The Lake and the Falls
Taupo sits on the shore of Lake Taupo — New Zealand’s largest lake, formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 1,800 years ago (one of the most violent eruptions in recorded human history). The Huka Falls (where the full volume of the Waikato River is forced through a 15-metre-wide volcanic chasm, dropping 11 metres), the lake itself (sailing, kayaking, trout fishing), and the geothermal features (the Craters of the Moon thermal walk) are the headline activities. Jet boat tours approach the base of the Huka Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Huka Falls?
A powerful waterfall where the Waikato River narrows from 100 metres to just 15 metres wide, with approximately 220,000 litres per second flowing over an 11-metre drop. The falls are not tall but they are extraordinarily powerful.