Our stories
Discover what makes people love Taupō, the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s beautiful North Island.
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Riding the Great Lake Trail
Winding along the north-eastern shoreline of Lake Taupō you will find an epic mountain biking and walking adventure.
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The Battle of the Mountains - a story of great love
The Battle of the Mountains is a famous local Māori legend about four warrior mountains who stood for the heart of the North Island.
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How do I pronounce Taupō?
Taupō – pronounced ‘Toe–paw’ – is a shortened version of the region’s full name, Taupō-nui-a-Tia. Literally translated, Taupō-nui-a-Tia means ‘the great cloak of Tia’.
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Taupō Moana - the great inland sea
Taupō waters are some of the clearest waters you will find, with many rivers and streams feeding the lake from glacial mountains, mountainous valleys and tall forests that fill the great lake, Taupō Moana — the great inland sea.
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Māori legend - Tongariro River
The river we now know as Tongariro was once known as the Waikato according to Māori legend.
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The story behind the creation of the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings
Master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell shares his story behind the remarkable Mine Bay Māori rock carvings on the edge of Lake Taupō, New Zealand.
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13 things we bet you didn't know about skiing in the North Island of New Zealand
Skiing the North Island has largely been under wraps for many years, but we've revealed 13 reasons why you should consider a ski holiday to Taupō, New Zealand.
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Explore a landscape formed of fire and ice
New Zealand’s North Island plateau is a living breathing landmass of energy - from steaming geothermal fields, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pools to snow-capped volcanoes, this utterly unique landscape is a beautiful juxtaposition of fire and ice.
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Get on your e-bike & ride
One town embracing the e-bike movement is Taupo. Chris and Kathy Johnston are two locals who have made the move from classic mountain bikes to e-bikes, and they say it has opened up a whole new world.
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Family-friendly bike trails around Taupō
There are few better ways to enjoy Taupō's epic scenery, lake and riverside picnic spots and stunning native bush than from the saddle of a bike. Taupō offers a number of excellent family-friendly trails that are fun, scenic and perfect for building confidence.
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48 hours in Taupō
Heading to our glorious lakeside paradise for a couple of days? Here’s how to have a truly memorable 48 hours.
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7 Days of Family Fun in Taupō
Taupō has long been a favourite family holiday spot where kids can get out into nature and go adventuring, just like kids are made to do. Our family itinerary highlights the best of our fun activities to suit every age and stage in the family.
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