Lake Taupo lies in the centre of the North Island and with a surface area of 616 square kilometres (238 sq mi), it is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand. Upon entering Taupo from the north you could be forgiven for thinking you had just reached the ocean. The water is stunningly blue-the mountain air fresh and unpolluted. Surrounded by stunning volcanoes, bush clad mountains and a spectacular landscape Taupo township sits nestled underneath the shelter of Mt Tauhara. The community is a buzz with cafes ,restaurants in Taupo, pubs and lounge bars which spill out onto cobbled paths. Lakeside dining is a specialty and the shopping is an eclectic mix of art galleries, craft and souvenir shops and boutiques. Taupo trout fishing is world famous. Whether you are on the lake fishing from a charter boat or on a fly fishing expedition up one of the many beautiful rivers, you are bound to come home with a 3kg plus rainbow trout. You can’t buy trout in Taupo, but you can take your catch into many of the local restaurants and they will cook it for you or you can get it smoked from one of the local butchers, what a memory!

Taupo is not short on activities. Try one of the most beautiful bungy jumps in the country, parasail, kayak to the famous Maori Rock Carvings or take a cruise out on the lake on a yacht, an old steamboat or fast launch. Explore the stunning beauty of the Lake’s secluded bays with native bush lined waters lapping up to pristine pure white pumice stone beaches.Head out to the Waikato river for some jet boat action. Visit Huka Falls, either by jet boat from below, helicopter from above, or along the tranquil riverside walk with it’s many vantage points. Visit the Huka prawn park, the honey centre and NZ woodcraft, the New Zealand timber specialists.

The Lake Taupo region is part of the Taupo volcanic zone. See spectacular steaming cliffs, geysers, boiling lakes and bubbling mud pools at Orakei Korako, one of the most natural thermal areas left in the world. Take a walk through the thermal wonderland of Karapiti (Craters of the moon), an undulating stroll through a moonscape of bubbling mud and steam vents for the cost of s donation.

Mountain biking, white water rafting and climbing are all pursuits that can be enjoyed by the visitor. There is an indoor rock wall for all weather climbing right next to the swimming pools and hot mineral spas the AC Bathes. Taupo has 5 golf courses in the area to tee off from including the world class Wairakei International Golf Course. The Taupo museum and the famous Gold medal winning Ora Garden will take you on a cultural journey of the area. Taupo’s accommodation choices extend from backpacker hostels to luxurious lodges and many of the hotels, motels and apartments are situated on the waterfront commanding magnificent views across the lake. Enjoy the therapeutic mineral thermal waters offered by many of the accommodation houses or take time out to relax at De Bretts a thermal wonderland in a natural bushland setting guaranteed to soothe away the aches and pains of your action filled day. Take a journey down to the southern end of the lake to the Tongariro National Park for an alpine adventure. Formed by the central North Island’s 3 volcanoes, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, this spectacular part of the country has sub alpine walking tracks, exquisite bush and fast flowing streams. There are 3 ski fields here including the largest in the country – Whakapapa and the highest in the country –Turoa. Ski season is late June to mid November. The drive itself is a highlight with the highway between Taupo and Turangi hugging the water’s edge for a large part with some spectacular scenery in between.

Taupo offers a range of sights and activities to suit all budgets. The scenery is spectacular and the township friendly and inviting. The outdoor lifestyle is second to none here with easy access to the bush, lake and mountains. Whether it’s a quick break or an extended vacation, Taupo has it all.

Taupo