Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Lake Taupo lies in the volcanic region in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand. It was formed by a massive volcanic eruption over 26,000 years ago and is the largest lake by surface in New Zealand. Not too far in the distant are the three North Island mountains, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngaruhoe, just visible in this photo across the lake.
The township of Taupo and the lake are one of New Zealand's major tourist spots, especially in peak summer season as it is now. However, the town is internationally known for many of it's activities and events and tourists flock here from all around the world. One of it's claims to fame internationally is trout fishing, but in recent years it has also become a major events centre, with events such as Iron Man and the Around Lake Taupo Cycle event of nearly 200 km attracting visitors and participants not only from overseas, but also from throughout New Zealand.
The township also has a vibrant café scene, featuring not only New Zealand style food, but international cuisine as well.
There's plenty to do for both locals and tourists in Taupo, with aquatic activities in the lake being a major attraction. If one doesn't like fresh, cold water of the lake, there are hot thermal pools to soak away one's weariness in.
Taupo is also a good stopping place to explore the wider volcanic and thermal regions from. If you're ever in New Zealand, you should make sure to spend some time at Lake Taupo.
#NewZealand FOPP
Image Credit » Personal photo of Val Mills
Comments
SoundNFury wrote on February 5, 2015, 11:38 PM
Nice pic. I'm sure it's a great place to go to, with a lot of scenic views and activities to do.
valmnz wrote on February 5, 2015, 11:42 PM
And I'm lucky enough to have my sister living there, so I visit often, in fact I'm here right now.
bestwriter wrote on February 6, 2015, 12:56 AM
We were in Auckland but were not taken to this Lake. I remember however going to the 'Waitamo Caves'
snerfu wrote on February 6, 2015, 1:13 AM
Lake Taupo sounds like an interesting place. New Zealand is also famous for their Haka dance.
FernandoSHA wrote on February 6, 2015, 1:29 AM
Hopefully, a trip to the lake will be part of the itinerary our daughters have set for us when we visit them in NZ next month and they-re both excited now and counting the days :) Even the Auckland wharf is a beauty as I see it on Goggle Earth and in the photos posted by my daughters' friends on FB.
valmnz wrote on February 6, 2015, 1:50 AM
How wonderful that you will be visiting your daughters in New Zealand. Which part of the country do they live in?
valmnz wrote on February 6, 2015, 1:51 AM
Oh yes, especially before rugby games 😊
valmnz wrote on February 6, 2015, 8:53 AM
It's about three hours drive .from Auckland.
1CoralLevang wrote on February 6, 2015, 12:39 PM
valmnz I am beginning to be bitten by the wanderlust bug, thanks to you and your wonderful shares.
valmnz wrote on February 6, 2015, 2:42 PM
Start saving
AudreyHowitt wrote on February 6, 2015, 2:53 PM
NZ is on my list of places to see! My daughter spent sometime there about a year ago--it just looks wonderful!
valmnz wrote on February 6, 2015, 3:22 PM
Well, we think so. We possibly take it for granted but overseas visitors do keep telling us how good it is here.
FernandoSHA wrote on February 6, 2015, 7:59 PM
They both work in Auckland and I think they're enjoying their stay there because of the clean environment, the wonderful people and having to enjoy the outdoors.
BNelson wrote on February 6, 2015, 11:04 PM
I remember going there as a kid, it was a super cool place because there were floating rocks.
valmnz wrote on February 6, 2015, 11:34 PM
Hmm, I wonder if that was pumice? You'd find the place changed now, very commercialised.
Paulie wrote on February 7, 2015, 2:47 AM
Thank you very much for introducing Lake Taupo. When I visit New Zealand, I will make sure that I see this beautiful lake and the surrounding mountains.
celticeagle wrote on February 7, 2015, 12:56 PM
This sounds like a great place. Trout fishing? Yum! One of my favorite types of fish.
valmnz wrote on February 7, 2015, 1:22 PM
If you're travelling north to south, or voce versa on State Highway 1 you can't miss it
valmnz wrote on February 7, 2015, 1:23 PM
Famous for rainbow trout
rebelann1949 wrote on February 8, 2015, 5:52 PM
It sounds like a beautiful place to live, if I had the money I'd love to visit but all my spare funds are for my 4leggers.