Around Taupo
This area is blessed with a lot of thermal activity, it is beautiful. Furthermore the volcanic landscape makes the scenery of the thermal areas even better. A lot of activities can be undertaken in this special kind of landscape; from a visit to a museum about the landscape to a jetboat trip trough the landscape.
Outdoor
Jetboating
You can attend a spectacular jetboat trip near the Huka Falls and near the Aratiatia Falls. Another very good place to undertake a jetboat trip is at Broadlands on the Waikato River.
Tramping
Huka Falls is a nice place to wander around, especially on a clear day, then the water is beautiful colored. Arakati and Pureora Forest Park are also nice places to tramp. This park has magnificent, dense forest with rich bird life on the western side of Lake Taupo. For more information about tramping in the area Around Taupo, please visit a DOC.
Thermal (pools)
Wairakei Thermal Valley is a valley with lots of thermal activity. Craters of the Moon is another thermal area. This one is managed by the DOC. There are boardwalks which lead you trough this magnificent thermal area. In Broadland near Reporoa is Butcher’s Pool. This is a natural thermal pool in farmers land, but open to the public. Orakei Korako is another thermal area, maybe the best one to visit in New Zealand. This does not mean it is very busy; it is located in a remote area.
Culture and Entertainment
Cultural activity
Maori Cultural Experience
The Maori Cultural Experience is located In Wairakei Thermal Village. Concerts and hangi are given. It is a nice place to learn about and experience the Maori Culture.
Prawn farm
There is a thermal heated water prawn farm. Tours are offered at this special kind of farm.
Museums
Volcanic Activity Centre
This museum provides excellent information about New Zealand’s geothermal and volcanic activity. Besides that, the impact these activities have on the land and on the people living there in the past and present is discussed as well.
Vine yards
There are nice vine yards near Taupo. Ask at the tourist information about the wineries in the area, where they are and which ones are the best to visit.