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| Waikato, North Island, New Zealand |
The busy resort town of Taupo is the main centre of the Lake Taupo area which is one of New Zealand’s major tourist destinations attracting approximately 750,000 visitors per year. The area has been settled for centuries by the local Maori who were attracted here for the thermal springs, which today attract visitors from all corners of the world who are fascinated by the local geothermal activity such as steaming cliffs, bubbling mud pools, hot geysers and thermal mineral waters. This region is known for its exceptional natural beauty of unspoilt, untouched and uncrowded countryside that is comprised of lake, forest and mountain scenery which has helped the area to grow and develop into a busy tourist destination. Taupo is also known for its close proximity to the settlement of Turangi, which is recognised as New Zealand’s trout fishing capital and is located at the southern tip of Lake Taupo.
Located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Taupo as its waters surge into the Waikato River, Taupo lies in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island and is surrounded by a beautiful and diverse landscape, a result of the mass of volcanic activity which once occurred in this area. Considered to be the site of the world’s largest volcanic eruption in the last 5,000 years, Lake Taupo lies within a giant caldera which was created following a huge volcanic eruption. The area around the lake still shows signs of volcanic activity as can be seen through the thermal activity at Taupo Hot Springs Spa, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley and the Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk, and the Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park.
Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake and is the main focus of Taupo which is home to an estimated 22,000 residents. Taupo is the main tourist, commercial and administrative centre of the Lake Taupo region and is a busy holiday destination with bustling cafes and restaurants, a variety of retail outlets, galleries, a museum and a large range of accommodation options. The town is also heralded as one of the events capitals of New Zealand and offers a busy calendar of activities from the International Ironman Competition, the ‘Wattyl’ Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, the Oxfam Trailwalker to the Odyssey Three Day Mountain Bike Race, to name a few.
The township is a popular all-year holiday destination and offers a wide range of activities, adventures and scenic opportunities. Outdoor activities range from canoeing, rafting, tramping, skydiving, jet boating, swimming, trout fishing, bungy jumping, mountain biking and lazing in a hot thermal pool. For sightseers Taupo offers easy access to the breathtaking fury of the popular Huka Falls, the wildlife sanctuaries of the Pureora and the Kaimanawa Forest Parks, and the awesome serenity of the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park, which is known particularly for its important Maori cultural and spiritual associations. Today the 77,500 hectares of Tongariro National Park are listed as a U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Area and includes the three volcanic mountains of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe and its surrounding pristine wilderness. The park is home to the well known Tongariro Crossing, a hiking trail which is regarded as New Zealand’s best one day walk, the Tongariro Northern Circuit which is one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, and one of the only ski fields in the world where it is possible to ski on the slopes of an active volcano.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Lake Taupo Lodge
Taupo
 |  Lake Taupo Lodge is situated above the beautiful Acacia Bay on the western shores of the lake, set within park-like gardens. This secluded lodge has 6 grand suites with an innovative architectural design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright that frames the view of the lake and the mountains. The focus is ... |
Huka Lodge
Taupo
 |  Huka Lodge was founded in the 1920s, and is considered to be the iconic New Zealand retreat. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Huka Lodge suits the most discerning of travellers. It is without doubt a beautiful place to stay both in the position on the banks of the Waikato River and in ... |
Miro's Motel
Taupo
|  Miro's Motel is perfectly positioned to give you easy access to Taupo's lakefront, shopping, restaurants, cafes and nightlife. Miro's is stylish and contemporary and offers comfort and tranquility to make your stay all the more enjoyable. The Staff are friendly and efficient and give that level of... |
Bayview Wairakei Resort
Taupo
|  The Wairakei Resort is located about 10 minutes drive north of Taupo, and offers good accommodation with excellent indoor and outdoor leisure facilities. The hotel is located in the Wairakei Thermal Valley and has two outdoor geothermally heated swimming pools and six spa pools. There is a conferen... |
Hilton Lake Taupo
Taupo
 |  The elegant Hilton Lake Taupo hotel is located on the Napier-Taupo Highway, just minutes by car from the town centre and 15 minutes from Taupo airport and features sweeping views over the largest lake in New Zealand and Tongariro National Park.
The original Terraces Hotel, built in 1889, forms the... |
Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo
Taupo
|  Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo is situated right on the foreshore of the world-famous Lake Taupo, renowned for its scenery and fabulous fishing. the hotel has unsurpassed views of the lake and the majestic mountains of the Central Plateau. The hotel is just minutes away from the townshi... |
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Trekking
Rotorua |  The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track passes over varied and spectacular volcanic terrain. In the presence of active volcanoes you can experience some of Tongariro National Park's special gifts. A cold mountain spring, lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and magnificent... |
Tandem Bungy Jump
Bungy Jump and/or Swing
Taupo | Always wondered what it would be like to jump of a cliff with a rubber band tied to your legs? This is your chance to do the most popular Bungy Jump over water in the North Island. Not quite brave enough to go alone or do you reckon it is even more fun jumping together? Try their wicked Tandem Jump... |
Solo Bungy Jump
Bungy Jump and/or Swing
Taupo |  Always wondered what it would be like to jump off a cliff with a rubber band tied to your legs? This is your chance to do the most popular Bungy Jump over water in New Zealand’s North Island! Book a Solo Jump and experience this huge thrill. Wet or dry… this is a massive adrenalin rush!
When you g... |
Tongariro Rafting - Grade 3
White Water Rafting
Taupo |  Tackle Tongariro River’s 65 rapids for an exciting rafting experience that you'll remember for only the very best reasons! The Tongariro rapids are fun without being too terrifying, making this a great trip for everyone. No experience necessary.
Enjoy this beautifully scenic river with its world-r... |
Hukafalls Jet Boat Trip
Boating
Taupo |  Jet Boating is an amazing experience and one of the rides of your life. Hukafalls Jet boating is no exception. The exhilarating power of the jet boats, the 360 degree spins
travelling at 80 kilometres an hour as you slide past cliffs and trees all add up to a thrilling ridel. The maneuverabilit... |
Rapids Jet
Boating
Taupo |  Set in the beautiful Aratiatia Scenic Reserve is New Zealand 's best white water Jet Boat ride. Rapids Jet boats the biggest rapids for commercial Jet Boating in New Zealand and makes it look easy. Shoot through narrow canyons, be exhilarated by the spin on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and sur... |
Rock 'n Ropes - Half Day Adventure 1
Aerial
Taupo |  A Half Day at Rock‘n Ropes is by far the most popular option they have available. It is rated as one of New Zealand’s top adventure activities and involves a progression of six, sometimes seven exhilarating High Ropes Course activities. Don’t worry if you are not sure of your level of fitness or eve... |
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New Zealand Encounter
18 days |  This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the n... |
Royal Tourer
18 days |  This tour certainly does tick all the boxes for seeing the most well-known attractions in New Zealand and with five two night stays it is more relaxed than other tours. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands, Rotorua to Wellington taking in the geothermal area, the Waitomo Glow-worm caves and the Wait... |
Northern Discovery
8 days |  This is a good introduction to the North Island of New Zealand and with two, two night stays you won't feel that you are rushing! Auckland is 'the city of sails' and there is much to see and do here, wander around the harbour and sample some fine seafood or visit the Sky Tower and see it from high ... |
New Zealand Experience
14 days |  This fourteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights and attractions here. After arriving and spending your first night in Christchurch you travel across the Southern Alps to the West Coast and visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki before heading to Fox G... |
New Zealand Phenomenon
13 days |  Discover the key attractions of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand over an unforgettable thirteen days. From the moment you arrive in the 'city of sails' to your departure from Christchurch, this tour is sure to impress. From Auckland you travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two ... |
Northern Highlights
8 days |  This is a good introduction to the Northern Island of New Zealand and with two, two night stays you won't be feeling rushed. Firstly to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand and what a delightful city. A sightseeing tour will show you the major attractions and the panoramic view from Mt. Vic... |
New Zealand Adventure
18 days |  This 18 day tour of New Zealand is an excellent way to see the major attractions and sights in this wonderful country. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands for two nights where you will have the opportunity to cruise to Cape Brett and the 'Hole in the Rock' as well as some free time to sail or sea-k... |
Great New Zealand Experience
18 days | This tour is a shorter version of the 21 day tour of the same name and travellers will arrive in Auckland and travel straight up to the beautiful Bay of Islands where you will be delighted with a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock' weather permitting. From there back to Auckland ... |
Ultimate New Zealand
26 days |  This tour is well named the 'Ultimate Tour of New Zealand' and it will suit those people who want to see all the major sights in comfort and style. With two night and three night stays guests will not feel so rushed and there are also plenty of free choices as well as included highlights. From Auc... |
Northern Experience
8 days |  After you arrive in Wellington you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of this lovely city, including Mount Victoria and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Te Papa is amazing and well worth the experience, there is time to see the magnificent contemporary Marae (meeting house) and explore interact... |
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