Alaska
Super-sized wilderness
Antarctica
Expeditions to the ultimate frontier
Argentina
A seductive mix of tango, treks and history
Armenia
Medieval monasteries and forest hikes
Australia
Iconic cities, awe-inspiring outback and everything in between
Azerbaijan
Land of fire
Borneo
Untamed nature
Brazil
Samba rhythms and wild landscapes
Caucasus
Where Asia meets Europe
Central Asia
Magical landscapes and Silk Road cities
Chile
The land of extremes
China
Beautiful chaos and ancient history
Costa Rica
The most biodiverse country on earth
Cuba
An old girl with a new heart
Ethiopia
Epic landscapes and divine history
Georgia
Rolling hills and centuries-old villages
Iceland
Dramatic landscapes and beautiful glaciers
India
A dazzling kaleidoscope of colour
Japan
Ancient culture and futuristic cities
Jordan
Forgotten cities and nomadic deserts
Kenya
More than just safaris
Kerala
Exploring God’s own country
Machu Picchu
Peru's archaeological rock star
Mexico
Fiestas, Frida and Maya mystery
Morocco
The hospitable gateway to Africa
Nepal
The country at the top of the world
New Zealand
Adventures at the end of the earth
Ontario
Embrace the Canadian wilderness
Patagonia
The wilderness at the end of the earth
Peru
Hidden treasures for those that look
Rajasthan
The Land of Kings
Rwanda
Everything in one perfect package
South Africa
Safari and beyond in the Rainbow Nation
Sri Lanka
Ancient civilisation and endless beaches
Tanzania
Mountains, safaris and spice islands
Thailand
Tropical beaches and beautiful temples
The Galapagos Islands
The islands that changed the world
Uganda
Unforgettable encounters
Uzbekistan
Mosques, mausoleums and madrasahs
Vietnam
Head-spinning contradictions and character
Western USA
Landscapes and legends
New Zealand
Lake Taupo
Vast Lake Taupo is as big as Singapore and was created 2,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption so huge it would have been seen from China. Today, visitors come for the magnificent Huka Falls, Maori rock carvings and watersports. Lake Taupo is also an excellent base for exploring nearby Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike and skiing at Whakapapa.
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Queenstown
The self-described ‘adventure capital of the world’, Queenstown is a playground for adrenaline junkies...Read more -
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is the place to see wildlife in New Zealand...Read more -
Lake Tekapo
A highland lake in the middle of New Zealand’s south island, Lake Tekapo is best known for its incredibly clear skies that are perfect for stargazing...Read more -
Rotorua
An eggy scent hangs over sulphuric Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island, which is home to spectacular geothermal springs, mud pools and geysers...Read more -
Coromandel
Visible across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, the Coromandel offers pristine beaches, thick rainforest and plenty of adventure...Read more -
Wanaka
Laidback Wanaka has a claim to be Queenstown’s cooler sibling...Read more -
Auckland
Forget the city’s high-rise centre; the beauty of Auckland is the scenery surrounding it...Read more -
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef’s icy mass once flowed all the way into the sea, but after decades of global warming, the glacier has retreated inland and is now only accessible by helicopter...Read more -
Paihia
...Read more -
Nelson
Visit the small but sweet wine region of Nelson, situated in the north of New Zealand’s South Island, for an unforgettable wine tour...Read more -
Christchurch
Most travellers use Christchurch as a base for exploring the south island, but there is plenty to see in this upwardly-mobile city...Read more -
Milford Sound
Even by New Zealand’s standards, Milford Sound is a truly spectacular sight...Read more -
Wellington
Creative Wellington has a claim to be New Zealand’s most cultural city...Read more
Complete New Zealand
Explore everything New Zealand has to offer
Approx. 20 days
Auckland (1 days) → Coromandel (2) → Rotorua (2) → Lake Taupo (2) → Wellington (2) → Kaikoura (1) → Christchurch (1) → Lake Tekapo (1) → Queenstown (2) → Wanaka (2) → Franz Josef Glacier (2) → Christchurch (2)
View route
Auckland (1 days) → Coromandel (2) → Rotorua (2) → Lake Taupo (2) → Wellington (2) → Kaikoura (1) → Christchurch (1) → Lake Tekapo (1) → Queenstown (2) → Wanaka (2) → Franz Josef Glacier (2) → Christchurch (2)
Northern Experience
Adventures on New Zealand’s North Island
Approx. 10 days
Auckland (1 days) → Coromandel (2) → Rotorua (2) → Lake Taupo (2) → Wellington (3)
View route
Auckland (1 days) → Coromandel (2) → Rotorua (2) → Lake Taupo (2) → Wellington (3)
Things to do in Lake Taupo
Our recommended experiences and activities
Lake Taupo
Kayak around Lake Taupo
Enjoy a relaxing paddle in the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo and explore the mysterious Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be viewed from the water. The surrounding forests are also great for hiking and just north of Taupo you'll find the spectacular Huka Falls.
Lake Taupo
Tackle the 21km Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Go on a day-hike across the eery volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Sprinkled with emerald lakes and soda springs, the 21km trail, which takes around seven hours to complete, winds around active volcanoes and features panoramic views across the harsh rocky terrain.
Where to go in New Zealand
Our recommended places
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