Located in the Northern island of New Zealand is the geological hotspot of Lake Taupo, which is unique for its hot springs and for its array of adventures. The area is an outdoor playground filled with a luscious naturist background, it attracts visitors from around the world and is an especially popular destination for backpackers. With countless things to do, both the lake and the surrounding town of Taupo welcomes visitors to enjoy its beauty.

There is a rich geological history behind the area of Taupo, which begins with a super volcanic eruption that accrued approximately 26,000 years ago. Since then the volcano has erupted 28 times and formed a caldera, which eventually filled with water. Now the volcano is considered to be dormant and considered to be the reason for the hot springs along the shore of Lake Taupo.

The lake is a starting point for many adventures and visitors are able to enjoy a wide variety of activities while being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. As a hub for water sports such as water-skiing, sailing, kayaking, boating, and swimming it is a relaxing place to enjoy and is especially popular because of its warm geothermal water currents. Surrounding the large body of water there are many hiking and mountain biking trails to explore. However, the area encompassing Lake Taupo is home to some very unique features of Craters of the Moon, the Maori rock carvings, the natural hot pools, and the Huka Falls. In the 1950s the northern part of Taupo began to become hot and produce steam, from the surge of heat coming from below the surface of the ground created a geothermal phenomena of boiling mud craters. Craters of the Moon is such a unique site to see, which draws many visitors who stroll along the wooden walkways to marvel at the steam pockets. There are many viewing platforms on the edge of craters that overlook the fiery core as clouds of steam swirl around, which acts as a natural health spa therapy. To experience a cultural aspect of Lake Taupo, in the cliffs near Mine Bay there are rock carving etched into the walls of the rock that were drawn in the late 1970s to pay tribute to the first inhabitants of New Zealand, the Maori people. These carvings can only be seen from the water and visitors can take a boat trip or participate on a kayaking excursion to see them. On the lakefront are many different streams that are naturally heated mineral pools. The various thermal springs are very popular and Spa Park has hot water flowing into the Waikato River, which creates relaxing pools with steam misting from them. The most visited natural attraction in New Zealand is the Huka Falls, and these cascades roar over rocks quickly creating a stunning effect to admire. From many trails and viewpoints the swirling water streaming down this natural phenomena can be enjoyed. Visitors of all ages can explore and experience the gorgeous scenery of Lake Taupo and the surrounding areas.

Lake Taupo is not only a natural haven; it is also home to different events and attractions that provide a cultural backdrop to the Taupo area. Some of the things that draw visitors to the quaint town are the artistic background, and the variety of boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants. To experience art, annually Graffiato is held in the town center and it is a street art festival that showcases a wide variety of bold, bright, and unique art. It brings together some of the world’s best street artists who transform the walls in the town and create a vibrant artistic vide in Taupo through murals. There are also many art galleries, sculptures, and cultural art exhibitions throughout the area. The town is an arts and cultural haven in New Zealand and the Taupo Museum is a great place to view many cultural exhibitions. The stunning area of Taupo is a popular location for weekend getaways because of its tranquil mountainous backdrop and its diversity of outdoors activities. Within the town of Taupo, which is situated around a bay, there is a selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes that overlook the waterfront. There are many quirky cafes that are set in alternative buildings such as a café in an old plumbing store, which add character. The inviting streets are bustling with boutique stores that encourage visitors to relax in the town on their vacations.

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