Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LAKE TAUPO REGION
NZ's largest lake, Lake Taupo, sits in the caldera of a volcano that began erupting about
300,000 years ago. The caldera was formed by a collapse during the Oruanui eruption
about 26,500 years ago, which threw out 750 cu km of ash and pumice, making Krakatoa
(8 cu km) look like a pimple.
The last major cataclysm was in AD 180, shooting up enough ash into the atmosphere
for the red skies to be noted by the ancient Romans and Chinese. The area is still volcanic-
ally active and, like Rotorua, has fascinating thermal hot spots.
Today the 622-sq-km lake and its surrounding waterways are serene enough to attract
fishing enthusiasts from all around the world. Well positioned by the lake, both Taupo and
Turangi are popular tourist centres. Taupo, in particular, has plenty of activities and facilit-
ies catering to families and independent travellers alike.
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