Take your passion o-n tour in NZ’s heart: Taupo
Take your passion on tour: 9 ways to actively recharge in Taupō.
The Taupo- region is an active rela er’s paradise. t’s home to a golf course that was voted NZ’s best, near-endless mountain bike trails and some of the country’s best hikes. There’s also jet boats, bungee jumps and of course - worldrenowned trout fishing.
fter all that adventure, there are geothermal hot pools, local craft beers to e perience, ama ing cafes and restaurants and lu ury accommodation as a welldeserved reward
ll this surrounded by breathtaking lakes, mountains and native bush. So what are you waiting for Take your passion on tour with an action-packed holiday in the North sland’s adventurous heart - Taupō.
Trout fishing in world renowned waters
n the late s, brown and rainbow trout were introduced into Lake Taupō’s vast waters.
ver years later, they’ve spread in such numbers that the lake and surrounding rivers have become an angler’s paradise - among the best fishing spots in the world.
ou’re likely to catch a monster almost anywhere you plop your line into the water, but Turangi on the banks of the Tongariro River is known as the gold standard. ur advice Book a local guide on your first visit to discover all the good spots where the giant trout are hiding.
Golfing on NZ’s number one courses
The Taupō region has nine - yes, nine - golf courses.
That includes two that are consistently ranked in the top
outside of the S and in the top in NZ. There’s the Wairakei nternational Golf course, which doubles as a sanctuary for native wildlife and was recently voted as NZ’s best course. Then there’s the ack Nicklaus designed inloch Club Golf Course, which Sir Bob Charles described as the best course in New Zealand, comparable to the great links courses of Scotland.
Both of these courses have a claim to being NZ’s best - we’ll let you decide which is right.
Biking some of New Zealand’s best trails
The Taupō region’s Great Lake Trail is one of g reat rides of New Zealand, and with good reason. urpose-built tracks take you through dense native forest, past pristine waterfalls and around the crystal blue waters of one of the world’s largest crater lakes - Lake Taupō.
But this isn’t all. The Taupō region has a vast network of trails and bike friendly paths that will thrill everyone from the hardcore downhill mountain biker to the young family looking for a scenic ride around the lake. verything is also set up to make riding in the region as easy as possible with single and multi-day options, bike hire, shuttles, tours and package deals available.
Ski or board New Zealand’s largest ski field
The Taupō region sits under the watchful eye of the mighty Mt Ruapehu. f you are looking for a winter getaway why not base yourself in Turangi, a short and easy drive from the slopes of this famous mountain. id you know that Mt Ruapehu has the longest ski season in ustralasia ou can ski all the way from une to ctober so there are plenty of chances to visit for brilliant skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snow play for everyone, from the littlest snow bunnies to serious athletes and adventurers.
A hiking and walking paradise and home to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
There’s never been a better time to tick off the Tongariro
lpine Crossing from your bucket list. Regarded as New Zealand’s premier one-day trek and one of the world’s best single-day hikes. We can see why - this . kilometre track through NZ’s oldest national park is ridiculously beautiful, traversing snow-capped mountains, crystal blue crater lakes and dramatic volcanic peaks (like Mt Ngāuruhoe which was Mt oom in The Lord f The Rings Trilogy . But Taupō is not just a one-trick pony in the hiking and walking space. The region is replete with spectacular walks and hikes for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Kayak Lake Taupō & the Waikato River
ayaking is the closest you’ll get to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō without diving in, and there’s plenty of
options if you’re keen to get out there. That includes full day tours around secluded harbours, along sheer cliff faces and to Mine Bay’s famous Nga-toroirangi Māori Rock Carvings. r if you fancy catching dinner why not try a kayak fishing tour with purpose-built kayaks
Thrill seeking: from jet boats to bungee jumps
f you like your thrills dialled up to then you’re going to love Taupō. How about battling the grade three white waters of Tongariro’s rivers, or hurtling down them in a supercharged jet boat f that’s not enough, try New Zealand’s highest clifftop bungee jump or an , ft tandem skydive over the pristine blue of the lake.
See Taupō’s legendary sights
Love sightseeing ou’ll be spoilt for choice with all of Taupō’s natural wonders. There’s Huka Falls, where a
uarter million litres of water a second gush from a natural gorge and plummet metres into the Waikato River below. There’s the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings and of course the beautiful pepe Scenic and Historic Reserve brimming with native bush and fascinating local history.
Soak in the serenity
fter all that adventuring, you will have earned a few days with your feet up, and there’s few better places to do that than Taupō.
soak in the balmy mineral-filled Wairakei Terraces thermal pools is a good place to start. meal at The Bistro, which was named by Cuisine as one of NZ’s top
restaurants is a good ne t step, or a visit to one of the region’s many great bars and restaurants is a great way to finish any evening.
Here in New Zealand’s adventurous heart - Taupō - there’s pristine mountains, crystal-clear lakes and lush native bush waiting to be e plored. nd the best part t’s all set up to let you take your passion on tour and golf, fish, bike, ski and hike to your heart’s content.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning and booking your next adventure to the Taupō region. Find new things to do around New Zealand at www.newfinder.co.nz Please travel safely and check guidance at covid19. govt.nz for alert level requirements in the region you’re travelling to.