Most visitors to Taupō never see this side of the lake. Hidden along the remote Western Bays are towering cliffs, secluded beaches, and waterfalls that plunge straight into the water, with many of them only accessible by boat.

Venture Beyond (previously known as Taxicat) takes you there from the stunning Kinloch area, with small-group water taxi tours that feel more like a day out with mates than a typical sightseeing trip. Cruising beneath dramatic volcanic cliffs, getting up close to hidden waterfalls, and exploring bays that most visitors don't even know exist is a pretty epic way to experience Lake Taupō.

What we love most is how personal the experience feels. The local skippers are full of stories and local knowledge, and before long they feel more like old friends than tour guides. You get to see a side of Taupō that feels wild, untouched, and far away from the crowds. We also loved spending time around Kinloch itself, a place we'd somehow overlooked despite visiting the Taupō region so many times over the years.

They're also a huge part of the local biking scene, offering bike and rider transport for some of the area's best trails, including sections of the famous Great Lake Trails. It makes exploring the trails ridiculously easy, with all the transport sorted so you can just enjoy the ride, the views, and the adventure.

If you're looking for something a bit different from the usual Taupō attractions, this is an awesome way to get off the beaten track and discover one of the lake's most spectacular hidden corners. 🚤🌿🚴‍♂️

A big shout out to Ian & Jill (the owners) for such an awesome day out!

Contact:

Website: www.venturebeyond.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/venturebeyond.nz
Instagram: www.instagram.com/venturebeyondnz/

Reviews:

'Long time Taupō locals, this was our first trip across to the Western Bays and it did not disappoint, even on a cloudy winters day! Ian was so knowledgeable, giving information we hadn't heard before, and took us for a little bush walk up to the top of the waterfalls while we waited for some bikers. Highly recommend for cyclists on the trails, as well as locals wanting to see something new and beautiful! Shame it was a little too cold to jump in!!' - Kathryn, Google Reviews

'Excellent service from Ian; picked up six riders after riding the Waihaha Trail. On time, great boat for transporting six bikes. He served coffee and Tim Tams and took us on a brief tour of nearby waterfalls. Highly recommended.' - Simon, Trip Advisor

'Oh wow, what an incredible experience we had out at the Western Bays on the lake. We are locals and really enjoyed seeing a side of the lake we don't usually see. Ian is a gracious host and shared some great local tidbits of info on the journey. The boat is very comfortable and the views amazing. Can't wait to rebook for a longer trip. Fabulous outing for locals and visitors alike. Crystal waters, waterfall visits on the boat, and after a short walk in the bush. Not to mention the private beaches. Just magic! Thanks Ian. The family loved it.' - Suz, Google Reviews