Great Lake Taupo
Taupo is an example of how something catastrophic can create something extraordinary. The volcanic eruption that created the lake over two thousand years ago was so massive that it created the crater that formed the lake.
Taupo is a tourist mecca that attracts thousands of visitors who come for everything from adventure activities such as skydiving and bungee jumping to more leisurely pursuits – golf, fishing, hiking and family-friendly activities. It sits in the heart of some of the North Island’s most beautiful country, north of the World Heritage recognised Tongariro National Park. As such, Taupo's event calendar is always brimming with local, national and international events. The town’s most recognisable asset is Great Lake Taupo itself, providing endless opportunity for fun, leisure activities, adventure and relaxation.
A bit of history
The original inhabitants (tangata whenua) of the area were the Maori tribe who remain in Taupo and surrounds today: Ngati Tuwharetoa. The tribes claim descent from Ngatoroirangi, navigator and high priest of the Arawa migration canoe. After the Arawa canoe made landfall in Aotearoa/New Zealand in about 750 AD, Ngatoroirangi and a relative from the same canoe, Tia, competed to be the first to explore the central plateau region. Although the accounts of Ngatoroirangi and Tia differ in how Taupo came to be, Taupo was founded by Ngati Tuwharetoa at this time.
Most activities in Taupo centre around the great lake where on most days you can marvel at the mirrored reflection of the surrounding mountains.
Love fishing? Taupo is a fishing mecca – in particular the nearby town of Turangi, which is considered the trout fishing hub of the region. The drive around the eastern shore of the lake from Taupo to Turangi offers stunning views.
There are as many relaxing things to do in Taupo as there are exhilarating. Take a soak in a naturally heated hot spring; marvel at the mighty Huka Falls from a viewing platform; race around the lake on a jet boat; hike through the nearby National Park or Tongariro Crossing; or hire kayaks and paddle the lake. The options are almost limitless.
Please refer to Motorhomes in Taupō - Taupō District Council (taupodc.govt.nz) for further information relating to Motorcaravns.
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