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Kuratau
Beautiful Kuratau sits on a flat bay on the west side of Lake Taupo, surrounded by lush, rolling farms in all directions. It’s the quintessential New Zealand lakeside village where everyone knows each other – one boat ramp, a shop, a tennis court, a playground and a summer winery with a cafe. But what else do you really need?
Between lakefront strolls, fishing, kayaking, and just sunning yourself on the deck of your cottage or cabin, that’s more than enough to do. You can spend a sunny afternoon enjoying a glass of local wine among the vines at the Floating Rock Vineyard and Cafe.
For Labour Weekend in October, the village comes alive for its annual weekend market, shared with nearby village Omori, where you can buy fresh local produce, wooden furniture and toys.
Still, if you’re craving a little more excitement, Kuratau is a perfect jumping-off point, with the wonders and adventures of Tongariro National Park and mountain ski areas just a short drive away in one direction, and the stunning ancient Pureora Forest Park equally close in the other.
