Taupo

Taupo, known in full as Taupō-nui-a-Tia (the great cloak of Tia, named after the early explorer from the Arawa waka), sits on the edge of a vast freshwater inland sea created by one of the most colossal supervolcano eruptions in earth's history. Today, Lake Taupo is a tranquil paradise under the kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. On clear days, the views across the water are sensational, framed by the sacred snow-draped volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro rising majestically across the southern horizon.

The lake offers world-class aquatic adventures. Take a scenic sailboat or electric boat cruise out to Mine Bay to view the monumental 14-metre Māori rock carving of the high priest Ngātoroirangi, masterfully sculpted into steep lakeside cliffs by master carver Matahi Brightwell in the late 1970s. Kayakers can paddle into secluded pumice bays, while fly-fishers come from across the globe to battle giant wild rainbow and brown trout in the tributary rivers of nearby Turangi.

Just downstream from the lake outlet, witness the raw natural fury of Huka Falls, where over 220,000 litres of brilliant turquoise water blast through a narrow volcanic ravine every second with thunderous power. Taupo also serves as the main basecamp for the legendary 19.4-kilometre Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely rated among the world's best day hikes. After a long day on the tracks, unwind in the natural thermal mineral waters of Taupo DeBretts, making it the ultimate central North Island adventure hub.