Taupo

Taupo is a town in the Waikato region of the North Island, New Zealand. It lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Taupo, the country’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. The lake sits in the caldera of a supervolcano, part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone that has produced eruptions over thousands of years. The area is known for geothermal activity and volcanic features, with nearby Wairakei and other geothermal fields.

Taupo has long been inhabited by Māori, particularly the iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa, who hold traditional ties to the lake and surrounding lands. European settlement began in the 19th century, and Taupo developed as an agricultural and forestry service town before becoming a national tourism center.

The town serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation. Visitors fish for rainbow trout in the lake and rivers, boat, swim, hike in nearby forests, and access hiking in Tongariro National Park to the south. Huka Falls on the Waikato River is a popular sight. In winter, people visit nearby snowfields and Mt Ruapehu for skiing. The regional economy relies on tourism, with several lodges, hot springs, and adventure activities.

Taupo is connected by State Highway 1 and the North Island Main Trunk railway, and is serviced by air via Taupo Airport. The climate is temperate with warm summers and cool winters.