Lake Taupo is great vacation destination in both summer and winter. Trout fishing is a major attraction - it's now over 100 years since the first trout fry were released into the lake and today it is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world. Skiing and adventure activities are other reasons to visit. And when you're not on the lake or up a mountain, you'll find the Taupo town centre crammed with cafes and interesting shops. The nearby Huka Falls area is great for picnics and nature walks - or you could take a thrilling jet boat ride right to the foot of the thundering water.

Lonely Planet guide has referred to Lake Taupo as one of New Zealand's most refreshing destinations, offering relaxing leisurely activities, world class golfing and trout fishing, a volcanic wonderland of steaming geothermal geysers, boiling mud pools and Maori culture plus loads of adrenaline pumping adventure.

Local Attractions & Activities

• 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. For more information on fly fishing contact Andrew Blake at www.newzealandfishing.com.
• 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.
• Aratiatia Rapids: stand on the lookout for a view of the Rapids, where water is released from the dam at 10.00am, noon, 2.00pm daily and an additional time of 4.00pm in the summer.
• Craters of the Moon: walk around an active thermal area with mud pools, craters and steam in the Wairakei Tourist Park.
• Parasailing (www.purefun.co.nz).
• Sky Diving (www.skydivetaupo.co.nz); (www.tts.net.nz).
• Jet Boating (www.hukajet.co.nz).
• Kayaking and White Water Rafting (www.rapids.co.nz).
• Quad Bikes - This is Great Fun! The Wetter, the Better - Taupo Quad Adventures (www.4x4quads.com).
• Riverjet Thermal Eco Experience (www.riverjet.co.nz).
• Wairakei Geothermal Visitor Centre: Displays and audio visuals of Wairakei and Ohaaki geothermal power schemes (www.wairakeiterraces.co.nz/wairakei.htm).
• Maori Cultural Experience (www.wairakeiterraces.co.nz).
• Volcanic Activity Centre: for displays and audio-visual presentations of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (www.volcanoes.co.nz).
• Wairakei International Golf Course: challenging 18 hole golf course (www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz).
• Centennial Golf Course: two full 18 holes golf courses (www.taupogolf.co.nz).
• Prawn Park hatchery: tour the geothermal hatchery then head to the restaurant for a meal of prawns (www.hukaprawnpark.co.nz).
• The Honey Hive: For an unforgettable buzz, visit www.honeyhivetaupo.com.
• Thermal baths: a number of hot pool complexes have been developed for visitors, to take advantage of the natural hot water (www.taupohotsprings.com).
• Boat cruises: hire a boat or take a scheduled cruise on the lake (www.chrisjolly.co.nz) OR maybe you want to experience a lake cruise with a genuine sailing yacht "The Barbary" (www.barbary.co.nz).
• Bungy jump: leap over the Waikato River (www.taupobungy.co.nz).
• Scenic flights: get a bird's eye view over the area, including Mt Ruapehu (www.helistar.co.nz).
• Scenic walks around Taupo, beginning with the Great Lake Walk alongside the lakeshore. From Spa Thermal Park near Taupo Bungy, a pleasant riverside walk leads to Huka Falls past a public hot spring on the riverbank. On Mountain Rd behind the township a track climbs to the summit of Mt Tauhara. From here the whole region is laid out before you and Tongariro's volcanos stand out as monarchs of the central plateau.
• Arts & Crafts Trail - Several studios and galleries are open for viewing. (www.lavaglass.co.nz) - (www.artenz.co.nz) - (www.clayartstudio.co.nz) - (www.nzwoodcraft.co.nz).

For more information see the official website www.laketauponz.com