PRINT MODULESection Two Taupo & Ruapehu
Lake Taupo was created by a gigantic volcanic eruption in 181AD. At 616 square kilometres, it is as big as Singapore Island. Much of the activity around this region is centred on the lake.
Key selling points
- Lake Taupo: a lake the size of Singapore.
- Volcanic nature/geothermal attractions: Lake Taupo and surrounds is also part of the Volcanic Zone in central North Island.
- Year-round wild trout fishery: the lake and its adjoining rivers represent one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world.
- Tongariro National Park: Visitors can access Tongariro National Park from the Lake Taupo region.
- Adventure activities: Taupo has the enough thrills to keep visitors happy for a day - jet boating, bungy jumping and sky diving.
Key Centres
- Taupo, main town in the Lake Taupo region
- Turangi, the North Island’s trout fishing capital
Climate
Mean daily temperatures - degrees Centigrade/Fahrenheit
Taupo:
| HIGH | LOW |
| HIGH | LOW |
| HIGH | LOW |
| HIGH | LOW |
| Summer
(Dec-Feb) |
| Autumn
(Mar-May) |
| Winter
(Jun-Aug) |
| Spring
(Sep-Nov) | ||||
| 23/73 | 11/52 |
| 18/64 | 8/46 |
| 12/54 | 3/37 |
| 17/63 | 7/45 |
Getting To/From the Lake Taupo Region
Road - self drive
Driving distances and times to and from the Lake Taupo Region and Ruapehu District
|
|
Km | Miles | Approx Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland - Taupo | 278 | 173 | 4 hours 5 minutes |
| Hamilton - Taupo | 152 | 94 | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Taupo - Turangi | 52 | 32 | 1 hour |
| Taupo - Napier | 143 | 89 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Taupo - Wellington | 380 | 236 | 5 hours 10 minutes |
These times are for driving at 80 to 100 km (50 to 60 miles) per hour on open stretches, with a small allowance for traffic delays, petrol stops and refreshments.
Driving Routes
- Thermal Explorer Highway - from Taupo this visitor route runs to/from Hawke's Bay and Rotorua.
- The district's two main settlements, Taupo and Turangi, are both located on State Highway 1, which links Auckland with Wellington.
- The Western Bays Highway - from Taupo circle the lake following this highway on the western side.
- The Volcanic Loop - circles Tongariro National Park from Turangi. It's one of the most scenic highways to travel with spectacular views of the volcanoes.
- The Wairakei Park Tourist Drive - passes many of Taupo's top attractions including Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids.
Air Services
Taupo airport is the domestic airport for this region. The following airline offers domestic services to and from Taupo.
- www.airnewzealand.co.nz
- Taxi - approx $15.00 - $20.00
Airport location:
Taupo airport is located approximately 10 minutes drive from the town centre
Costs to and from airport
Airport to town centre by:
Approximate flying times between domestic destinations
|
|
Approx Flying Time |
|---|---|
| Taupo - Auckland | 55 minutes |
| Taupo - Wellington | 1 hour |
| Taupo - Christchurch via Wellington | 2 hours 15 minutes |
These are approximate flying times, including connection times, and will differ depending on the airline and type of aircraft used.
Scheduled Coach Services
Daily bus services from/to Taupo include Wellington, Rotorua, Tauranga, Hamilton, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North. Check out the website for full timetable information. Intercity Coachline Services www.intercitycoach.co.nz
Other local companies operate services to and from this region visit www.newzealand.com and click on Transport or see this region’s website www.greatlaketaupo.com.
