The Central Plateau, including Lake Taupo, is unique, spectacular and is renowned for the amazing lake activities on offer, sporting events it hosts, entertainment of all descriptions from relaxing on the lake in pursuit of a trophy trout or to skydiving from 12,000 feet. This picture perfect part of New Zealand has something for everyone.
The town of Taupo is relaxed and friendly, the range of local shops plus the national brand stores mixed with boutique specialty shops make it an experience in itself and offering a wide range of restaurants, both outdoor and indoor cafes, art galleries and shops.
www.kura.co.nz www.lakegallery.co.nzThere is no doubt that Lake Taupo boosts some of the most beautiful rivers and streams in the world. Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing is exceptional, an experience seldom seen anywhere else. Guiding trips and charters can be easily arranged for personal tuition or for a large group. By helicopter, boat, or Quad bike, a once in a lifetime moment awaits you!!
www.acaciabaycharters.co.nz www.cpf.net.nz www.taupolakeadventures.co.nzThe Taupo Motorsport Park is set to become New Zealand's premier Motorsport venue. As an international qualifying race circuit and drag strip, it will attract top world Motorsport events which will make Taupo the 'Home of New Zealand Motorsport'. A great venue for conferences, corporate functions, driver training, race experience and a specialist motor industry business centre.
The Taupo area offers many exciting outdoor adventures. Try gliding, tandem sky diving, rafting, kayaking, sailing, 4-wheel driving (off-road), mountain biking, snow boarding or skiing, abseiling, bungy jumping, a rope assault course, rock climbing, jet boating, parasailing, water skiing, horseback riding, to name a few.
www.absoluteadventure.co.nz www.skydivetaupo.co.nz www.taupotandemskydiving.comThe Lake Taupo region has plenty of choice here! Select from a fantastic range of authentic ethnic fare, pub-style meals or state of the art cordon bleu cuisine.
www.finns.co.nzTaupo is at the centre of New Zealand's volcanic plateau. The area contains numerous parks where you can wander among geysers, mud pools, and colourful pink and white terraces formed by the silica in the thermal water.
Waitomo Caves, famous for its black water rafting and glow worms.Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Park and home to three volcanoes and many beautiful hikes, including the Tongariro Crossing, one of the most spectacular one-day hikes in New Zealand.The whole family will enjoy the Tongariro National Trout Centre, with a range of activities for children from fishing events to educational displays, it's worth penciling into your stay. www.troutcentre.org.nzHawkes Bay, famous for its wine as well as the art deco architecture of Napier and several beautiful beaches.Rotorua, New Zealand's version of Yellowstone, with active geysers, mud pools, mineral spas and Maori culture.Whakatane, where you can take a boat out to the active volcano on White Island, charter a fishing boat for the day, or enjoy swimming in the Pacific Ocean at Ohope Beach.
Craters Of The Moon Thermal WalkSituated in Wairakei Park, Taupo. Admission Prices are:Adults $5.00, Child $2.00 (12 years and under) Family $12.00 (i.e. 2 Adults and up to 4 children 12 years and under).Under 5 years Free.Choose from the world-renowned Wairakei International Golf Club, Taupo Golf Club, Centennial or Tauhara Golf courses - all within a 15-minute drive from the township of Taupo.
There are literally dozens of hikes available including around the lake, along the rivers, native bush and mountain trails. Maps for these hikes are available form the Taupo Information Centre on Tongariro Street.
One of the finest wine cellars in New Zealand is Taupo's own 'Scenic Cellars'. The Wishart Winery is less than a 5 minute drive from town.
Taupo Hot Springs and Spa offers a truly unique experience. Enjoy a massage or facial, or bathe in the natural hot mineral pools. There are also natural pools at Spa Park on the Waikato River.
Take a trip in a fixed wing plane, float plane, helicopter or balloon over the Lake Taupo region and surrounding volcanoes, including the Tongariro National Park.