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Lake Taupo was created from a major volcanic eruption. Hot springs appear in several places around the Lake, which is now an extinct volcanic crater. As well as this a number of hot pool complexes have been developed for visitors to take advantage of the natural hot water. Just north of Taupo, near the Wairakei International Golf Course, underground steam has been harnessed for electricity generation.
Lake Taupo is also one of the North Island's most popular holiday destinations, both in summer and in winter. The town centre is crammed with cafes and interesting shops and the Huka Falls area is great for picnics and nature walks. The only outlet from Lake Taupo is the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, which gushes through a narrow chasm at Huka Falls.
Visitors can access Tongariro National Park from the Lake Taupo region. The 80,000 hectare/197,531 acre Tongariro National Park makes up most of the Ruapehu district, with its centrepiece Mt Ruapehu (2797 metres/9170 feet) rising dramatically from the surrounding countryside. Alongside Mt Ruapehu are two smaller volcanic mountains - Mt Ngauruhoe (also active) and Mt Tongariro. Mt Ruapehu is also the site of the North Island's premier skifields at Whakapapa and Turoa, which have world-class facilities.
Lake Taupo and Mt Ruapehu Activities
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Trout-fishing: charter an excursion to catch the elusive rainbow or brown trout on Lake Taupo, or go fly fishing with a local guide up one of the many rivers in the area
• Huka Falls: watch as over 200,000 litres/44,000 gallons of water fall over the cliff face every second or take a jet boat ride or river boat cruise to the base of the falls
• Craters of the Moon: walk around an active thermal area with mud pools, craters and steam in the Wairakei Tourist Park
• Wairakei Geothermal Visitor Centre: Displays and audio visuals of Wairakei and Ohaaki geothermal power schemes and Volcanic Activity Centre:
for displays and audio-visual presentations of the Taupo Volcanic Zone
• Thermal baths: a number of hot pool complexes have been developed for visitors, to take advantage of the natural hot water
• Boating on Lake Taupo: hire a boat or take a scheduled cruise
• Scenic flights: get a bird's eye view over the area, including Mt Ruapehu
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a World Heritage Area. This
status recognises the area's important Maori cultural associations as well as
its outstanding volcanic features.
Set in the centre of the North Island, the National Park attracts thousands of visitors every year, keen to experience the spectacular volcanic scenery of New Zealand's oldest national park.
• Day walks: visitors can enjoy walks ranging from 10 minutes to a full day. Most walks begin within walking distance or a short drive of Whakapapa Village.
• The Tongariro Crossing: this one-day 17 km/11 mile walk takes seven to eight hours, going past volcanic features and the beautiful Emerald Lakes. It begins and ends at different points so visitors will need to organise transport
• Ngauruhoe summit: the walk to the summit is often done in conjunction with the Tongariro Crossing, but for a more leisurely trip with time to spend at the top, it is best done separately. The return trip is 16 km/10 miles and takes six to seven hours
• Ruapehu crater: the easiest and safest way to climb to Mt Ruapehu's crater is to join a guided walk with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. Over the summer months and weather permitting, walks leave daily from the base of Whakapapa skifield at around 9.30am
• Overnight tramping: follow the Tongariro Northern Circuit for a tramp through some of the best scenery in the Park. Walkers can spend one to four days on either the entire circuit or a portion. Hut passes, which can be purchased at the visitor centre at Whakapapa Village, are required
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