Things to see and do Taupo

Strangely not very vertical for falls, they almost look more like rapids. And rapids they are! With a water flow of 220,000 liters per second, Huka Falls would take just 11 seconds to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool! Known for their intense crystalline blue color (particularly impressive on a clear day), these falls are one of New Zealand's most visited and photographed natural attractions. Several trails lead to them, including one linking them to the center of Taupō.

It's always a good idea to pop into the Visitor Center when you arrive in an area, not least to get the freshest and most reliable weather information possible if you've planned any weather-dependent activities. The visitor center in Taupō is well-stocked for the whole region, as well as for Tongariro Park. Handy if you're planning a trip there straight afterwards. The lovetaupo.com website is also very comprehensive.

Small thermal water swimming pool; It's perfect when it's cold or raining.

Less popular than Taupo, many hiking trails are accessible from Kinloch, around Lake Taupo. An ideal leisure base for water sports.

From the parking at the end of the street, cross the field then the bridge. Here, entering the Waikato River, a source of hot water blends into the cold stream of the river. Ideal for bathing, completely free.