 The focus of this region is Lake Taupo - New Zealand's largest
lake (619 square kilometres) and the heart of the North Island.
Lake Taupo was created by a volcanic eruption so big the sun went hazy in China (relax, that was a few thousand years ago). Almost everywhere you look there’s a volcano.
Just a few minutes north of the Lake at Wairakei you'll find geothermal fields, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers.
In Taupo itself, and at the little village of Tokaanu near Turangi, there are hot mineral springs that have been soothing weary souls for centuries. And the prawn burgers
at the world's only geothermally heated prawn farm will blow you away.
Lake Taupo is a great vacation destination in both summer and winter. Trout fishing is a major attraction - it’s now over 100 years since the first trout fry were released
into the lake and today it is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world. Skiing and adventure activities are other reasons to visit. And when you’re not
on the lake or up a mountain, you’ll find the Taupo town centre crammed with cafes and interesting shops.
 The nearby Huka Falls area is great for picnics and nature walks
- or you could take a thrilling jet boat ride right to the foot of the thundering water.
A few minutes south of the Lake is Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's first national park and a World Heritage area. It was created in 1887 when its three magnificent
volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, were gifted to the people of New Zealand by the Ngati Tuwharetoa people. On the western side of the Lake, the Pureora Forest Park
is home to such rare creations as the shy kaka or bush parrot and the not-so-shy fluorescent blue mushroom.
The Lake Taupo region has some of New Zealand’s finest untouched, unspoilt, uncrowded country. Just about all of it is easy to get to.
Taupo Highlights!!
A Whole Lake of Things to Do
The Lake Taupo area is a huge playground for fishing, sailing and other water sports.
- Catch rainbow or brown trout on Lake Taupo or go fly-fishing with a local guide up one of the many rivers in the area
- Hire a boat or take a scheduled cruise on Lake Taupo
- Jet boat or river boat cruise to the Huka Falls
- Visit Huka Falls and watch as over 200,000 litres of water falls over the cliff face every second
Geothermal Interest Wherever You Look
There are hot springs and geothermal wonders all around the region.
- Do the Craters of the Moon walk - an active thermal area with mud pools, craters and steam
- Enjoy a relaxing hot soak in the thermal baths
- Visit Wairakei Geothermal Visitor Centre
- Take a tour of a geothermal Prawn Park hatchery and then move on to the restaurant for a meal of prawns
- Explore Orakei Korako Geyserland, 25 minutes north of Taupo, a valley of geysers, hot springs, mud volcanoes and silica terraces
Adventure and Thrills or Quiet Relaxation
Scare yourself silly with daredevil antics or float peacefully through the perfect landscape.
- Be a daredevil - try parasailing or skydiving
- Bungy jump over the Waikato River
- Enjoy a scenic floatplane flight over the Lake Taupo area, including Mount Ruapehu
- Watch the rapids at Aratiatia - water is released from the dam at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm and 4:00pm daily
- Wander through the beautiful Pureora Forest Park, just one hour from Lake Taupo
The Southern Side of the Lake
Around Turangi everyone talks trout - it’s a fisherman’s dream come true.
- Experience the thrills and spills of white water rafting on the Tongariro river
- Flick your rod and catch a trophy-sized trout
- Relax in the hot thermal pools in the small village of Tokaanu
- Visit the National Trout Centre, an interpretative centre operated by the Department of Conservation
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Book your 
Huka lodge started as a simple fishing lodge on the banks of the Waikato River some
60 years ago, attracting anglers from around the world. Today the now luxurious lodge lures anyone seeking one of the world s very best retreats. 
Situated right on the shores of beautiful Lake Taupo Copthorne Manuels offers guests
luxury accommodations with magnificent views of the lake and mountains from the rooms, dining room and lounge bar. 
The hotel is a resort and conference centre set among beautiful parklands. Available
are a golf course, heated pools, tennis, squash, gym, sauna, cafe, restaurant, bars and a nightclub. Games room and playground. 
Hotel has a lakefront location. There are balconies or patios providing panoramic
mountain and lake views. Within walking distance to shops and restaurants. There are 16 superior units with king or queen beds. 
