Taupō

Overview

Located at the center of the North Island and created nearly 2,000 years ago by a large volcanic eruption, this region revolves around Lake Taupō and brings unique landscapes with various mud pools, geysers, craters, and warm geothermal water currents. Craters of the Moon, Huka Falls, Tongariro National Park, and the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay are all popular places to further explore and the area continues to be a boating and fishing paradise for its residents and visitors. 

What to Do

• Craters of the Moon: Formed in the 1950s due to geothermal activity just below the surface, now leads visitors through a series of walkways and platforms that lie at the craters edge. Sulphureous steam, hissing vents, colorful soils, and bubbling mud can all be viewed throughout this unique landscape.
• Huka Falls: One of New Zealand’s most popular natural sites, Huka Falls never disappoints. It can be found at the Waikato River, as it narrows and surges into powerful rapids. The falls become most dramatic just after a long rain or in the spring, as the snow melts.
• Tongariro National Park: Stands as New Zealand’s first national park and an UNESCO World Heritage site for its Māori cultural significance as well as its preserved natural beauty. Centered on three volcanoes, this 197,000+ acre park is a wonderous place to engage with the great outdoors and its many activities.
• Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay: These carvings were created by Māori master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell. It was his gift to Taupō and continues to greet visitors as they navigate the waters of Lake Taupō. Take a boat cruise or paddle your way over to view it up close.