Between Taupo and Rotorua is the Thermal Highway, a region of geysers, hot pools and sulphur terraces. Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake and unlike the South Island lakes which have been carved out by glaciers, Taupo is an immense crater lake formed by eruptions some 22,000-50,000 years ago. Taupo township is small and friendly with a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants and magnificent views across the lake to the active volcanos of Ngarahoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu to the south. It is close to Orakei Korako and the famous Huka Falls, convenient for golf at Wairaki Golf Course.

Turangi, on the Tongariro River, as it flows into the southern end of the lake, is a village famous for its fly fishing and also a good base for hiking the awe inspiring Tongariro Crossing and rafting the powerful Tongariro River.

The whole region has a wide variety of options, from flights over the volcanoes to thermal spas to active adventures (hiking the Tongariro Crossing, rafting the Tongariro river, sailing, golf, fly fishing, biking) to experiencing and learning about New Zealand’s maori history and culture.