Page 9 - Flipbook

Sitting at the edge of the southern hemisphere’s largest lake, Lake Taupo,
the town provides a base for visitors who love trout fishing, skiing Mount Ruapehu or exploring the local geothermal parks. There are spectacular panoramic views over the lake to the snow capped volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.
The northeast part of the lake discharges into the mighty Waikato River. The river flows over one of New Zealand’s most spectacular waterfalls, Huka Falls, and is New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction with more than 220,000 litres of water per second tumbling over the cliff face.
Visitors can dine on the lakefront on a summer’s evening or have fish and chips on the shore just like many of the locals. You’ll be spellbound by the spectacular views while watching the sun sink behind the mountains. What’s more you’ll be amazed to know that Lake Taupo is actually a huge volcano with a long history. Its last eruption occurred in 181 AD and according to Maori legend, the lake is the rhythmical heart of Maui’s fish (New Zealand’s North Island).
Taupo is a centre of volcanic and geothermal hot springs, which are suitable
for bathing. The Taupo Volcanic Zone stretches from Tongariro National Park all the way to White Island and here you’ll see spectacular steaming cliffs, geysers, boiling lakes, bubbling mud pools, floating rocks and beautiful volcanic plateaus. At some
of Lake Taupo’s beaches, swimmers and paddlers can enjoy the warm, geothermal water currents.
Taupo is also a fantastic region for year round mountain biking especially with the recent completion of the Great Lake Trail. Along with cycling, there’s also excellent hiking and golf opportunities. Other popular Taupo experiences include the prawn farm, lake cruises, a visit
to the Anarchy Boarding Park (cable wakeboarding), guided kayak expeditions and the historic rock carvings at Mine Bay.
Skiers and snowboarders flood the region in winter time, drawn to Mt Ruapehu which is New Zealand’s largest ski area. The region is also home to a number of adventure activities including sky diving, jet boating and paragliding.
It doesn’t matter what your interest is, there is certainly no end to what you can do in this stunningly beautiful region
FIRE AND ICE: Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand’s biggest ski mountain is a mecca for all snowsports. Champagne Pool in Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland is just another of Taupo’s natural wonders. Mountains that are volcanoes, filled with icy lakes and covered in snow, you don’t see that everyday.
ENDLESS VACATION 7