Right at the heart of New Zealand’s most active volcanic zone, Taupo is famous the world over for its trout fishing, but as the saying goes, there’s plenty more fish to catch in this scenic lakeside resort. Stunning scenery, thermal areas wreathed in steam and a host of outdoor pursuits from quadbiking to skydiving make Taupo one of the country’s best-loved holiday destinations. In a region that stretches from Orakei Korako in the north, to magnificent Tongariro National Park in the south, you'll find snow-capped mountains, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, pristine native bush, bubbling mud pools and geysers, and one of the world’s only Dual World Heritage Areas.
Walk the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, take a scenic cruise or bushwalk, cast your line for a fat trout (and they'll even cook it up for you at one of the local restaurants) or get an adrenalin rush with a spot of extreme adventure. You can opt for a bungy jump, tandem skydive or high-speed jetboat ride, or head into the hills on a quad bike adventure. There is rafting and kayaking on the region's rivers, or cruise across Lake Taupo to view the Maori rock carvings. At the end of the day, relax and enjoy a soak in the hot pools before dining at one of the region's many restaurants and alfresco cafés. Whether it's a quick break away or an extended family vacation, you'll find plenty of fresh holiday ideas at Taupo.
