Lake Taupo
This region is noted for it’s world famous trout fishing in NZ’s biggest lake (and the largest freshwater lake by surface area in Oceania); swimming in pristine waters, or relaxing in geo-thermal pools. It is snow skiing on a volcano or walking in native bushlands. It is visiting the mighty Huka Falls or jet boating on a raging river. It’s a great local for the whole family.
The falls are a popular tourist attraction, being close to Taupo and readily accessible from SH1, Hukafalls Jet takes tourists on a thrilling ride to within a few meters of the base of the falls in their jetboats. Located nearby is the renowned Huka Lodge one of the premier lodges of NZ.
Centrally located on SH1, Lake Taupo covers an area stretching from Orakei Korako in the north, to Tongariro National Park in the south. Here you’ll be impressed with the scenery and amazed at the holiday options available. You’ll find snow capped mountains, an enormous fresh water lake, pristine native bush, steaming thermal areas and one of the world’s only Dual World Heritage Parks.
Tourism is a major component of Taupo’s commercial sector, and the city attracts over 1.2 million visitors per year. The busiest time for the industry is the high summer season around Christmas and New Year. Situated above Acacia Bay on the northwest shore of Lake Taupo is another of NZ’s premier lodges – the Lake Taupo Lodge.
You can appreciate the awesome view of Lake Taupo and its volcanos, forests and mountains from the air in a floatplane, airplane or helicopter. The beauty of this volcanic plateau in the central north island is a spectacular landscape, in color and contours. You may choose to take to the sky for a scenic flight, hunting or fishing or be more adventurous by sky diving.
The Lake Taupo region is part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. A volcanic wonderland stretching from White Island to the Tongariro National Park. Within this area you’ll see spectacular steaming cliffs, geysers, boiling lakes, bubbling mud pools and floating rocks called pumice.
The Hidden Valley (Geothermal Site Visit)
Situated just 25-minutes north of Taupo (45-minutes south of Rotorua), nestled on the shores of Lake Ohakuri lies “ The Hidden Valley “ of Orakei Korako Geyserland and Cave
Lake Taupo is the site of the world’s largest eruption in the last 5,000 years. The results of its earth shattering creation can be seen everywhere with active volcanos, spectacular steaming cliffs, geysers, boiling lakes, bubbling mudpools and floating rocks called pumice.
Karapiti (Craters of the Moon) offers visitors a chance to walk amidst gurgling thermal pools –an other worldly domain. Other sites are the Orakei Korako Thermal Park or any one of the significant geothermal sites in the region.
Rock carvings created in Mine Bay (in Lake Taupo) in 1979 by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and John Randall. Named Ngatoroirangi after the high priest who brought volcanism to New Zealand according to Maori legend, the 10 meter (33 ft) high carving is intended to protect Lake Taupo from volcanic activities underneath.
The Lake Taupo region is famous for its land based adventure and its many forest, alpine and volcanic treks. From experiencing a real Kiwi adventure on a quad bike to walking the Tongariro Crossing there’s plenty on offer in this vibrant region. You can tramp through rainforests, hunt in the Kaimanawa Forest, climb the crater, and fish the famous streams.
A selection of these activities include:
Located in the stunning volcanic Waikato River Valley, Taupo Bungy is considered one of the world’s most spectacular bungy sites. Featuring the world’s first cantilever platform and New Zealand’s first ‘splash cam’
Discover the incredible iconic landscapes of the Central Volcanic Plateau by joining one of thesmall group hiking tours offered by Walking Legends. Four days of New Zealand’s best day walks, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake.
PureORAwalks is an informative and educational eco-cultural experience. pureORAwalks offer an insight into the spectacular scenery and historical aspects of the forests, including cultural components and track interpretation by Maori guides.
Taupo Quad or Mountain Bike adventures or Kaimanawa Heli-Biking take you into the heart of the isolated and untouched wilderness of the Kaimanawa National Park.
Rock ‘n Ropes offers a selection of unbelievable and brilliant high ropes course activities. This is a perfect solo challenge or team building activity.
Rapid Sensations is located on the doorstep of Taupo’s best mountain bike tracks. Hire a bike and head off to one of the may tracks.
Taupo Horse Treks takes riders through pine forests and Craters of the Moon thermal area.
Chris Jolly Outdoors is name long associated with the finest in NZ fly fishing, heli-fishing, hunting, guided walks and hikes.
Lake Taupo is also a stunning destination for a golfing get away. There are 6 courses of great variety within three-quarters of an hour of Taupo’s township and another hidden gem just one and a half hour’s drive away. The region’s flagship golf course is the beautiful Wairakei International Golf Course just 10 minutes from town. Or try your game at the new and challenging Kinloch Golf Course.
Lake Taupo is becoming a home for day spas and beauty treatment clinics. Taupo’s sensuous alpine air and volcanic earth elements are united in relaxation and ritual, after a day of pampering. The soothing mineral waters of spa therapy treatments and thermal water, revitalize the soul while on a busy holiday or business trip.
Taupo Hot Springs Spa
A unique well-being destination Spa and Qualmark rated iconic NZ experience. It is located in an historic natural thermal valley with hot mineral pools, warm-water playground, children’s fresh-water pools, indulgent spa treatments and therapeutic massage.
Taupo is a vibrant community with a buzzing café and restaurant scene varied nightlife and some great pubs and lounge bars. The outdoor lifestyle is second to none here with easy access to the bush, lake and mountains.
