Things to do in Taupō

Taupō sits on the shore of Lake Taupō, 616 square kilometres of clear water filling the crater of a super-volcano, about an hour's drive south of Rotorua on SH5. The change of scene is the point: mountains at the far end of the lake instead of Rotorua's steaming streets, and no sulphur smell in the air.

A half-day covers the Huka Falls walk and a look at the lake; a full day adds a boat trip out to the Mine Bay rock carvings, which are only reachable by water. Expect maxima around 23-24°C in summer and 12-13°C in winter, with rain possible in any month.

Budget roughly 40-80 NZD per person for a Mine Bay cruise, more for kayaking or fishing charters.