Taupo
Hotels
Excursions
The beautiful Lake Taupo is about the size of Singapore – more of an inland sea really.
It was created nearly two thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened the skies in Europe and China. Visit the Craters of the Moon and you'll see evidence of the lake's fiery birth in the geysers, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. At some of Lake Taupo's beaches, swimmers and paddlers can enjoy warm, geothermal water currents.
Just north of Lake Taupo you'll find New Zealand's most visited attraction, the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.
Taupo is a great lake for water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience.
Take a boat or kayak and cruise around secluded coves and beaches of Lake Taupo. Visit the intricate Maori Rock carvings at Mine Bay - they're only accessible by water.
Catch a rainbow or brown trout on Lake Taupo or go fly-fishing with a local guide on the Tongariro River.
Explore an active geothermal area of mud pools, craters and steaming vents, and soak in a geothermal hot spring.
Walk through ancient rainforest in Whirinaki and Pureora Forest Parks, or vast ancient beech forests in the rugged Kaimanawa Forest Park.
Walk the famous Tongariro Crossing or drive the 'Volcanic Loop' highway to see Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe.
Need more adventure?
Scare yourself silly with daredevil antics.
Take a jet boat (or river cruise) to the foot of Huka Falls and feel the thunder.
Bungy jump over the Waikato River.
Tandem skydive for a jet's eye view of Lake Taupo.
Mountain bike through rugged, unspoilt bush - pick up a cycling map to find the best terrain.
Rip into river fun with white water rafting, adventure kayaking or canoeing.
Dip into lake activities like windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, water-skiing and wakeboarding.
Ski on an active volcano - Mt Ruapehu is home to the Turoa and Whakapapa ski fields, the largest in New Zealand.
Need some relaxation?
Indulgence, fresh air and peace comes with the territory.
Enjoy a picnic on the shores of Lake Taupo, and a refreshing dip in the Lake's clear waters.
Capture an aerial view of the Lake, along with the mountains of Tongariro National Park from a helicopter or floatplane.
Practice your swing on one of the region's six golf courses.
Dine out at one of the many restaurants (try 'Taupo beef") or sample the seafood at a geothermal prawn farm.
Grab a map and follow the arts and crafts trail, or stroll the town's stylish shops.
Gain a fascinating insight into the customs and history of the Maori people - visit a replica Maori Village, watch cultural performances and taste a traditional hangi (feast).
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