Boutique hotels
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Huka Lodge
- Style
- Trad Twenties hunting lodge
- Setting
- Banks of the Waikato
Lake Taupo Overview
North Island
- Countryside
- Raw and rugged lakeside
- Country Life
- Active – like the surrounding volcanoes
You won’t be able to stop staring. This is some of the most eye-popping, jaw-dropping landscape in NZ. On the North Island’s Central Plateau, extending south-west of the town of Taupo, you’ll see the country’s largest lake and source of its longest river.
Like nearby Rotorua to the north, the land surrounding Lake Taupo is still volcanically active, with steaming thermal hot-spots another big attraction. If you’re looking for outdoor pursuits against a ravishing backdrop, this is the place to come, with legendary trout-fishing, adrenalin-rush rafting and all manner of scenic watersports up for grabs. In winter, you’ll be tempted by the ski fields, but come summer the surrounding national park becomes a haven for trekking. Or, for a real high, get airborne – Taupo is also the world’s skydiving capital.
Literally Lake Taupo
Mt Ruapehu, the home of the Whakapapa and smaller Turoa ski fields (Lake Taupo's twin resorts, considered the North Island's premier ski area), last erupted in 2007. It’s one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has gone off about 60 times since the mid-1940s. Thankfully, it’s all closely monitored and most activity is of the minor variety. Still, if the idea of skiing volcanic cones gets your vote, head for this hot winter destination (www.mtruapehu.com). Lift passes are valid at both resorts and you can either drive to the slopes or grab a shuttle minibus from nearby Taupo, Turangi, Whakapapa Village, National Park township or Ohakune (the buzziest après-ski scene in the north).
Local Knowledge
- Taxis
- There are three cab companies operating in Taupo, but you’re best to book one. Try Taupo Taxis (07 378 5100).
- Tipping culture
- Not expected and waiters/waitresses don’t rely on tips to earn a living, but 10 per cent on top of the bill is appreciated if you’ve had a great meal with good service.
- Siesta and fiesta
- Taupo’s not a massive town, so don’t expect big-city opening hours. All attractions, including the information centre, are open daily until about 5.30pm. Most shops are open every day, as are cafes. Don’t expect a lot of partying during the summer months – restaurants and bars will likely only stay open until midnight (although you’ll need to order dinner well before then) – but during the ski season, from June to October, things perk up.
- Packing tips
- Hiking boots, binoculars, ski gear, a handful of dry flies (the ones you catch trout with).
- Recommended reads
- The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien (mountainous park Tongariro, near Taupo, makes a cameo appearance in Peter Jackson’s film of the books as Mordor’s Mount Doom). Read Hamish Campbell and Geoff Hicks’ Awesome Forces: The Natural Hazards that Threaten New Zealand if you want to scare yourself silly about how volcanoes, tsunamis and earthquakes could impact on this environment.
- Cuisine
- The Kiwis are proud of their tasty, wholesome produce and you’ll find it all – excellent trout, lamb and beef, especially – on offer around the Taupo region. As it gets colder, most of the restaurants, particularly those around the ski fields, will bump up the big winter-warmer flavours.
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZ$).
- Time zone
- GMT +12 hours.
- Dialling codes
- Country code for New Zealand: 64. Taupo: 07. In the south of the region, near Ohakune: 06 (drop the zero if calling from an international number).
- Do go/don't go
- The elevation means things get mighty cool. If you crave walking, mountain biking or throwing yourself into other outdoorsy adventures, stick to the warmer months (December to February). Prefer to ski and indulge in all its après fun? July to October is the time for you. Fan of fishing? February and March are best for brown trout, and June to September for rainbow trout, but Tongariro River has fantastic year-round offerings.
Don't go home without...
hurling yourself from a platform 47 metres above Waikato River at New Zealand’s highest water-touch bungy (www.taupobungy.com).
