Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 po-
lice remained 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'.
Many of Taupo's attractions are outside the town, with a high concentration around Wair-
akei Park to the north.
