GOLF - Taupo & Surrounds
What better way while on holiday to relax than in the warm temperate climate Taupo has to offer, playing golf and enjoying one of the many beautifully designed golf courses at some of the best luxury resorts in the Taupo region.
There are a selection of top world 100 golf courses available, visit the local tourist information centre or web browse for more information.
Location: Taupo & Surrounds.
Hours: 24
Price: varies on course and resort.
Photo courtesy of nzholidayhomes
Photo courtesy of nzholidayhomes
Fernando Moura Macha
tonym22
Fernando Moura Macha
WAIPAHIHI BOTANICAL RESERVE - Taupo
The Botanical Reserve was established in 1966 as a park of native trees and plants. The reserve is situated high on a hill and overlooks Lake Taupo and the Mountains of Tongariro National Park. The Botanical Reserve consists of 35 hectares of attractive gardens, a lemonwood walk, wonderful alpine garden and 2000 rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. You'll find here several species of native birds who have made the native trees their home.
Location: Shepherd Road, Taupo.
Hours: 24
Price: free
Web: http://www.wonderwalkers.co.nz/default,1044,waipahihi-botanical-reserve-.sm
TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING - Mt Tongariro
The alpine crossing rises to a height of 1600m above sea level over scoria beds and ancient and modern lava flows. Here you'll find a landscape of dramatic volcanic formations, tussock lands, alpine plants and lakes of emerald green. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is very dependent on the weather, you will need to carry appropriate gear with you and must have supplies in case it snows or the weather turns bad.
This is an eight hour trek and begins Taupo side at the Ketetahi car park or the Mangatepopo car park at Pukeonake.
Location: Mt Tongariro.
Hours: 24
Price: free
TONGARIRO RIVER
- Lake Taupo, Turangi & Ruapehu
Tongariro River originates in the Central Plateau and is one of the most noted rivers in New Zealand for trout fishing and rafting. There are a variety of operators to choose from, please visit the local tourist information centre for details. The river has an abundance of trout and water activities available. It passes through Turangi and access can be sort on the outskirts of the town and along state highway 1 towards Mt Ruapehu.
Location: Between Lake Taupo, Turangi & Mt Ruapehu.
Hours: 24
Price: free
VINEYARDS
There are a selection of vineyards throughout Taupo & Surrounds where you can taste their selections of wines.
Always an enjoyable day out, spend your day relaxing in the Waikato climate whilst sipping many a delectable option of wine, just be sure to either choose a tour guide or find an alternative option to driving.
The best way to find winery tour service providers is to visit the local information centre.
Sandy May
Sandy May
MAORI CARVINGS - Lake Taupo
The carvings are only accessible by boat, and stand at a height of 10m. The carvings were etched into the cliffs near Mine Bay by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the late 1970s. They depict the Maori navigator
Ngatoro-i-rangi, who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupo area around a thousand years ago, they also include the smaller Matahi figures which depict the south wind and a mermaid.
Trips can be organised through a variety of service providers either by helicopter, kayak, sail boat or the cruise boat. On Sundays select tour providers provide a brunch cruise out to the Maori Rock Carvings.
Location: Lake Taupo
Price: free, tour operators charge
Hours: 24, tour operators have set times.
Gareth Eyres
Gareth Eyres
FLY FISHING - Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is very popular for fishing and is best known for its trout fly fishing. The first trout fry were released into Lake Taupo over 100 years ago. Today the lake and the rivers connecting represent one of the most prolific wild trout fisheries in the world. You'll catch rainbow and brown trout here, limit is three. A special licence is required to fish on the Lake. Visit the link below for places to purchase a license and/or search the site for regulations, the shop selling licenses should be able to inform you correctly.
Location: Lake Taupo
Hours: 24
Price: free
geonet
LAKE TAUPO - Taupo
Lake Taupo is situated in a volcanic caldera which was created by a supervolcanic
eruption approximately 26,500 years ago. The volcano has erupted 28 times in the last 27,000 years and is considered dormant rather than extinct.
There are a multitude of activities available on and around the lake. The city of Taupo is situated on its outskirts with camping grounds and many hotels and motels having lake access.
With Taupos warm climate the lake is the perfect place for that summer holiday.
Location: Taupo.
Price: free
Hours: 24
ARATIATIA RAPIDS - Aratiatia
The rapids are located 12 kilometres north-east of Taupo. The rapids are formed by the Waikato river dam opening its gates and the river falling 28 metres in 1km. This fall is harnessed for its environmentally-sustainable hydroelectric power.
There are jet boating tours available as well as a 142 hectare reserve along the shores.
Location: 12 km north east of Taupo.
Hours: Summer release hours: 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm
Price: free, tours will charge.
Web: http://www.greatlaketaupo.com/new-zealand/Aratiatiarapids/
CRATERS OF THE MOON - Taupo
Craters of The Moon was a result of the hydroelectric tinkering that created the power station. Due to underground water levels falling and pressure shifting, new steam vents and bubbling mud pools sprung up. The perimeter loop walk takes about 45 minutes and has great views of the lake and mountains.
Theres a kiosk at the entrance.
Location: Karapiti Rd, Taupo.
Hours: 8.30am till 6pm Dec-Apr, 8.30am till 5.30pm during winter.
Price: Adults $8, Child $4, under 5's free, family $20.
HUKA FALLS - Wairakei
The Huka Falls (Hukanui - Great Body of Spray), are rapids formed by the Waikato river as it narrows into a thin chasm. The falls end with a 10 metre drop in to a deep surging pool. Definitely worth a look. The foot bridge is the best way to witness the full force of the falls. If you catch the falls on a beautiful day you'll witness the crystal clear waters they offer, great for that photo to remember. The falls are clearly signposted, with a car park and kiosk.
Location: Huka Falls Rd, Wairakei.
Hours: 9am till 5pm
Price: free, tours will charge.
TAUPO MUSEUM - Taupo
The Taupo Museum consists of a well presented Maori gallery and varied displays. The centrepiece of the museum is a well carved Maori meeting house "Te Aroha o Rongoheikume". There is a gallery devoted to visiting exhibitions, historical exhibitions as well as local exhibitions including the Ora Garden of Wellbeing, a re-creation of the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show's winning entry, a mock-up of a 19th-century shop and a skeleton of New Zealands largest bird the Moa.
Location: Story Place, Taupo.
Hours: 10.00am-4.30pm
Prices: $5 Adults; $3 Seniors & Students, Children and Local Residents free.
Web: http://www.taupodc.govt.nz/our-services/libraries-and-museum/museum/Pages/default.aspx
Photo courtesy of raglan.net.nz
Taupo, Turangi, Waipahihi, Wairakei, Tokoroa, Mangakino
Taupo & Surrounds Sights
Gareth Eyres
Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake, the source of the Huka Falls and centre of an active volcanic region.
The north island's Lake Taupo region is renowned as a sporting paradise and holiday destination for New Zealanders and international tourists looking for relaxation. The lake itself was created by a massive eruption around 186AD, it is said that the eruption was seen in Europe and China turning the seas red.
According to Māori legend Lake Taupo is the North Islands heart and is the largest fresh water lake in Australasia. The lake was created by an ancient volcanic eruption, and the region is full of bubbing mud pools and natural thermal springs. Taupo township is a base for visitors wanting to explore the regional highlights.
Close by are Huka Falls, New Zealand's most visited natural attraction situated just north of Lake Taupo, while to the south of the lake you'll find Tongariro National Park which has dual World Heritage status. World Hertiage recognises the important Māori cultural and spiritual associations as well as the regions volcanic features.
The Taupo region was populated by Māori about 700 years ago. The Ngati Tuwharetoa iwi became the region’s dominant tribe and found it a harsh existence, with unfertile ashy soil making it difficult to grow kumara (sweet potato) and finding the lake as a poor food source.
It was because of this fact that drove away many europeans who arrived in the 1830s.
For the luxury traveller Lake Taupo’s attractions entice many. There are lodges and boutique accommodation options catering for that discerning visitor attracted by the many leisure activities and the peaceful fresh water setting available.