Three of the best things to do in Taupo¯

Huka Falls

At Taupo¯ ’s Huka Falls, watch as 220,000 litres of water per second thunders into New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River. Get even closer than the viewing platform by taking a boat to the base of the falls. Fun fact: the rate of water gushing over the falls would fill an Olympic swimming pool in just 11 seconds. DESTINATION TAUPO¯

Rock carvings

These carvings have been called some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Ma¯ori artworks. Created in the late-1970s by master carver Matahi WhakatakaBrightwell, the giant Mine Bay Ma¯ori rock carving of Nga¯toroirangi on Lake Taupo¯ rises 14 metres above the water. It’s one of Taupo¯ ’s most popular attractions and can be reached by taking a scenic cruise or a kayak trip.

Street art

Taupo¯ isn’t just about the water. This town of 25,000 is big on art, and has several galleries that have regular exhibitions. If street art is more your thing, there are also numerous laneways and streets in the town covered with bright art waiting to be Instagrammed. Who needs to go to Melbourne with street art this good? LOVE TAUPO¯