Lake Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. It was created from a huge volcanic eruption in 186AD which blew a 660 square kilometre hole in the earth. The Taupo area is part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone which stretches from White Island to the Tongariro National Park. Taupo is well known as a holiday destination and the lake and its surrounding environment offer a wide range of adventure activities, family fun, and cultural attractions. Or come and stay in our camping sites or accommodation at the Great Lake Holiday Park and just take a relaxing break amidst breathtaking lake, bush and mountain scenery, enjoy one of many walks in the area, and sample cuisine from our wonderful selection of cafes, bars and restaurants.
The home of rainbow and brown trout, Lake Taupo is world famous as a trout fishing attraction. There are wonderful opportunities for the independent fisherman, or our reception at the Great Lake Taupo Holiday Park can arrange a trip with one of the local charter boats or fishing guides which include provision of your fishing license and equipment.
The minimum legal size for any species in Lake Taupo and its tributary streams and rivers is 45cm. The bag limit per fishing license is 3 trout, irrespective of species, taken during the legal fishing hours of 5am to 12 midnight. These requirements are set by our Department of Conservation to assist with the sustainability of the trout population.
Trout is not available to buy in food stores and will not appear on any restaurant menu. Most restaurants will be more than happy to prepare a trout that you have caught yourself.
Taupo is also famous for its thundering Huka Falls just a few minutes north of the town. The Waikato River which can be up to 100 metres wide, narrows into a canyon only 15 metres wide. The water at the Huka Falls is forced through the canyon at about 220,000 litres per second creating spectacular falls. A viewing bridge crosses the river just above the Huka Falls, and there are several viewing platforms.
Or view the Huka Falls from below courtesy of a jet boat company or river cruise.
Take the family to visit the Aratiatia rapids where water is released through the dam several times daily by the hydroelectric power station.
Drive just 25 minutes north of Taupo to reach the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. A ferry takes you across Lake Ohakuri to a world of gushing geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs, silica terraces and a rare geothermal cave.
For a local cultural experience, visit Wairakei Terraces just north of Taupo. View the manmade silica terraces and experience a traditional welcome and challenge, a living Maori village, traditionally cooked hangi, and cultural performance.
Our Taupo Museum and Art Gallery is now the permanent home of the living exhibit the New Zealand Ora – Garden of Well-being as well as offering static displays of Taupo history, an excellent audio visual, a carved Maori meeting house, and exhibitions by local and regional artists.
Taupo also has a variety of art galleries and studios including Lava Glass where you can view the amazing art of glass blowing.
Indoor and outdoor thermal swimming complex with large swimming pools, private hot pools, hydro slides, cafe and barbeque area.
Visit the Honey Hive for a wide range of local and New Zealand honey products and view a live bee hive.
Fish for your own prawn or just dine in the restaurant.
Experience some of our local volcanic features through interactive displays and audio visuals at the Volcanic Activity Centre, or a geothermal walk around the Craters of the Moon.
Kids will enjoy the the indoor climbing wall at the Taupo Events Centre, skateboarding, mini golf on the lake front, or ride on the Lion express train at the domain which also has a large playground.
Details on these and more is available in our reception area.
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