In the Taupō region you can base yourself on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake in the centre of an area that offers myriad outdoor activities in an unforgettable landscape. From hiking and fishing to culture and geothermal activity, there’s a lot to do!

Around the Taupō Region

An impressive lake is the lynchpin of a remarkable landscape. Taupō is an ideal base for exploring, but Turangi is a popular fishing retreat and further south are smaller towns with easy access to outdoor activities. Discover sights that will fix themselves in your memory: 220,000 litres of water per second pouring over Huka Falls, and the early morning sunshine sparkling on the great Lake Taupō.

Regional Destinations

Taupō Sparkling resort town and main centre of the region.

Turangi Trout-fishing capital and wintertime ski resort.

On the Shores of Lake Taupo

New Zealand’s largest lake dominates the centre of the North Island. The lake and surrounding area enable visitors to experience a wide range of activities, from thrills like skydiving or bungy jumping through to the relaxed pleasures of trout fishing or soaking in a thermal pool. The main centre of the Central North Island is Taupō, a lakeside resort offering an excellent range of accommodation, dining and activities. Lake Taupō is the focal point for the town. From swimming to boating and fishing, it offers a wealth of recreation options. The small town of Turangi on the southern shores of Lake Taupō is the hub of trout fishing in the region.

Highlights

Take a walk to the Huka Falls. Fish for trout with the help of a professional guide. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Taupō. Explore Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park. Visit the excellent Taupō Museum. Skydive above New Zealand’s largest lake.

Big Fish Stories

Brown and Rainbow Trout were introduced to the Taupō region at the end of the 19th Century and quickly adapted, growing to good sizes in the new environment. Since the writer Zane Grey visited in the 1920s and wrote about his experiences fishing at Lake Taupō, the region has been world-famous for trout fishing. Today, Lake Taupō and the surrounding rivers offer world-class fishing throughout the year. Turangi, a small town on the southern shores of the lake, is a popular base for trout fishing. Numerous fishing guides and charters operate out of Taupō and Turangi. A licence is required to fish for trout in New Zealand; this can be organised by your fishing guide.