Beautiful Lake Taupo is actually a huge volcano with a fiery history. Its most recent eruption, in 181 AD, was large enough to change the sky as far away as Europe and China. According to Maori legend, the lake is the pulsating heart of Maui's fish (New Zealand's North Island). The lakeside town of Taupo provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout, ski Mount Ruapehu and explore the local geothermal phenomena. Popular Taupo experiences include Huka Falls, geothermal walks, a prawn farm, lake cruises, New Zealand's first public cable wakeboarding park and guided kayak expeditions to see the rock carvings at Mine Bay. Lake Taupo is a fantastic region for year-round mountain biking, with the recent completion of the Great Lake Trail. Along with cycling, there's excellent hiking and golf opportunities.
