Huka Prawn Park
Catch and cook your own giant prawns at this unique park, offering family fun, hatchery tours, and paddle boats near Taupo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Huka Prawn Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Catch and cook your own giant prawns at this unique park, offering family fun, hatchery tours, and paddle boats near Taupo.
"A truly unique and tasty experience, combining fun activities with delicious, freshly caught seafood!"
🎣 Catch & Cook Your Meal
Don't miss the chance to catch your own prawns and have them cooked fresh. It's a highlight!
💰 Look for Local Deals
Check for 'Locals Day' offers for great family discounts.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4 · 2,505 reviews
Type
Restaurant
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prawn Fishing Fun
Pond areas
Catch your own giant prawns and then have them cooked fresh! A truly unique and tasty experience.
Hatchery & Nursery Tour
Hatchery building
Discover the fascinating life cycle of prawns and see where they grow from tiny fry to dinner-sized delights.
Paddle Boat Adventures
Waterways
Enjoy a leisurely paddle around the park's waterways, offering a different perspective of the surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prawns & Playtime
Local Deals & Timing
+1 While the park is open year-round, visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can mean fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 Catch & Cook Your Meal
Don't miss the chance to catch your own prawns and have them cooked fresh. It's a highlight!
💰 Look for Local Deals
Check for 'Locals Day' offers for great family discounts.
💧 Bring Your Swim Gear
Some areas might be under construction, but it's good to be prepared for water activities.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to enjoy all the activities without rushing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Catch & Cook Your Meal
Don't miss the chance to catch your own prawns and have them cooked fresh. It's a highlight!
💰 Look for Local Deals
Check for 'Locals Day' offers for great family discounts.
💧 Bring Your Swim Gear
Some areas might be under construction, but it's good to be prepared for water activities.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to enjoy all the activities without rushing.
🍽️ Order Wisely
500g of prawns might not be enough for two; consider ordering other dishes too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique prawn fishing experience and the delicious, freshly cooked prawns. The park is praised for being family-friendly and offering good value, especially with local promotions. While some minor issues like restroom maintenance and occasional wait times are noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting friendly staff and a fun, interactive atmosphere.
"We had a lovely late lunch with my family at this bustling spot. Even though there was a long queue to order, the prawns we enjoyed were cooked to perfection and came with delicious soya sauce and sweet Thai chili sauce—an excellent portion for 3 of us with a 1 kg of prawns. My kids had picked their food from the kids' menu which looked great and we also tried the garlic bread, which was truly delightful. The staff were polite and friendly, making our experience even better. While the wait time was a bit longer and the men's restroom could use some attention, everything else left us with a fantastic first impression. Overall, we had a wonderful time dining there."
Augustine Tea
"We ordered 500g of prawns. Please be aware it is not enough for 2 people, so please order other food as well. Food was good overall and staff were friendly and professional. It was not busy when we visited, but there are plenty of seats to house loads of people."
Michael Kil
"All the staff members were friendly and attentive, which made our visit even more enjoyable. The prawns were perfectly cooked and practically melted in our mouths. The pita garlic bread was definitely a standout for me, and the salad with its well-balanced dressing was absolutely spot on."
Stace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huka Prawn Park is conveniently located just north of Taupo. It's a short drive, approximately 10-15 minutes, from the town center. You can easily reach it by car, and there is ample parking available on-site.
While public transport options directly to the park might be limited, it's best to check local bus schedules in Taupo. Many visitors opt for private vehicles or taxis for ease of access.
Absolutely! Huka Prawn Park is located near the famous Huka Falls and Huka Falls Jet. Many visitors combine these attractions for a full day of adventure.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's always recommended to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, Huka Prawn Park offers ample parking for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can vary depending on the activities you choose. A common package for two adults and one child is around $75, but it's best to check their website for current pricing and package deals.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for specific activities, to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Yes, Huka Prawn Park often has 'Locals Day' promotions offering half-price deals, which are fantastic value for families. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
General admission typically includes access to the park, the hatchery tour, and the paddle boats. Prawn fishing is usually an additional cost.
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site where you can purchase meals, including freshly cooked prawns, as well as drinks and snacks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy prawn fishing, take a tour of the prawn hatchery and nursery, go on paddle boats, and explore the park grounds.
Most visitors spend around 3-4 hours at the park to comfortably enjoy the activities and dining.
Yes, it's a very family-friendly destination with interactive activities that kids love, especially catching their own prawns.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. If you plan on participating in water activities, consider bringing swimwear and a towel.
While there are dining options available, it's generally best to check their specific policy on outside food and beverages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park's restaurant specializes in delicious, freshly cooked prawns. They also offer other dishes, including garlic bread and salads.
A 1kg portion of prawns can be a good size for 3 people and is reasonably priced. Other menu items like garlic bread and kids' meals are also available.
The menu primarily focuses on seafood, particularly prawns. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant about any non-seafood or plant-based options they might offer.
Yes, one of the highlights is having your freshly caught prawns cooked and served to you at the restaurant.
The freshly cooked prawns are the star attraction. The pita garlic bread and salads are also frequently praised by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the fun of prawn fishing, the scenic waterways with paddle boats, and the lush park surroundings. The hatchery also offers unique close-up shots.
Absolutely! Get creative with close-ups of the prawns in the ponds or on your plate.
It's essential to check the park's specific drone policy before flying. Many attractions have restrictions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful for capturing the park's natural scenery. Late afternoon can also offer lovely golden hour shots.
Look for shots of families enjoying the prawn fishing, the unique architecture of the hatchery, and the vibrant green landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit