Taupo
(population 21.500)Taupo lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Taupo. From Taupo you have amazing views on the lake and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park behind it. Because of Taupo’s excellent scenery and location for undertaking great Outdoor activities this town is visited by many visitors year in year out.
Outdoor
Aerial sight seeing
There are several companies offering scenic (helicopter) flights. You can choose of a wide variety of places where the flight will bring you and the duration of the flight, and so the price.
Beaches and surfing
Acacia Bay is near Taupo and is blessed with a pristine beach. There are many more Beaches. Some are good for sunbathing and or swimming in particular, others are more suitable for the surfers amongst us.
Cruising
Small boats are rented out. This is an excellent way to explore the shores of Lake Taupo. You can also choose to let someone else do the steering. There are several companies offering tours on Lake Taupo.
Extreme(r) sports
Also for the more adrenaline loving people amongst us Taupo has many activities to offer: water skiing, wake boarding, paragliding, bugy jumping, sky diving, mountain boarding and much more.
Fishing
Lake Taupo is sometimes referred to as the best place to catch some trout. But trout is not the only fish you can catch, there is much more to catch. It is a real Fishing Walhalla. You can attend a boat Fishing trip, rent a small one yourself or even book a tour on a boat where they prepare your own caught fish (you caught from off the boat). So Lake Taupo is the place to be for fish lovers.
Golf
Taupo has a beautiful Golf club.
Horse trekking
There are several opportunities in Taupo to undertake horse trek tours. These go trough the forest and often have excellent views on the beautiful volcanic landscape.
Jetboating
Do you want to make a cruise and get some adrenaline through your vanes? Attend a jetboat tour.
Kayaking and white water rafting
You can rent a kayak or you can attend a kayak tour on Lake Taupo. For the ones searching for more adventure white water rafting might be the thing to undertake.
Mountainbiking
You can attend a nice mountainbike tour or hire one. When you are already in procession of a mountainbike: inform at the tourist office for the best tracks and hop on your bike.
Sailing
Sailing is very popular on Lake Taupo. You can rent sailing boats and catamarans.
(Thermal) pools
There are several spas in and near Taupo, most of them with nice (thermal) pools, sauna’s etc.
Tramping
There are plenty of good walks in this area, for more information please visit a DOC in the area or a tourist center. An example of a nice walk: the walk which goes to Mount Tauhura’s top; excellent views.
Culture and Entertainment
Cultural activity
Cherry Island
Cherry Island is a small wildlife park.
Taupo Rose Garden
Here you will come across tens of different kind of roses.
Museums
Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery
This museum discusses many regional topics like: trout Fishing, Maori Culture, History and so on.