Taupo

Where is it?

The town of Taupo sits on the north eastern shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. About 50 miles south of Rotorua, Taupo is smack in the middle of North Island. The lake was formed by a massive volcanic eruption 2000 years ago. The area is still volcanically active today.

What’s it like?

Taupo has grown very slowly to become the town it has. Originally, it was at the heart of a thriving Maori community but that all began to crumble in the 1860’s. During the Maori wars, a military presence was established at Taupo. Members of this force formed the basis of European settlement on disbanding at the end of the war. Even so, it was only in the late 1940’s that real development began. Improvements in infrastructure meant that access became easier from Auckland and Wellington. The tourists began to arrive drawn by the lake and the scenery. Now Taupo is a lively place and there is loads to do both in the town and in the breathtaking scenery around it.

What to see and what to do.

If you are an active type then Taupo is the place for you. Everything is on offer, from golf to white water rafting from walking to mountain boarding. Inevitably, you can bungee jump here but the real specialities are the skydiving and the fishing.
Thanks to a handful of eggs imported from the States a hundred years ago Taupo has an international reputation as a trout fisherman’s heaven. Numerous companies run boats on the Lake and the surrounding rivers in search of these monsters.
Away from the lake you can visit the Taupo Hot Springs for a mineral bath or for more of the same go to Spa Thermal Park. To the north of the town, there are yet more thermal wonders.
Visit the Craters of the Moon, it smells of rotten eggs and is a man made phenomenon. It came to life in the 1950’s caused by the local power station changing underground water levels thus leading to more steam and more bubbling, belching mud. A very curious place. If you are into things tectonic then a trip to the Volcanic Activity Centre is for you, an informative museum that mixes the heavyweight info with great graphics and an earthquake simulator.
A trip from the lake up the Waikato River takes the visitor past some spectacular falls and rapids.

Eating, drinking and sleeping.

There is choice in all areas but make sure to book accommodation in advance if you are planning a high season visit. Many of the best restaurants are situated with lake views. As a resort town the nightlife is always lively especially during that post Christmas hot spot.