Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
With a postcard-perfect setting on the northeastern shores of the lake, Taupo now rivals
Rotorua as the North Island's premier resort town. There's an abundance of adrenaline-
pumping activities on offer but for those with no appetite for white knuckles and churned
stomachs, there's plenty of enjoyment to be had simply strolling by the lake and enjoying
the views, which on clear days encompass the snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park.
It's also a magnet for outdoor athletes and is emerging as one of NZ's greatest cycling
destinations, both on- and off-road.
NZ's longest river, the Waikato, originates from Lake Taupo at the township, before
crashing its way through the Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids and then settling down for a
sedate ramble to the west coast, just south of Auckland.
History
When Maori chief Tamatea-arikinui first visited this area, his footsteps reverberated, mak-
ing him think the ground was hollow; he therefore dubbed the area Tapuaeharuru (Re-
sounding Footsteps). The modern name, however, originates from the story of Tia. After
Tia discovered the lake and slept beside it draped in his cloak, the area became known as
Taupo Nui a Tia (The Great Cloak of Tia).
Europeans settled here in force during the East Coast Land War (1868-72), when it was
a strategic military base. A redoubt was built in 1869 and a garrison of mounted police re-
mained until the defeat of Te Kooti later that year.
In the 20th century the mass ownership of the motorcar saw Taupo grow from a
lakeside village of about 750 people to a large resort town, easily accessible from most
points on the North Island. Today the population increases considerably at peak holiday
times, when New Zealanders and international visitors alike flock to the 'Great Lake'.
