New Zealand: Taupo

From Napier, Taupo (pronounced toepoe) was the first stop on our way north to Auckland. It's located on the shore of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. We had a glimpse of it from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing . Our goal was to walk the Huka Falls Track to see the outlet of Lake Taupo .i.e Huka Falls. It was every bit as magnificent as I had expected. The volume and color of the water were breathtaking.

The next day, under threat of rain, we had some time to walk along the lake shore. It's a geothermal lake with quite a bit of "HOT H2O" activities along the lake next to town. They are not well advertised, thus not well attended.

Judging by the large number of accommodations in the area, Lake Taupo must be well loved by New Zealanders considering that it competes for visitors with every town on the very long coastline.

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Selfie on the Huka Falls Walkway.


Huka Falls from below.


We did NOT take the boat tour.


We bought some tomatoes and Golden Kiwis, which were the most tasty kiwis ever, at the local PAK'nSAVE.




Checking out the geothermal hot spots at Taupo Beach.