Taupo, New Zealand

Orakei Korako (the place of adorning) is a fantastic Maori-owned thermal park and cave reached by a short ferry trip across Lake Ohakuri.

In the Lonely Planet Guide it is said to be "possibly the best thermal area left in New Zealand and one of the finest in the world".

You will enjoy silica terraces, boiling pools, geysers, native bush, a geothermal cave, panoramic views, wildlife and natural beauty. There are safe boardwalks to allow close access to the geothermal activity but you do not feel as if you are in a theme-park, rather that you are exploring a wild, untamed area.

There is a cafe, toilets and a souvenir shop before the lake crossing (the ferry gos on demand - ring a bell to be brought back!). Allow plenty of time to enjoy the Hidden Valley.

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Lake Taupo is the biggest lake of New Zealand and if you are in to watersports you will love it here!
There are lots of camping grounds around the lake to stay a night or more so you can enjoy the sunset as I did...:-)

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Absolutely amazing falls with extremely blue and clear water!
It is on the way from Rotorua to Lake Taupo along the road.You can also have a bit of a rest there and enjoy a lunch on one of the many wooden tables.

Just about 10 kilometers north of Taupo you will find Wairakei Park, home of Huka Falls. Youi can walk the Huka Falls loop here which passes Huka Falls and will take you to some more waterfalls at the end. If you're short on time, no worries, Huka Falls are close to the carpark. A footbridge crosses the Waikato river above the falls, which looks more like a giant turquiose rapid. The lookout platform gives you the best views of the falls. If there is a chance for sunshine, just wait a bit and you will see the turquoise colours come out even more.

Huka Falls are located approximately five minutes from Lake Taupo are the spectacular Huka Falls. Huka jet boat rides operate daily, weather and river conditions permitting. Huka's waters are known for fine brown and rainbow fishing. Many international celebrities stay at the Huka Lodge here because of its beauty as well as being a peaceful and private retreat area.

Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake and is the unofficial trout capital of the Southern Hemisphere.

The lake is in the centre of the Northern Island and is quite scenic, nestled between Tongariro National Park to the south, and the geothermal areas of Rotorua to the north.

Careful at high season, as this area is quite popular with both locals and tourists... During my stay this is the only place where we encountered any really significant traffic jams on either island...

Mt Ngauruhoe is one of three major peaks in the Tongariro National Park which sits on a central volcanic plateau to the south of Lake Taupo. On a clear day the white tip can be seen for miles and makes a wonderful backdrop to Lake Taupo. Mt Ruapehu is the highest peak in the North Island and is very popular with locals and tourists alike for skiing. There are fully developed ski-fields on several slopes and even a hot crater lake surrounded by snow.
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