Lake Taupo & the Volcanoes
This is the volcanic centre of the North Island. Lake Taupo, the country’s largest lake, covers an area of 616 sq km (a tad smaller than the area of Singapore), and was formed during a massive volcanic super-eruption 26,500 years ago, the world's largest known eruption over the past 70,000 years.
The vibrant resort township of Taupo is in the lakes northeast corner, while at its southern end is Turangi, proud claimant to the title of “Trout Fishing Capital of the World”.
South of Lake Taupo, the Central Plateau rises around the three great volcanoes of Tongariro National Park, the country’s oldest.
Mt Ruapehu offers top snow sports in winter, while the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered by many to be NZ’s best day-walk.
This is exciting stuff - these volcanoes are still alive and, every now and then, kicking.