Taupo

Taupō, occasionally written Taupo, is an intriguing town situated in the middle region of New Zealand’s North Island. Tucked on the northeastern coast of Lake Taupō, the biggest freshwater lake in the nation, this town is a hive of natural beauty and active living. Originally established as a borough in 1953, Taupō has developed to rank second in the Waikato region and the biggest urban area in the Taupō District, behind Hamilton. With a population of around 26,500 as of June 2023, the town reflects its consistent development and attractiveness as a tourist and residential area.

Strategic and beautiful, the town’s proximity to Lake Taupō provides a wealth of outdoor leisure activities drawing tourists from all around the world. From swimming and water sports to hiking and fishing to skiing, Taupō is an adventure heaven. Attractions such the Wairakei Power Station, the amazing Huka Falls, and the well-known Tongariro National Park abound in the surroundings, so enhancing the town’s appeal as a must-see site.

The history of Taupō is as rich as its natural surrounds. The town’s growth started in 1868 when an armed constabulary garrison was constructed to improve lines of communication in the middle North Island. Hot water pools surrounding Taupō started attracting tourists by the late 1870s and early 1880s, which resulted in the construction of hotels to handle the rising guest count. Rainbow trout brought to Lake Taupō in the 1890s strengthened the town’s reputation as a top fishing spot.

Driven by major events such the Wairakei geothermal power plant, expansion of the timber sector, and farm development, the town’s growth sped in the middle of the 20th century. Reflecting its fast urbanization and economic growth, Taupō’s population jumped from a modest 1,658 in 1951 to 2,849 by 1956 and 5,251 by 1961.

Geologically, Taupō is in an area of volcanic and geothermal activity; the magnificent Mount Tauhara lies just six kilometers east. Driven from Lake Taupō, the Waikato River passes through the town and over the magnificent Huka Falls, naturally separating the northern suburbs from the central business district. Geothermal phenomena abound in the area, including hot springs teeming with extremophile microorganisms surviving in the intense heat.

Twenty kilometers west along the lake, the little but expanding satellite town of Kinloch has other attractions including a golf course created by the great Jack Nicklaus. The summer months, when guests swarm to savor panoramic views across the lake and the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park to the south, highlight Taupō’s prominence as a tourism hotspot. From skydiving and jet boating to parasailing and bungy jumping, the town has a wide range of tourist activities to guarantee an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.

Apart from its natural beauty, Taupō is essential in maintaining the adjacent plantation pine forests—including the large Kaingaroa Forest. A sizable sawmill on Centennial Drive about three kilometers northeast of the town supports the linked timber sector. Seven geothermal power plants surround the town as well, including the historic Wairakei geothermal power station, therefore highlighting its importance in the energy scene of New Zealand.

One of Taupō’s unusual attractions is its McDonald’s restaurant, which has a decommissioned Douglas DC-3 aircraft attached to the building. This unusual fast-food restaurant gives customers access to consume their cuisine inside the framework of the jet, thereby providing some uniqueness to the dining experience.