Taupo, New Zealand
Taupo, New Zealand is located in the central north island on Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Australasia. Lake Taupo is in fact a volcano, which last erupted in 181AD. The size and shape of the lake has been created by a number of violent and explosive eruptions over the last 27,000 years. The whole Lake Taupo New Zealand region being part of the volcanic belt that stretches from Tongariro National Park, to Rotorua and White Island.
Geothermal attractions near Taupo
Near to Taupo, the Craters of the Moon is a Geothermal area, full of bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs; the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako is one of the best thermal areas left in the world, with spectacular silica colours; or the Wairakei Terraces, a re-creation of the famous Pink and White silica terraces, destroyed in a volcanic eruption at Rotorua.
There are a number of hot pools around Taupo, where you can soak in a private hot pool, receive a therapeutic massage or beauty treatment.
A scenic drive around Lake Taupo to Tongariro National Park, dominated by the three volcanoes of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe is well worth the time. At Turangi you could visit the National Trout Centre, and learn all about New Zealand fishing.
Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest National Park, and the fourth oldest world wide, being created in 1887. With everything from forests to lakes and volcanoes, it is a great place to explore. There are many excellent day walks throughout the park. For something a little harder, you could try the Tongariro Crossing. In winter you could ski on Mt Ruapehu at Turoa or Whakapapa, the largest ski field in New Zealand.
Lake Taupo Activities
There is so much to see and do in Taupo. You could take a Bubbly Brunch cruise on Lake Taupo and see the ancient Maori Rock carvings of the Maori People. Try catching a rainbow or brown trout on Lake Taupo, or fly fishing on one of the many streams and rivers. Guides are highly recommended, and will look after anyone from expert to beginner. You could visit the geothermal prawn farm, see how they are reared, and sample the seafood.
Need relaxation? Then sit back and relax in your own private geothermal hot pool. Stroll around the arts and crafts trail and browse the shops, maybe pick up a bargain? Taupo has many small cafes and restaurants where you can sample the local produce, or have that rainbow trout that you caught earlier on cooked!
Lake Taupo Adventure Activities
If Adventure is what you want, then Taupo has it all. For the ultimate view you could jump out of a plane over Lake Taupo on a Tandem Skydive. Take a thrilling jet boat trip to Huka Falls, or try bungy jumping over the Waikato River. You could hike or mountain bike through the rugged Pureora or Kaimanawa Forest Parks. Try horse trekking, 4WD quad bikes and rock climbing; or for those that love water sports there is white water rafting, windsurfing, water skiing and kayaking.