Taupo is centrally located in the middle of the North Island, approximately 3 1/2 hours drive from Auckland and 4 1/2 hours drive from Wellington. It was created nearly two thousand years ago by a big volcanic eruption. Just north of Taupo is the magnificent Huka Falls, one of New Zealand's most visited attractions.

Taupo is also a great lake for water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. Other famous attractions include the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience.

What Taupo is really known for is fishing. The town of Turangi has the largest natural trout fishery in the world. Turangi also provides a convenient base for exploring Tongariro National Park, whether for walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or skiing at Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields.