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Taupo - Activity Highlights

Taupo | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

A great lake and an even greater choice of adventures in Taupo. The powerful beauty of the volcanic landscape provides a dramatic backdrop to everything you do.

Featured Tourism Operators in Taupo

Taupo Activity Highlights Overview

The focus of this region is Lake Taupo—New Zealand's largest lake (619 square kilometres) and the heart of the North Island.

Lake Taupo was created by a volcanic eruption so big the sun went hazy in China (relax, that was a few thousand years ago). Almost everywhere you look there's a volcano. Just a few minutes north of the Lake at Wairakei you'll find geothermal fields, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers.

In Taupo itself, and at the little village of Tokaanu near Turangi, there are hot mineral springs that have been soothing weary souls for centuries. And the prawn burgers at the world's only geothermally heated prawn farm will blow you away.

Taupo Highlights

Lake Taupo is a great vacation destination in both summer and winter. Trout fishing is a major attraction—it's now over 100 years since the first trout fry were released into the lake and today it is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world.

Skiing and adventure activities are other reasons to visit. And when you're not on the lake or up a mountain, you'll find the Taupo town centre crammed with cafes and interesting shops. The nearby Huka Falls area is great for picnics and nature walks—or you could take a thrilling jet boat ride right to the foot of the thundering water.

A few minutes south of the Lake is Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's first national park and a World Heritage area. It was created in 1887 when its three magnificent volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, were gifted to the people of New Zealand by the Ngati Tuwharetoa people.

On the western side of the Lake, the Pureora Forest Park is home to such rare creations as the shy kaka or bush parrot and the not-so-shy fluorescent blue mushroom.

The Lake Taupo region has some of New Zealand's finest untouched, unspoilt, uncrowded country. Just about all of it is easy to get to.

Main Centres in the Taupo Region and Ruapehu District

• Taupo - main centre in the Lake Taupo region
• Turangi - the North Island's trout fishing capital

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To help plan your Taupo holiday choose from the main categories below:

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Qualmark

For your perfect New Zealand holiday, make sure you look for accommodation and experiences which carry the Qualmark. (more)