The Lake Taupo NZ region contains Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.

Lake Taupo NZ is the source of the spectacular Huka Falls. The region is also an active volcanic area where geothermal energy bursts through the earth's thin crust.

The region is a sporting paradise, and a popular destination for holiday adventures and relaxation. Anglers flock to the region for some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand.

The region is located in the centre of New Zealand's North Island, and sits south of Rotorua and west of Hawke's Bay.

According to Maori legend, Lake Taupo NZ is the “heart” of New Zealand, and is the largest fresh water lake in Australasia. The lake was created in an ancient volcanic eruption, and the region is full of natural thermal springs and bubbling mud pools.

Located on the lake’s edge, the picturesque Taupo township is a base for visitors wanting to explore the region’s highlights, and is one of our favourite North Island destinations.

Click the following link to view Taupo accommodation options.

We can highly recommend Baycrest Lodge.

Lake Taupo NZ was created by a massive volcanic eruption around 186AD. It is said that the huge eruption turned the skies of Europe and China into a fiery red.

The New Zealand Maori people arrived in the region about 700 years ago. The Ngati Tuwharetoa iwi became the region’s dominant tribe. It was a harsh existence where the unfertile ashy soil made it difficult to grow kumara (sweet potato) and the lake was a poor food source.

Europeans arrived in Lake Taupo NZ in the 1830s, but were deterred by the harsh conditions which drove many away. Taupo township was founded in 1868 with the establishment of an armed police post, however it wasn’t until the 1950s, when land was cleared and fertilised, that the region began to flourish.

Lake Taupo NZ is culturally significant for Maori, and has many examples of historic and contemporary Maori culture.

Maori rock carvings, on a cliff at the southern end of Mine Bay, are an important contemporary cultural attraction. The work of master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, the carvings feature the legendary Maori navigator Ngatoroirangi, who first led his people into the area. Two smaller Celtic-inspired designs depict the south wind and mermaid. Located in a remote bay and accessible only by water, the carvings can be visited by launch and kayak.

Wairakei Terraces gives another insight into Maori history and culture. The replica Maori village at the world-first man-made silica terraces has Maori carving treasures, cultural performances and traditional hangi (earth oven) food.

Guided tours into native forest highlight the spiritual relationship between Maori and the land, local cultural history, and New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. The nature / culture tour also tells how Maori have utilised forest resources for centuries.

Lake Taupo NZ is a popular choice for luxury travellers. There are many lodges and boutique accommodation options for discerning visitors attracted by leisure activities and a peaceful fresh water setting.

Huka Lodge is an international award-winning boutique hotel in a stunning location on the banks of the Waikato river and just above the mighty Huka Falls. Surrounded by native bush and gardens, the 20-room lodge also has two exclusive cottages - the Owner’s Cottage and the Allan Pye retreat.

New Zealand’s first exclusive retreat, Huka Lodge has a vast cellar and a reputation for fine dining in intimate inside and outdoor dining areas with fireplaces, candles and privacy. Helicopters take guests on scenic flights over Lake Taupo, to nearby active volcanoes, or remote riverside fly-fishing spots.

Acacia Cliffs Lodge was architecturally designed to capture stunning views of Lake Taupo, Mount Tauhara and the Kaimanawa Ranges.

This is the perfect place to enjoy your New Zealand honeymoon, take that overdue romantic getaway, or just a holiday, all in a relaxed, luxurious environment. You can also book exclusive use of the lodge for a special time with friends or family.

Acacia Cliffs Lodge feels secluded and private, and yet Taupo's facilities and many wonderful attractions are close by!

Your hosts, Linda and Rick, have an extensive knowledge of the local region, and will happily assist you with ideas and feedback on the many wonders of this beautiful region.

Here you can do as little, or as much as you like. The choice is yours. Scenic flights over the lake and nearby volcanoes, fly fishing with a professional guide, a game of golf at the Jack Nicklaus designed Wairakei International Golf Course, or a hike in the world heritage Tongariro Alpine Crossing. These are just a few of the many activities available in the region.

Linda and Rick look forward to welcoming you to Acacia Cliffs Lodge and this special part of New Zealand.

The Lake Taupo New Zealand region is a vast playground for fishing, hiking and adventure.

The Tongariro River, on Lake Taupo’s southern tip, is considered one of the world’s best trout fishing spots. Private guides also take anglers to remote rivers and streams (their "secret" spots).

The Tongariro is also the perfect river for novice white water rafters and recreational kayakers. Tour operators offer day or overnight camping adventures along the river.

The Tongariro National Park is also the location of the Tongariro Crossing. The famous alpine crossing over active volcanoes is one of the world’s best single day mountain treks. Closer to Taupo, there are many forest and mountain walking tracks for all fitness levels.

For adrenalin junkies, Taupo New Zealand has one of New Zealand’s most spectacular bungy jumps, a 47 metre plunge from a cantilever platform above the Waikato river. Choose to touch the water or stay dry! If you have not had a bungy jump, we can highly recommend it. We jumped from the old Kawarau bridge (43 metres) near Queenstown, and it remains one of the most amazing experiences of our life.

To get a bird's eye view of the rugged landscape, why not try a tandem Sky dive.

* Lake Taupo's eruption was so huge, ash has been found in ice cores drilled in Greenland.

* Kaiangaroa forest, north of Taupo, is the world’s largest man-made forest.

* Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park, was the fourth national park established in the world.

* Huka is the Maori word for 'falling water'.

* Taupo's full name Taupo-nui-a-Tia translates as 'the great cloak of Tia' - after the lake’s discoverer.