New Zealand · City Guide
Taupō
Taupō is a beautiful lake town at the heart of the North Island, set on the shores of Lake Taupō — New Zealand's largest lake formed by a supervolcanic eruption — and providing outstanding trout fishing, excellent adventure activities, the spectacular Huka Falls and easy access to the active volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park. A popular year-round destination for both domestic and international visitors, Taupō combines natural beauty with a good range of accommodation and activities.
Explore Taupō →Elect's take
"Taupō has a natural drama and a quality of outdoor activity that I find very appealing. The lake is extraordinary, Huka Falls is spectacular and the proximity to Tongariro National Park with its famous Alpine Crossing makes it one of the best activity bases in New Zealand."
Lake Taupō was formed by one of the world's largest supervolcanic eruptions approximately 26,000 years ago and at 616 square kilometres is the size of Singapore. The trout fishing here is legendary, with brown and rainbow trout of exceptional size accessible from the lake and rivers. Huka Falls, where the Waikato River narrows and plunges through a volcanic gorge, is one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand — an extraordinary volume of turquoise water in a spectacular setting. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world's great one-day hikes, is approximately 90 minutes from Taupō. Skydiving over Lake Taupō and surrounding volcanic peaks provides extraordinary views.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Lake Taupō
New Zealand's largest lake formed by a supervolcanic eruption with outstanding scenery.
Huka Falls
An extraordinary volume of turquoise water plunging through a volcanic gorge.
Trout Fishing
World class brown and rainbow trout fishing in the lake and surrounding rivers.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
One of the world's great one-day hikes through active volcanic landscapes 90 minutes away.
Skydiving
Extraordinary skydiving views over Lake Taupō and the surrounding volcanic peaks.
Volcanic Landscape
Outstanding geothermal and volcanic scenery across the central North Island.