Taupo Regional Information
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.
Taupo Overview
The focus of the Taupo 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.
Lake Taupo, Taupo
Photographer: Chris McLennan
(www.cmphoto.co.nz)
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 Taupo
Useful Taupo Links
To help plan your Taupo holiday choose from the main categories below:
- Taupo Accommodation
- Taupo Tours
- Taupo Attractions and Activities
- Taupo Transport
- Taupo Cuisine and Dining
- Taupo Shopping
- Taupo Visitor Information
Taupo Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Taupo region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Taupo region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Taupo region.
History
History of the Taupo region.
Taupo Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Taupo.
