Taupo
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The sparkling waters of Lake Taupo frame the perfect picture for every aspect of Taupo. Larger than life, this town in the centre of the North Island is a tourist Mecca. The huge mountains of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe command centre stage at the very end of the lake and most of the eateries and many of the accommodation choices overlook a postcard setting. There is always something to do in Taupo. The events held here take up nearly every weekend of the year, especially in the summer months when the round the lake cycle race and ironman triathlon are a major attraction. The Huka Falls just out of town has one of the most amazing waterfalls in the country for sheer volume. The picturesque Waikato river which leads down to it is popular for sedate kayak tours and home to New Zealand’s highest water touch bungy jump. Just north of the Huka falls are a prawn farm, honey centre, glass blowing factory and woodcraft showroom. Jet boat rides depart regularly from the shore and take you right up to the base of the falls. Around this same area Taupo has a geothermal walkway called Karapiti (Craters of the moon). Entry is by way of donation. The wooden walkway winds its way past mud pools, lakes and geysers. A short drive to the north is the more scenic and rewarding Orakei Korako. Approach to this geothermal park is by a short boat trip across the Waikato river. The walkway is beautifully set through native bushland and takes you past mud pools, geysers, caves and vast expanses of volcanic activity.
Lake Taupo is a breeding ground for the rainbow and brown trout. Fish from this lake cannot be bought and they can only be eaten at the local restaurants if you catch them yourself. They are not the small trout you find in supermarkets back home. These wild trout have a minimum size requirement of 45cm and the average weight of 2.2kg so you will be guaranteed a fight to remember. Fishing Charters leave frequently from the Taupo Marina which is beautifully situated on the Waikato river as it resumes its journey North West. Although catches are not guaranteed, they are certainly prevalent and the boat trip on the lake is well worth it.
Taupo has a bustling township with cafes galore offering a huge variety of foods to satisfy every palate. Most food is homemade and the delicious smells from the street will lead you into eateries which have scones, savoury muffins and sandwiches ready made as fresh as can be. The Taupo eating scene is Al fresco with all areas spilling out on to the street. Many are framed by large floor to ceiling doors which can enclose the venues into cosy places heated by fires or outdoor heaters in the cooler months. Taupo’s shops are a mixture of souvenir shops, art galleries and boutiques. It is a very pretty town which is definitely geared towards the tourist.
Activities in Taupo include a swimming centre, natural mineral hot pools, 5 golf courses and a rock climbing complex. There are three separate ski fields at Tongariro National Park. Mountain biking, parasailing and white water rafting are popular and Lake Taupo can be experienced by yacht, steam boat or launch.