Get into the Zone in Taupo
Right at the heart of New Zealand's most active volcanic zone,
Lake Taupo is famous the world over for its trout fishing, but as the saying goes, there's plenty more fish to catch in this scenic lakeside resort. Stunning scenery, thermal areas wreathed in steam and a host of outdoor pursuits from quadbiking to skydiving make this one of the country's best-loved holiday destinations.
In a region that stretches from
Orakei Korako in the north, to magnificent
Tongariro National Park in the south, you'll find snow-capped mountains, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, pristine native bush, bubbling mud pools and geysers, and one of the world's only Dual World Heritage Areas. Walk the shores of
New Zealand's largest lake, take a scenic cruise or bushwalk, cast your line for a fat trout or get an adrenalin rush with a spot of extreme adventure. Whatever you decide to do, there are plenty of exciting options to get your Taupo adventure off to a flying start.
Go bush
If you're looking for something different, and above all fun, then get behind the wheel of a quadbike and head into the hills with
Taupo Quad Adventures. Challenging farm and forest trails lead through the area's beautiful native bush.
Ride the Rapids
The thunderous Huka Falls with their churning foam-capped waters are the region's scenic gem, and nothing beats a close-up view with
Huka Jet. You can also ride the surging Aratiatia rapids with
Rapids Jet, but if you prefer a 'hands-on' whitewater adventure, the Tongariro reigns supreme as one of the country's finest rafting rivers. Check out
Tongariro River Rafting and choose a trip to suit your level of bravado.
Enjoy some Watery Fun
The Taupo volcano burst into life in 186AD spewing out 33 billion tonnes of pumice and ash 50,000 metres into the air - a truly explosive bang that was even documented by Roman historians on the far side of the world. These days, the
crystal clear expanse of its crater lake is Taupo's crowning glory, and a paradise for trout fly fishers from around the globe. If you’re angling for some trout for tea, fishing guides and charters can be booked at the visitor centre in Tongariro Street. Best of all, you can have your catch cooked at a local restaurant – just call them before you arrive and they will cook and serve it in style! Scenic cruises will take you to see the Maori rock carvings and lovely Whakaipo Bay, or enjoy some of the many watersports from waterskiing to kayaking and sailboarding.
Take to the Skies
There are plenty of ways to get a bird’s-eye view of this remarkable region.
Taupo 
Bungy enjoys one of the country's most scenic locations, high above the Waikato River, or be extra daring and take a 15,000ft plunge with
Taupo Tandem Skydiving. For a more sedate experience, you can jump aboard a chopper and fly over the snow-capped volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with
Helistar.
Feel the Heat
Here's your chance to discover the awesome thermal activity that created New Zealand's largest lake. Just north of town, the walk through the eerie lunar landscape of Craters of the Moon passes by bubbling mud pools and steam vents.Here's your chance to discover the awesome thermal activity that created New Zealand's largest lake.
Wairakei Terraces, 10km to the north, has guided geothermal tours around its hot springs, fumaroles and mud pools, or view some of the world's largest silica terraces at
Orakei Korako Thermal Park. The white-rimmed pools here were once used as mirrors by local Maori.
Experience the Culture
Lake Taupo has a proud heritage built around the traditions, legends and stories of the tangata whenua
(people of the land). Local Maori host adventure tours and activities and these create a great hands-on experience for visitors, so take a walk with one of the guides and learn more about the area's rich Maori culture – visit
www.hakatrails.co.nz.
Soak in the Springs
If all this activity sounds plain exhausting, then revive yourself at the
Taupo Hot Springs. Lake Taupo's most famous thermal spa is guaranteed to soothe away all your stress.
Getting There
Air New Zealand has onward connections from Auckland and Wellington airports, or pick up your free
Jasons Central & Eastern North Island Routeplanner and
Jasons Encounter Activities Directory and
drive yourself.
Further Travel Information