brief bush walk at Kotukutuku Stream) make it a strong “one morning, lots of payoff” choice.

Hold off if you’re expecting a slow hike day or you’re not comfortable with boat spray and short stops. This tour is built for the lake experience, not for hanging around one waterfall all morning.

One more thing to keep in mind: the experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund—so watch forecasts and book with some flexibility.

FAQ

Where does the Chasing Waterfalls tour start?

It starts at Kinloch Marina, Berth 37/10, Kinloch Esplanade, meeting at Venture Beyond – powered by Taxicat.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $168.80 per person.

What’s the group size?

This experience has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Are there any extra admission tickets I need to buy?

Admissions for the stops are listed as free, and you receive a mobile ticket.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

It’s listed as most travelers can participate.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.