Situated in the volcanic heart of the North Island, the Lake Taupo region is home to New Zealand's largest fresh water lake, fascinating geothermal areas and the famous Huka Falls.
Situated in the volcanic heart of the North Island, the Lake Taupo region is home to New Zealand's largest fresh water lake, fascinating geothermal areas and the famous Huka Falls.
Population: 31,500 | Area: 6,970 km2 | Lake Area: 616 km2
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
A great lake for adventure
Visitors come for the scenery and action-packed adventure, which are accompanied by a genuinely friendly local culture. The lakeside community is alive with great places to eat, drink and party.
Trout fishing should be on your menu of things to do, because this region is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world. Local guides will soon get you hooked, and there are plenty of restaurants happy to cook your catch.
Lake Taupo's geothermal attractions include geysers, steaming craters, boiling mud pools and some of the largest silica terraces in the world. Other special experiences include the walk to Huka Falls, a game of golf at Wairakei and kayaking to the Maori carvings at Mine Bay.
Key Features
Australasia's largest lake Lake Taupo was created by a gigantic volcanic eruption in 181AD. At 616 square kilometres, it is as big as Singapore Island. The lake's attractive pumice sand beaches give it the appearance of an inland ocean.
An intriguing geothermal landscape
Over thousands of years, volcanic action has created a landscape of simmering craters, boiling mud pools, fumaroles and steam vents. Maori mythology is richly interwoven with the geothermal features of the region.
Year-round trout fishing
Rainbow and brown trout were liberated in Lake Taupo more than 100 years ago. Open for fishing 12 months a year, the lake and its adjoining rivers represent one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world.
Key Tips
Lake Taupo township is located on State Highway 1, midway between Auckland and Wellington.
Lake Taupo's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the attractions of the Central North Island.
Be adventurous - Lake Taupo has the largest tandem skydiving drop zone in the world, and other thrills abound.
Bring your walking shoes and explore geothermal areas, mountains and forests steeped in Maori folklore.
Related Links
www.newzealand.com Pages
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New Zealand Food and Wine Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
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New Zealand's Volcanoes The eruption of Taupo volcano about 200 AD was considered the world’s largest in 7000 years, blowing a hole in the middle of the North Island as big as Singapore.
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Lake Taupo Water activities take place in the lake all year round, including water-skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, fishing, cruising, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.
Take a flying leap in Lake Taupo. Sky diving is a great way to view the landscape.
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
In spring the gardens display a kaleidoscope of colours, the lake sparkles and travellers relax at al fresco lakeside and town cafés.
Native trees are blooming. The kowhai is the first to flower – its bright yellow flowers attract native nectar feeders, such as tuis and bellbirds. There’s still a mantle of snow on Mount Ruapehu and spring is often the best time to enjoy sunny days whooshing down uncrowded slopes.
The average temperature in spring is 16°C.
