The Great Lake Taupo Region is found in the heart of North Island, New Zealand. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and home Australasia’s largest freshwater lake. The Great Taupo Lake Region is billed as “Nature’s Ultimate Playground” and offers many opportunities for outdoor adventure.
About Great lake Taupo Region
The Great Lake Taupo Region has many diverse ecosystems from volcanic landscapes, geothermal springs, mountains, crater lake, coastline, and World Heritage National Park which is home to Tongariro National Park.
The region was formed in 186AD after a series of volcanic eruptions, the most violent the world has ever seen, spewed lave, ash, rock and pumice that spanned 30,000 square kilometers and sank tens of meters deep in many areas. The dense forests that covered New Zealand in this area were decimated and a crater formed by the eruption turned into Lake Taupo.
The volcano under Lake Taupo is still active and swimmers can feel the rise and fall of temperatures in pockets of water. Lake Taupo currently sits 359m above sea level and span 616 square km. The deepest parts of the lake are 159m.
The Maori were the first people to populate North Island and the Lake Taupo area. Early Maori settlers came to New Zealand in during The Great Migration, sailing from an Island in the Polynesian Islands called Hawaiki to the North Island. The Ngati Tuwharetoa were the first tribe to dominate the area.
The town of Taupo was established in 1869 and used as an Armed Constabulary post during the New Zealand Wars. The town began to flourish in the 1950’s when electric services were brought to the area and farming began to flourish. Geothermal power stations and hydroelectric schemes have now been added to the island.
This North Island region of New Zealand is popular all year for tourism and adventure. Great Lake Taupo Region is home to the most top New Zealand tourist attractions including the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand—Huka falls. There are also townships such as Taupo, Mangakino, and Turangi which also offer many activities and accommodations for visitors and families.
Towns of Great Lake Taupo Region
There are three major towns that make up North Island Great Lake Taupo Region.
Taupo- Taupo is a resort town and the central hub of North Island. Commuting from any major center in North Island to Taupo is easy and common. This metropolitan city has dozens of options for accommodations, dining, galleries, shopping, spas, and adventure activities.
Turangi-For a more intimate and relaxing visit to the Great Lake Taupo Region, Turangi is a smaller town known for trout fishing. Anglers come to Turangi to stay in the renowned fishing lodges and the drive from Taupo to Turangi is especially scenic.
Mangakino- Comprised of country villages and tranquil Lake Maraetai, Mangakino offer quiet trout fishing in a pastoral setting surrounded by ancient forest.
Attractions in Great Lake Taupo
Great Lake Taupo region is defined by its access to many different outdoor adventures. Nature lovers flock to Great Lake Taupo from all over the world for its resorts, fishing, and outdoor adventures for families and independent visitors. No matter what time of year you visit, there are many activities to keep visitors busy.
Lava Glass Sculpture Garden- One of the newest attractions at Lake Taupo is the Lava Glass Sculpture Garden featuring 500 sculptures all made from lava glass, spread out over an acre. Boardwalks are available to guide visitors around the ponds and fields made of glass flowers.
Adrift Tongariro Guiding- You do not have to be afraid to hike the ancient forests of Tongariro alone. Guides are available to help hikers navigate the National Park while educating on the history of the area and local legend.
Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park- Heralded as the best thermal park left in New Zealand by Lonely Planet, this park is found between Taupo and Rotorua along the Waikato River. The caves are reachable by ferry and the thermal park is open every day of the year.
Canoe and Kayak Taupo- Guided canoe and kayaking tours of Lake Taupo are available that allow an up close and personal view of the Maori Rock Carvings.
Rafting New Zealand- Spend half of a day rafting on the best adventure in New Zealand on Lake Taupo. Explore hidden waterfall with optional jumping, raft through a volcanic gorge and enjoy snacks and hot chocolate.
Real Kiwi Tours Limited- Small group tours for 2-6 people that are guided by local Kiwis. Tours are 3-8 hours long and can go as far as The Hobbit Movie Set, cave explorations and river cruises.
Sail Barbary to the Carvings- Take a relaxing sailboat ride to the Maori Rock Carvings on classic white sailing yachts.
Huka Falls River Cruise- Huka Falls is the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand and Huka Falls River Cruise is the only way to visit by chartered boat. The thundering waterfalls plummet 11 meters turning more than 220,000 liters per second.
Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings- One of the most extraordinary art works in New Zealand is found in Mine Bay, lake Taupo. The Maori Rock Carvings tower 14 meters above the lake water and are one of the most popular attractions in all of New Zealand. The carvings were completed in 1980 and took four years to complete.
New Zealand’s Highest Café- Visit the Knoll Ridge Café to eat at the highest café in New Zealand. Located at Whakapapa Ski Area, the café is only accessible by ski lift and sits 2020m above sea level.
Great Lake Walkway- Also called Lions Walk, The Great Lake Walkway is the most popular trail at Lake Taupo and spans 10km. Suitable for walking for cycling, the track is paved and family friendly. The trail begins at Five Mile Bay with views of Tongariro National Park, Lake Taupo, and passes many options for dining and hotels.
Taupo Tandem Skydiving- Fly 15,000 feet above Lake Taupo and New Zealand’s mountains and jump from a plane to tandem skydive. There’s no better views of Tongariro National Park than from the air.
Trout Fishing- Trout fishing brings anglers from all over the world to New Zealand. Lake Taupo and the tributary rivers are known for their impressive fishing and offer boat tours and private fishing. Thousands of rainbow trout leave Lake Taupo annually and spawn in the Tongariro River. The Tongariro National Trout Centre is located in Turangi.
Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park
Hot Pools- mineral hot pools warmed through geothermal heating can be found throughout The Great Lake Taupo area. Most hot pools are in conjunction with a spa or theme park. One public pool is open in Mangakino during summer months.
Accommodations at Great Lake Taupo
There are many different options for accommodations at Great Lake Taupo. Hotels, motels, timeshare, apartments, Bed and Breakfasts, boutique hotels, Inns, hostels, holiday parks, and campgrounds are all available. Popular choices include:
- Suncourt Hotel and Conference Centre
- Millennium Hotel and Resorts Manuels Taupo
- Great Lake Holiday Park
- Rainbow Lodge Backpackers Retreat (hostel)
- Haka Lodge Taupo (hostel)
Shopping and Dining
Great Lake Taupo is known for it’s unique blend of culture and innovation. Boutique shops, art galleries, locally made crafts, and gourmet dining, dot the streets of towns in the Great Lake Taupo Region.
Taupo Markets- Every Saturday local vendor set up their booths for a market celebrating the local produce, arts, and crafts. Occasional markets are also known to pop up with locals and visitors alike flocking to The North Domain. Art in the Park is also set up during this time as a local artist exhibition.
Special Events
Great Lake Taupo is known as the events capital of New Zealand, which also helps tourism. There is always something going on for vacationers and locals to enjoy. There are dozens of events that are held here annually from arts to sports, theater, concerts, and community expos. Some of the events that occur every year are:
- Taupo Winter Festival
- Graffiato Taupo Street Art Festival
- Cycle Challenge
- Taupo Summer Concert
- Across the Lake Swim
- Great Lake Relay
- Ironman NZ
Other popular festivals in lake Taupo include food showcases that generally last for a day or weekend and celebrate food from all over the world including China, New Orleans Louisiana, Portugal and more. There are also often carnivals, family events, free concerts, movies in the park, plays and musicals, and motorsports.
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