Top Lake Taupo scenic highlights

Top Lake Taupo scenic highlights

Huka Falls

The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Just before the Huka Falls it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The effect is nature's large-scale equivalent of a fire hose feeding into a very fine nozzle. The previously placid waters roar and rumble at great speed along the ravine before bursting into space out over Huka Falls to crash into the turbulent pool 11 metres below. A foot bridge right at the top of the falls puts you in a prime position to get up close and witness the frightening display of more than 220,000 litres of water blasting by every second.To follow the build up to the falls you can hike the Spa Park to Huka Falls trail, an easy one hour walk that begins where the river is still lazy and wide. Passing through exotic and native forests, the track emerges again alongside the river and the roar of the falls grows louder at every turn. Around the falls there are several great vantage points from which to enjoy their full splendour and capture some very impressive photographs.The Huka Falls car park is about 1.6 kilometres north of Taupo. A bus from Taupo passes several times a day on a circuit of the local attractions.

Lake Taupo

This beautiful lake is about the size of Singapore - more of an inland sea really. It was created nearly two thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened the skies as far away as Europe and China.The lake's volcanic origins are still evident today, from steam vents and warm water currents at the beaches to the ever-present views of the massive volcanoes in adjacent Tongariro National Park. There are several active geothermal areas to visit, where the earth hisses steam and mud boils in pools.With 47 rivers and streams flowing into the lake, this area is renowned for trout fishing and kayaking. The Waikato River is the only river flowing out of the lake - at 425 kilometres in length it's New Zealand's largest natural waterway. For all New Zealanders, the Waikato River has always been a great provider - from fish, eel and freshwater lobster, to drinking water, irrigation and hydro-electric power.The forests surrounding Lake Taupo offer hiking and mountain biking adventures to suit all levels of experience.The resort town of Taupo, on the northern shore of the lake, is a skilled and experienced host. There's a large visitor information centre ready to help you get the most from your visit.

Mine Bay Rock Carving

In the late 1970s master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell had completed his 10-year training period with Maori elders. He came to his mother's land at Lake Taupo to mark the occasion with a significant carving.On a boat trip around the Western Bays he saw the cliffs at Mine Bay and recognised the opportunity to use them as a canvas for his work. Matahi decided to carve a likeness of Ngatoroirangi, a visionary Maori navigator who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupo area over a thousand years ago. In recognition of the cross-cultural nature of New Zealand, Matahi also carved two smaller figures of Celtic design, which depict the south wind and a mermaid.The main carving is over 10 metres high and took four summers to complete. The artwork is Matahi's gift to Taupo. He and four assistants took no payment other than small change donations from local bar patrons to cover the cost of the scaffolding.The carving has become an important cultural attraction for the region and a clear demonstration that traditional Maori knowledge and skills continue to be passed from generation to generation.The Mine Bay rock carvings can only be reached by boat and are best viewed up close from a kayak.

Kaimanawa Forest Park

East of Tongariro National Park, the Kaimanawa Forest Park is a large area of ancient native forests, shrublands and tussock grasslands.Popular for hunting, fishing and overnight treks for experienced hikers, the park also offers shorter walks and picnic areas for day visits and short-term campers.There are several easy walks off Kaimanawa Road, 15 kilometres south of Turangi on State Highway 1. The Pillars of Hercules walk (10 minutes return) climbs steep steps to a spectacular gorge - the powerful Tongariro River passes through this narrow chasm. The viewing bridge offers views of Mount Urchin and sometimes a glimpse of the rare native whio (blue duck) upstream.The Kaimanawa Forest Road Walk, a 20-minute loop track, leaves from the Urchin camping area. This pleasant walk through native forest is known for the variety of native trees it offers within such a small area.The Tree Trunk Gorge track also leaves from the Urchin camping area and is the only off-road track open to mountain bikers. The track ends at Tree Trunk Gorge Road, which is off State Highway 1.There are several other walking tracks located off Kiko Road in the northwest of the park and Clements Mill Road in the north.