Sights & Activities
Unforgettable sights
Lake Taupo – the largest freshwater lake in Australasia is 616 square kilometres in size –as big as Singapore Island.
Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaruhoe – triad of awe-inspiring volcanoes silently stand sentinel on the North Island’s high-altitude Central Plateau.
Adrenaline-rush
Jet boating – catch an exhilarating jet boat ride to the base of the Huka Falls.
Skydiving over Lake Taupo – the ultimate jump for high-altitude thrill-seekers.
Relax & Indulge
Soak in a thermal pool or mud bath – the Lake Taupo region is blessed with a variety of thermal pools, from family friendly to luxury spa.
Flightseeing – take a scenic flight or helicopter ride to gain a full appreciation of Lake Taupo’s scale and grandeur.
Top Picks
Culture
Ora, Garden of Wellbeing – the New Zealand-designed garden that won gold at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show in London has been recreated at Taupo Museum. (
www.taupomuseum.co.nz).
Road Trip
The Thermal Explorer Highway – part of the Great New Zealand Touring Route, this stunning scenic drive connects Rotorua, Taupo and Ruapehu via a series of captivating natural landscapes (
www.gnztr.co.nz).
Luxury
Huka Lodge – New Zealand’s most renowned luxury lodge, situated in a private riverside setting in Taupo (
www.hukalodge.co.nz).
Inexpensive or free
Go for a walk – take a stroll along the shores of Lake Taupo and savour the serenity.
Great for groups
Chartered lake cruise – charter a boat and take a cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo.
Culinary experiences
Huka Prawn Park – visit the world’s only geothermal prawn farm and dine in their stunning riverside restaurant (
www.hukaprawnpark.co.nz).
Exclusive dining
Edgewater at Millennium Manuels – experience award-winning waterfront dining.
Casual dining
Plateau Restaurant & Bar – New Zealand-inspired meals and Monteith’s beers.
Café
Zest Café – award-winning café serving superb food and divine coffee.
Swishy Bar
Peppers Terraces Hotel Restaurant & Bar – peruse the extensive wine and cocktail list.
Cosy pub
Finn MacCuhals Irish Pub – great for Guinness and traditional pub fare.
Shop or gallery
Kura – specialising in contemporary New Zealand art and craft, grab a stylish souvenir to take home with you.
