DIY New Zealand with Kids – What to do in Taupō: AJ Hackett Bungy and Huka Falls Jet!

When planning our New Zealand North Island adventure, two experiences in Taupō immediately stood out as absolute must-dos: the Huka Falls Jet and the AJ Hackett Bungy. And trust us, they did not disappoint!

What makes New Zealand truly special is how it combines jaw-dropping natural beauty with heart-racing adventure. Imagine speeding through the crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River, or feeling the rush of adrenaline as you take a leap off a bungy platform – all while surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. It’s this perfect blend of nature and thrill that makes New Zealand a one-of-a-kind destination for families.

In Taupō, these two worlds collide in the ultimate family experience. The power of Huka Falls meets the excitement of the Huka Falls Jet, while the legendary AJ Hackett Bungy and Swing add a whole new level of adrenaline. Whether you’ve got teens, younger kids, or just want an unforgettable adventure with your friends, Taupō offers something for everyone. Trust us, this is a memory-making experience you don’t want to miss!

_{AJ Hackett and Huka Falls Jet offer that unforgettable thrill to accompany any visit to Taupo, New Zealand}

We booked the Huka Falls Jet as part of an amazing package that also included the AJ Hackett Bungy Jump – the “Jump Jet Bungy Experience” – which can be done on the same day! If you’re visiting Taupō, this thrilling combo should definitely be at the top of your itinerary!

Why the Huka Falls Jet is Perfect for Families

The Huka Falls Jet is the ultimate thrill ride for families, combining heart-racing excitement with stunning natural beauty. This exhilarating jet boat adventure takes you along the Waikato River, right up to the base of the mighty Huka Falls. It’s a unique experience that not only gets your adrenaline pumping but also offers a chance to appreciate the raw beauty of Taupō’s landscape. Here’s why it’s perfect for families:

Thrills for All Ages: Whether you’ve got a teen seeking thrills or a parent looking for adventure, the Huka Falls Jet delivers excitement for everyone. Hold on tight as the boat races across the river, spinning 360 degrees and sending splashes of water into the air. Laughter and cheers are guaranteed!

Up-Close to Nature: The boat gets so close to Huka Falls that you can feel the mist on your skin and hear the thunderous roar of the water. It’s a sensory experience that brings you right into the heart of one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.

Safety First: The professional crew ensures that safety is top priority, so you can relax and enjoy the ride without worry. The experience is suitable for kids aged 5 and up, making it an adventure the whole family can enjoy together.

_{This is one experience where all in the family can enjoy its thrills!}

Highlights of the Huka Falls Jet Experience

Breathtaking Scenery: As we cruised along the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest, the stunning surroundings took our breath away. The river wound through lush greenery, its crystal-clear waters shimmering beneath a canopy of vibrant birdlife. It wasn’t just a thrill ride – it was a scenic escape that left us in awe at every turn.

Up Close to the Falls: Approaching the mighty Huka Falls, our boat slowed, allowing us to take in the stunning sight of the turquoise waters crashing over the rocky ledge. The misty spray from the falls created a refreshing burst of coolness, making it the perfect moment to pause and appreciate nature’s power.

Heart-Racing 360-Degree Spins: The skilled jet boat driver thrilled us with sharp turns and high-speed spins, sending us skimming the water at exhilarating speeds. There was nothing quite like holding on tight as the boat whipped around in 360-degree rotations—especially when the kids couldn’t stop grinning!

The Huka Falls Jet offers the perfect balance of heart-pounding adventure and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or simply wanting to take in the incredible views, it’s an experience that will leave the whole family talking for days.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate adventure combo, consider pairing the Huka Falls Jet with the nearby AJ Hackett Bungy Jump. Both attractions are within 20 minutes drive of each other.

^{The daughter waiting eagerly to get another Bungy experience at the country where Bungy was created.}

_{The Hubby getting his adrenaline fix by swinging across the beautiful emerald waters of Waikato River.}

The AJ Hackett Bungy and Swing Experience

Two years ago, during our trip to New Zealand’s South Island, the hubby and our daughter, Dana ventured to the birthplace of bungy — Queenstown — to experience the iconic Bungy Jump and Zip Ride with AJ Hackett. The adrenaline rush left them hooked from the very first jump! So, when we returned to the North Island this time, we knew we had to relive that unforgettable thrill—but this time in Taupo.

Imagine our excitement when we discovered the “Jump Jet Bungy Experience” package, which combined the best of both worlds: the heart-pounding jump and the wild Jet Boat ride, all in one incredible adventure. No need to choose between thrills—we got to enjoy them both together!

Taupo’s breathtaking scenery and pulse-racing activities made for the perfect setting to push our limits and create memories we’ll never forget.

_{Check out the heart pumping footage of the daughter’s Bungy experience!}

Dana relived the thrill of bungy jumping as she leapt from high above the Waikato River, feeling that iconic plunge and pull. Meanwhile, the hubby took on the swing from the same platform. The two experiences were wildly different but equally exhilarating. While Dana felt the sharp drop and tug of the bungy cord, the hubby experienced the rush of a freefall drop before soaring out across the top of the Waikato River, swinging wide through the air. Both were a heart-pounding mix of fear and exhilaration, offering their own unique adrenaline rush—each unforgettable in its own way.

_{The Hubs’ thrilling Swing Highlights.}

The team at AJ Hackett Taupo truly impressed us with their professionalism and friendliness. They made sure everything was safe and smooth for us, even going the extra mile to ensure our well-being. In fact, the staff requested a doctor’s memo to certify my hubby was fit for the experience, considering he had only had surgery two months prior. Their attention to detail and commitment to safety really added to our confidence and made the whole adventure even more enjoyable.

_{A special Daddy and Daughter momento after the unforgettable experience at AJ Hackett Taupo.}

Pro Tip: If you have your own GoPro or Insta360 camera, you can bring it along to capture your adventure. Just keep in mind that any risk to the camera is entirely your responsibility. Alternatively, you can opt for the photo and video package (which we highly recommend!). They expertly capture those rare, heart-stopping moments, giving you a worry-free way to preserve the experience as a truly priceless keepsake.

How to Plan Your Day in Taupo:

Morning: Kickstart your day with an adrenaline rush at the AJ Hackett Bungy Jump (and/or Swing). It’s a short but intense experience that will set the tone for a day packed with excitement.
Afternoon: Next, head to the Huka Falls Jet for an exhilarating yet scenic ride along the Waikato River. Brace yourself for sharp turns, high-speed spins, and jaw-dropping views of the stunning Huka Falls.
Evening: Wind down with a relaxing scenic cruise on Lake Taupo to admire the incredible Maori rock carvings (stay tuned for our next post for all the details!). Afterward, treat yourself to dinner at the world’s most unique McDonald’s. Then, cap off your perfect day with a family portrait at the iconic #LOVETAUPO sculpture, framed by a breathtaking sunset.

Practical Tips for Families

What to Wear: Choose comfortable clothes and shoes that you’re okay with getting wet. The Huka Falls Jet provides spray jackets, but expect a little splash—it just adds to the excitement!
Book in Advance: To ensure you get your preferred time slot, especially during peak seasons, it’s best to book online in advance. Combo packages like the “Jump Jet Bungy Experience” are especially popular, offering great savings while combining two epic experiences.
Keep the Kids Engaged: For younger children, take a moment to explain what to expect during the ride. It’ll help keep them excited and at ease during the adventure.
Capture the Memories: Bring your camera or phone to snap some photos before and after the ride. If you’d rather focus on the thrill, don’t worry—professional photos of the jet boat ride, Bungy, and Swing experiences are available for purchase, so you can relive the memories worry-free!

Booking Information

For more details and to book your tickets, visit the Huka Falls Jet website. Families looking for an all-in-one adventure should explore the “Jump Jet Bungy Experience” for an unforgettable Taupo stay!

Final Thoughts

Our family’s adventure with the Huka Falls Jet, plus the Bungy and Swing experience, was nothing short of incredible. The adrenaline rush of the activities, combined with the stunning beauty of Huka Falls and the Waikato River, made this experience one of the unforgettable highlights of our North Island journey. If you’re traveling with a teen and an older primary-school child, these thrilling experiences are a perfect way for the whole family to bond. Make sure to add them to your Taupo itinerary – it’s an experience you won’t regret!

Stay tuned for more posts in our DIY New Zealand with Kids travel series. If you’ve tried the Huka Falls Jet or have other Taupo recommendations, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Happy travels!