Taupo
The
focus of this region is Lake Taupo - New Zealand's largest lake (619 square
kilometres) and the heart of the North Island.
Lake Taupo was created by a volcanic eruption so big the sun went hazy
in China (relax, that was a few thousand years ago). Almost everywhere
you look there’s a volcano. Just a few minutes north of the Lake
at Wairakei you'll find geothermal fields, boiling mud pools and steaming
geysers.
In Taupo itself, and at the little village of Tokaanu near Turangi, there
are hot mineral springs that have been soothing weary souls for centuries.
And the prawn burgers at the world's only geothermally heated prawn farm
will blow you away.
Lake Taupo is a great vacation destination in both summer and winter.
Trout fishing is a major attraction - it’s now over 100 years since
the first trout fry were released into the lake and today it is one of
the last true wild trout fisheries in the world. Skiing and adventure
activities are other reasons to visit. And when you’re not on the
lake or up a mountain, you’ll find the Taupo town centre crammed
with cafes and interesting shops. The nearby Huka Falls area is great
for picnics and nature walks - or you could take a thrilling jet boat
ride right to the foot of the thundering water.
A few minutes south of the Lake is Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's
first national park and a World Heritage area. It was created in 1887
when its three magnificent volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe,
were gifted to the people of New Zealand by the Ngati Tuwharetoa people.
On the western side of the Lake, the Pureora Forest Park is home to such
rare creations as the shy kaka or bush parrot and the not-so-shy fluorescent
blue mushroom.
The Lake Taupo region has some of New Zealand’s finest untouched,
unspoilt, uncrowded country. Just about all of it is easy to get to.