The Great Lake Taupo region is undoubtedly one of the world’s most unique and picturesque areas. Flanked by stunning snow-capped volcanic mountain ranges, national parks, native forests, steaming thermal areas and pristine waters, it is no wonder that the Great Lake Taupo region is 'Nature's Ultimate Playground'.
The beautiful and charming townships of Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino and the dual World Heritage Site of the Tongariro National Park offer visitors plenty of attractions and activities to satisfy all tastes while providing a backdrop worthy of any postcard.
This popular tourist destination boasts the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, and its mountains are internationally renowned. They form part of the dual World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park, and Mt Ngauruhoe featured as the ominous Mount Doom in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.
One of the most popular activities in the Tongariro National Park is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, rated as ‘the best one day trek in New Zealand’ and listed by many as one of the 'top 10 day treks in the world'.
In the winter, the region becomes a winter playground with visitors heading up to the 3 ski fields on Mt Ruapehu, which incidentally hosts the largest commercial ski field as well as the highest café in New Zealand.
When in Taupo, make sure you visit the Huka Falls, a thundering 11 meter high waterfall which is the most visited and photographed natural attraction in New Zealand. The sheer volume of water flowing through the rock face of the mighty Waikato River amounts to 220,000 liters per second; enough to fill one Olympic sized swimming pool in 11 seconds!
Another must-do when in Taupo is to visit the impressive 10 meters high Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. The carvings may look like the remains of an ancient Maori village but were in fact created in the late 70s by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell as a gift to Taupo. The Maori Rock Carvings are only accessible by water by taking a relaxing scenic cruise across the lake or get up close and personal on a kayaking tour.
With such a big body of water, the Great Lake Taupo region naturally attracts anglers, boaties and enthusiasts of any water-based activity. World-class trout fishing, scenic cruises, kayaking, sailing, white water rafting, wakeboarding and summer time swimming are all popular with locals and visitors alike.
Visit www.GreatLakeTaupo.com for more information.