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Boutique hotels in Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Lake Taupo Overview

New Zealand

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 New Zealand.

On the North Island’s Central Plateau, extending out from the town of Taupo, you’ll see the country's largest lake formed by a volcanic eruption almost 30,000 years ago and rugged mountains flocked by skiers and snowboarders during winter. If you’re looking for outdoor pursuits against a ravishing backdrop, from trout fishing to rafting, this is the place. Or for a real high, get airborne – Taupo is 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 taxi companies operating in Taupo, but you’re best to book one. Try Taupo Taxis (+65 (0)7 378 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 really perk up.

Packing tips
Hiking boots, binoculars, ski gear, a handful of dry flies (not dead ones; the ones you catch trout with).

Recommended reads
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 Mt Doom). 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 amazing environment.

Cuisine
The Kiwis are proud of their amazing produce and you’ll find it all – excellent 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.

Regional specialities
The lake is a magnet for trout fishermen, and trout are a predominant force on most menus here. Also unique to the region is freshwater prawn, grown at the world’s only geothermally heated prawn farm near Huka Falls.

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 can get cool here. If you want to go walking, fishing, mountain biking and have other outdoorsy adventures, stick to the warmer months (December to February are the warmest). Ready to ski and indulge in all the après on offer? July to October is the time for you. If you're into fishing, February and March are best for brown trout, and June to September for rainbow trout, but the Tongariro River has good fishing year-round.

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).