Most days, the lake is beautifully calm, but its creation was one of the most spectacularly violent natural events in history. The gigantic Oruanui eruption, 27,000 years ago, shot volcanic debris 50km into the air, covered the North Island in a thick layer of volcanic ash, and created the caldera that is now the lake.
Lake Taupō
At the heart of New Zealand’s central volcanic plateau sits the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupō. This huge, shining expanse of water, moving between aquamarine blue and jade green, is crystal-clear to a depth of 13 metres. It is home to one of the best wild trout fisheries in the world, more than 30 species of water bird, several types of native fish and native kōura (crayfish).
You can enjoy fishing charters, scenic boat tours, waterskiing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and the extraordinary Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay. The Great Lake Trail which is part of Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail runs around the shoreline.
In the mornings Lake Taupō can be shrouded in mist, which usually rolls back by midday to reveal the sparkling waters beneath.
The surface of the lake is often dotted with pale balls of pumice, a volcanic rock so light it floats on water.
Things to do: Lake Taupō
Related stories
Lake Taupō map
Discover more highlights
-
Scenic attractions
Tongariro River
Flowing north from the snow-clad peaks of Tongariro National Park, through the friendly town of Turangi, the pristine Tongariro River is one of the world’s best places to catch trout.
More info -
Scenic attractions
Waikato River
Born on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the longest river in New Zealand drains Lake Taupō through Taupō town, blasts through a narrow rock chasm to create the Huka Falls, then winds more peacefully northwards towards Port Waikato, south of Auckland.
More info -
Scenic attractions
Huka Falls
At Huka Falls nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second erupts from a natural gorge and thunders 11m into the Waikato River below.
More info -
Scenic attractions
Tongariro National Park
A diverse and awe-inspiring landscape born from volcanic eruptions and carved by ice age glaciers, Tongariro National Park is a place of natural wonders and spiritual significance.
More info