Taupo Regional Information

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The Taupo region offers stunning landscapes created by past volcanic upheavals. Situated in the centre of the North Island, it is one of New Zealand's fastest growing provincial regions. This is largely due to the range of outdoor activities the environment inspires, to the extent that Taupo is currently recognised as the adventure capital of the North Island. The focal point of the region is the 600 sq km Lake Taupo, which feeds into NZ's longest river, the mighty Waikato. Here the powerful outflow of the lake gives rise to the spectacular Huka Falls. Lake Taupo is the venue for a wide range of water pursuits, foremost of which is fishing. Internationally famous for its rich stocks of brown and rainbow trout, anglers arrive from all over the world to profit from excellent year round fishing conditions. Just about every boat is available for hire. All manner of watersports can be enjoyed on the lake, experience the thrill of jet boating or else take advantage of the white water rafting, windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, waterskiing and kayaking opportunities available.

For more thrills, try bungy jumping from a platform 45 metres above the Waikato River. Tandem sky diving from out of an aircraft is another exhilarating option. While you're here, you can also try 4x4, motor biking, horse trekking, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, abseiling and rock climbing. To the south of Lake Taupo lies the magnificent Tongariro National Park, home of the North Island's finest ski fields. In 1991, the park was awarded the honour of world heritage status for its natural and cultural values. The volcanoes Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro form the heart of the park, and offer an attractive backdrop to Lake Taupo.

In the centre of the North Island and 80kms south of Rotorua lies the holiday resort of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Lake Taupo is 160 metres deep and is the largest fresh water lake in the Southern Hemisphere. For this reason, a sightseeing cruise is a must. Luxurious Cruises and Fishing Charters are a great way to admire these waters. Rainbow and brown trout are in abundance and the fishing season is all-year-round. Trout fishing and swimming in the crystal clear waters are very popular among the locals and visitors alike. The Tongariro River is where you will experience a unique fly fishing adventure, for wild Rainbow and Brown Trout, famous worldwide this unique fishery is an angler's mecca. The lake itself is 2,000 years old and was born out of a huge volcanic eruption. The ash from this eruption could be seen in the sunsets as far away as Europe! In Maori legend, the chief priest of the Arawa people, Ngatoirangi, was shocked and dismayed when he saw an empty crater. Knowing that his people needed resources that the region could not provide, he plucked from the earth a large totara tree and threw it into the basin where it landed on its branches and pierced the earth. Water filtered through the holes and formed Lake Taupo. The Huka Falls are just 5 minutes from the Taupo township, where you can see the sights from a helicopter or take a hair-raising ride on the Huka Jet. Alternatively you can bungy-jump 47 metres off the cliff-tops against a scenic backdrop or take a relaxing river cruise on the crystal clear waters of the Waikato River. During the winter excellent skiing can be found on the nearby slopes of Mount Ruapehu. Whakapapa is on the northeasterly slopes of Mt. Ruapehu. It is New Zealands biggest and busiest ski area. It has a total skiable area of 400ha, it has a total of 43 runs ranging from beginner, to off piste expert. For decades, the soothing healing mineral waters and pure nature surrounding Taupo Hot Springs Spa in the Central North Island resort town of Lake Taupo have made it a 'must do' New Zealand icon tourism attraction. The healing waters from this spa are known to be very therapeutic for such ailments as stomach and intestinal disorders, arthritis, women's problems, skin irritations, rheumatism, neuralgia, and cuts & bruises. For the traveller new to the area why not take a ride on The Lake Taupo Hot Bus, a fun sightseeing shuttle that returns every hour allowing the visitor freedom to interact with New Zealand's most natural and visited attractions, whilst leaving them with a fun and memorable experience to tell others. Other activities in the area include mountain-biking, trekking, jet-boating, hunting, hot air ballooning, parasailing and white-water rafting.