Lake Taupō
NATURE’S PLAYGROUND THE DRAMATIC CENTRAL PLATEAU WAS CREATED BY THE ERUPTION OF A SUPERVOLCANO AND THIS DIVERSE LANDSCAPE ENTICES VISITORS WITH VOLCANIC MOUNTAINS, THERMAL VALLEYS, LAKES AND RIVERS.
Tongariro National Park © Getty Images
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eautiful vast Lake Taupō is actually an immense volcanic caldera – or collapsed crater – created after the Oruanui Eruption 27,000 years ago. Lake Taupō, the biggest lake in Australasia and roughly the size of Singapore, is actually one of the world’s most formidable and active supervolcanoes. The Chinese and the Romans recorded seeing dramatic red skies, thought to be ash from the Taupō or Hātepe Eruption 1800 years ago. The region’s hot pools and springs are tell-tale signs of the magma chambers
sitting below this seemingly serene huge lake. To the south, in the Ruapehu district, lies the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first area in New Zealand to be bestowed national park status. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a one-day walk across the central plateau, is one of New Zealand’s most popular hikes. The North Island’s tallest mountains can be seen from most areas in the region, but views of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngāuruhoe
and Mt Ruapehu are particularly good on the Volcanic Loop, from Tūrangi on the eastern shores of Lake Taupō to National Park Village, Ōhakune and Waiouru, before circling back. Wherever you are in the region, there is a natural playground waiting for you right on the doorstep. Climb mountains, tramp, ski, snowboard, fish, mountain bike or opt for full-throttle action with a skydive, jet-boat ride, off-roading or a white-water rafting adventure. This region is truly nature’s ultimate playground.
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