Pack up your tent, hook up the caravan, or leaf through a directory for local accommodation, then with relaxation in mind, drive towards the snow-capped mountains, expansive lake and winding trout-filled rivers.
Formed as the result of a massive volcanic eruption, Lake Taupo's wide, clear waters have a surface area of around 616sq km and descend to an impressive 186m at the deepest point. Stand on the shores of Lake Taupo and take in the spectacular sight of the Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe mountains. The snow-capped slopes of these active volcanoes attract skiers, snowboarders and hikers.
These favourite Kiwi holiday destinations abound with places to launch a kayak or boat, to fish or just sit and enjoy. Pack your rods if you're an angler - both trawling and fly-fishing are popular in these waters, however you will need a fishing licence and there is a minimum legal size and bag limit. The prize is a rainbow or brown trout and Lake Taupo is well stocked with both, while the Tongariro River is one of the most famous trout-fishing rivers in the world and a treasured destination for Kiwi fly fishers.
For land-based fun, the Central Plateau has a range of tracks suitable for all abilities and ages. Amongst the volcanic wilderness of Tongariro National Park, a tramping holiday provides Kiwi adventurers with the opportunity to keep fit, get amongst some pretty spectacular scenery and spend some genuine quality time with the family.
If you prefer a faster pace, head to one of the cycle trails that curve over and around the landscape. Make your way round Lake Taupo on the Great Lake Trail - two sections (between Whakaipo Bay and Whangamata Rd) are open and ready to ride. The extensive Mountains to Sea cycle trail runs all the way from the Central Plateau to the coast at Wanganui.
Looking south over Wharewaka Point © Destination Great Lake Taupõ
Lake Taupo, the biggest lake in Australasia and roughly the size of Singapore, is known for its fantastic trout fishing, while Taupo is a favourite holiday destination with plenty of fantastic sports activities and a plethora of events.
Get a feel for the beauty of this region by packing a picnic basket and taking it to the lake's edge and taking in the striking views across this vast stretch of water.
Lake Taupo has a staggering number of activities to choose from, whatever the time of year. Helped by its massive size, the lake's reputation as a trout fishing heaven stretches across the globe - and is it any wonder? An abundance of brown and rainbow trout can be fished all year round here (with a licence).
But this is just one activity of many: get a feel for the immensity of Lake Taupo by kayaking, canoeing, wind surfing or sailing. Or take to the water by boat - whether it's a dinghy, catamaran or keeler.
Get on your bike and follow the Great Lake Trail as it flows around the lakeshore. This amazing ride offers stunning views as it passes through vibrant native forest.
Anglers with all levels of experience will appreciate the wide potential of the Taupo fishing district.
Year-round trolling is possible on the lake, while many small streams provide profitable evening fishing during "smelting" between November and February.
Orakei Korako, also known as "the Hidden Valley", is like an entirely different world. Just 25 minutes north of Taupo, this thermal wonderland has more active geysers than any other geothermal field in the country - at least 20 - and its silica terraces are reported to be the largest of their kind in the world.
Attractions
- Not far from Lake Taupo at Huka Falls, the waters of the Waikato River rush at almost 250,000 litres per second through a sudden chasm and leap over an 11m ledge.
- 5km north of Taupo, the Craters of the Moon take you on a geothermal walk around a series of geysers where bubbling mud pools and steaming vents will captivate.
- Taupo is one of the world's most popular skydiving destinations. Take in all the sights from 4500m in the air, and have the time of your life while you're at it!
- Just 25 minutes north of Taupo, the thermal wonderland of Orakei Korako has more active geysers than any other geothermal field in the country.
- It is now more than 100 years since the first trout fry were released into Lake Taupo. Today it is one of the world's last true wild trout fisheries.
Crater Lake, Mt Ruapehu-Tongariro National Park © Visit Ruapehu
The Ruapehu District encompasses some of our country's best natural beauty. New Zealand is in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and the Central Plateau's Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are an impressive trio of active volcanoes that form part of the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park.
For a close encounter try hiking, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking amid its diverse landscape - a heady mix of herb fields, rainforest, alpine lakes, waterfalls, desert-like plateaus and hot springs.
There are three main skiing areas at Mt Ruapehu: Whakapapa (on the northwestern side) is accessed from Whakapapa Village, Turoa Ski Area lies on the southern side and is easily accessed from Ohakune, while the club ski field of Tukino is located on the eastern side.
At other times of the year, Ohakune is a base for all kinds of outdoor adventures and is an access point for the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, which stretches from the base of Mt Ruapehu, through Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, finishing by the sea at Wanganui.
The landscape and scenery of Tongariro National Park ranges from deserts to vast tussock lands, mountain beech forests and wetlands, all with a mix of native flora and fauna. Active volcanic craters, natural springs, and valleys filled with jagged lava flows can also be found in the park, along with many of the filming sites for the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
There is a network of tracks and huts for trampers, including the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk and the Round the Mountain (Mt Ruapehu) Track. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track (19km) is often heralded as New Zealand's most popular one-day trek, although there is hut accommodation available if you wish to break up the journey.
The diverse range of scenery along this track is spectacular: steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes, lava flows and craters among them. With plenty of climbing to do, the wider views are breathtaking.
Attractions
- The National Army Museum in Waiouru honours the sacrifices made during times of war as well as this country's peacekeeping operations.
- The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging one-day hike that crosses the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, rewarding tampers with awesome views.
- Skiers will be spoiled for choice at Mt Ruapehu with Whakapapa on the northwestern side, Turoa Ski Area on the southern side and the club ski field of Tukino located on the eastern side.
- Try your hand at fly fishing on the Tongariro River, one of the most famous trout-fishing rivers in the world.
- Three major scenic cycleways pass near Taumarunui - the Forgotten World Highway Trail, the 42nd Traverse Trail, and the Timber Trail.
- See how far you can throw a gumboot on the permanent throwing lane (operates on selected days) in Taihape, the Gumboot-Throwing Capital of New Zealand.
© Destination Great Lake Taupo