Taupo is my kind of town.
Written: Jul 28 '02 (Updated Jan 22 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: the stunning location
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: Small, scenic and centrally located it is just about perfect, except for one thing … I don’t live there.
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| hollynz's Full Review: Taupo |
location
If you look at any map of New Zealand, you will notice a big blue bit in the middle of the North Island. That is Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. The town of Taupo is nestled on the north-eastern shore of this lake and is extremely picturesque.
The lake is framed by the spectacular Tongariro national Park. Three huge snow capped volcanoes complete the picture. Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. These three volcanoes make a stunning backdrop in the distance.
Taupo the town sits along the shores of this magnificent scene. It is a small town with a population of 22,000 but it has one thing going for it … location, location, location.
Situated on the main route between Auckland and Wellington, Taupo has become a popular tourist destination.
It has always been a popular retirement town but lately it has become an adventure tourism hot spot.
what can I do here?
In summer the lake is the main source of pleasure with para-sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, lake cruises all readily available.
A river also runs through Taupo and here you will find the bungy jump. I enjoyed watching others jump but I just couldn’t even contemplate doing it myself. I watched my husband struggle with himself for at least an hour before deciding he would jump. He was a bundle of nerves and tension but he reckoned it was worth it. He was buzzing for days afterwards and had a grin from ear to ear, I might consider doing a tandem jump one day … maybe.
Maybe not !
If you like the rough stuff you can do a white water rafting trip, 4x4 bike trails, horse trekking, mountain biking, skydiving and jet boating.
If you are interested in golf, fishing ( lake Taupo is renowned for it’s trout fishing), sightseeing tours, walking scenic trails, it’s all available here as well.
In winter, because Taupo is handy to the ski fields, it becomes a popular base for ski weekends. Being in the “Thermal Belt” there are plenty of natural hot springs around for easing those aches and pains after a day on the ski fields nearby.
Accommodation
For a town this size there is a ridiculously large amount of accommodation available. It doesn’t matter what your budget is you will be covered here. From exclusive lodges, to high priced lake front hotels, to the more moderately priced motels, backpackers lodges, B & B’s and campgrounds, lodging wont be a problem.
We generally stay at the more moderately priced motels, ranging in price from $60 -$85 (NZ) for a double room.
Restaurants
Because of the high tourist volume there is an exceptionally large array of fine dining and take-away’s present for such a small town.
All the major fast food chains have outlets here as well as the all important (to me anyway) Indian Restaurants. An Indian curry is essential food in my book.
All the major food groups and ethnic restaurants are represented, as well as a fair share of more up market and exclusive restaurants.
All in all, this town is the perfect place to spend a few days if you are touring the North Island. Approximately halfway between Auckland and Wellington it is the ideal spot to break the journey.
~Enjoy the view ~
www.laketauponz.com
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Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
hollynz
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 in Hotels & Travel |
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Member: Christine
Location: New Zealand
Reviews written: 144
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~ In memory of Barbara ~
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