The Lake Taupo region in New Zealand's volcanic heartland is rich in Maori tradition. It also has some of the country’s finest untouched, uncrowded and unique landscapes. The lake itself was the result of the most violent volcanic eruption the world has seen in the past 5000 years - the ash affected the sunsets as far away as Europe and China.
Maori legend explains the lake a different way. When Ngatoirangi, the chief tohunga (priest) of the Arawa people, first saw the region he was dismayed to find a barren basin. Realising his people needed resources to live, he plucked a large totara tree and hurled it into the crater to seed a new forest. He aim was true, but the wind flipped the totara and it landed upside down, piercing the ground with its branches. Water gushed up through the holes, filling the basin and creating Lake Taupo.
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Friendly little town handy to three hydro lakes
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Situated in the heart of the North Island, Mangakino borders the western shores of Lake Maraetai on the Waikato River. It is a town that has survived against the odds. It was originally founded to house workers involved with the construction of power stations on the Waikato River.
When the work was over, many of the houses were removed and some of the streets were converted back into farmland. But Mangakino’s residents were keen to keep the town alive. These days the population has stabilised and the area has become an affordable place to own a holiday home.
Surrounded by lakes, forest and farmland, Mangakino is a perfect all-round destination; great for those who seek peace and tranquility and also catering to the more adventurous who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Mangakino and Whakamaru have beautifully scenic lakes on offer, a result of the Hydro Dams which themselves are spectacular structures to see. The lakes are a popular venue for waterskiing, kayaking and other water sports. Pureora Forest Park is located close by and boasts many features; a number of impressive bush walks, you can stand on the centre of the North Island and also visit New Zealand’s’ largest Totara Tree. This peaceful lakeside village is a great location from which to base your vacation, as nearby holiday attractions in Taupo, Rotorua, Waitomo and Tokoroa are less than an hour away.
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The edge of the southern hemisphere’s largest lake
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Beautiful Lake Taupo is actually a huge volcano with a fiery history. Its most recent eruption, in 181 AD, was large enough to change the sky as far away as Europe and China. Lake Taupo was created by a gigantic volcanic eruption in 181AD. At 616 square kilometres, it is as big as Singapore Island. The lake's attractive pumice sand beaches give it the appearance of an inland ocean.
According to Maori legend, the lake is the pulsating heart of Maui's fish (New Zealand's North Island).
The lakeside town of Taupo provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout, ski Mount Ruapehu and explore the local geothermal phenomena. Popular Taupo experiences include Huka Falls, geothermal walks, a prawn farm, lake cruises and guided kayak expeditions to see the rock carvings at Mine Bay. Most Taupo accommodation comes complete with a naturally heated spa pool.
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Fishing is the local obsession in Turangi
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As the unofficial trout fishing headquarters of New Zealand, Turangi invites you to call in and drop a line. The town is on the banks of the Tongariro River, Lake Taupo is only four kilometres away and the Tauranga-Taupo River (another trout haven) is just to the east.
For the ultimate trout experience visit the Tongariro Trout Centre, a hatchery run by the Department of Conservation. Turangi’s visitors don’t all come to fish; the town is an ideal base for hiking adventures into the Tongariro National Park. It’s also just 40 minutes from the Whakapapa ski area on Mount Ruapehu and about five minutes from Tokaanu’s hot pools.
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