The beautiful Lake Taupo and surrounding area is a fantastic place to plan a short trip to - it has a long list of things to do and see, no matter what the weather. It also offers entertainment, dining and
accommodation that will suit any budget, so if you're a backpacker, day spa devotee or family of fishermen, you'll find something there that fits your wallet.
Taupo trout fishing is talked about the world over for a reason. The Tongariro River is Lake Taupo's main spawning river and world famous for the size and quantity of trout in it. Out in the Lake there are literally millions of trout and they're all fat and feisty, and if you're a newbie, fly-fishing guides will have you hooked up to a fish on your first day.
It's important to remember that you can't actually buy trout in Taupo too, but take your catch into many of our local restaurants and they will happily cook it for you in any way you deem fit.
If the weather is right, swimming in Lake Taupo's pristine waters is an absolute treat, and if it's a little chilly, Taupo has some of the best thermal hot pools in New Zealand in which to relax and unwind.
There are also a multitude of great walks and tracks around Lake Taupo - from the town of Taupo to Turangi, from Kinloch to the Kaimanawas - and over 80 kilometres of amazing, purpose-built mountain biking tracks.
Editorial by Helene Ravlich