Taupo Attractions
Taupo (pop. 19,000), at the northeast corner of the lake, is still a relatively young town, having grown to its present size only since the 1950s. Its growth was stimulated by the construction of new roads, the development of the volcanic plateau by redeforestation with pines, the harnessing of geothermal energy and above all by tourism. The lake, in which Californian rainbow trout have flourished since the late 19th C., has become a popular holiday destination. It also makes a pleasant stopover on the journey from Wellington to Auckland. Numerous hotels, motels, holiday houses and motor camps cater for visitors; many of them have their own swimming pools of thermal water.
De Brett's Thermal Baths
The luxurious De Brett Thermal Pools are in the style of Japanese bathhouses. Theac Baths in Spa Road were originally established for the use of the police force, the AC (Armed Constabulary). There are also thermal baths at Tokaanu on the south side of the lake, near a small geothermal field.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 |
Taupo Walkway
This walk, starting from County Avenue in Taupo, follows the Waikato River to the Huka Falls (4km) and on to the Aratiatia Rapids (11km). Skirting the forest, it affords a succession of beautiful views.
Taupo Lookout
From the end of the Huka Falls Loop Road it is a short distance to the Taupo Lookout, at the local radio station. In good weather there are fine views over the town and the lake to the distant mountains.
Waikato River Lookout
This viewpoint overlooking the Waikato River is most easily reached from Spa Road; it also known as Hell's Gate, because it overlooks steaming rocks.
Taupo Surroundings
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Taupo Observatory
The Taupo Volcano Observatory provides an in-depth look at the geological history of New Zealand. Displays offer information on volcanoes and geothermal activity.
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Wairakei - Geothermal Field, New Zealand
The Geothermal Field near Lake Taupo is one of the top tourist attractions in the area.
Wairakei Thermal Valley
The densely wooded Wairakei Thermal Valley has a variety of post-volcanic phenomena, including a small geyser (which gives rise to a hot waterfall), bubbling mud pools and multicolored mineral deposits.
