 Chillin' cruisin' and culture
Soak in a hot pool, explore spectacular geothermal areas, learn about Taupo's history, taste local wines and honey, check out local artisans at work......
Hot Pools
Taupo Hot Springs & Spa, SH5 (07 377 6502), has therapeutic geothermal springs, massage, beauty therapy, hydroslide and childrens water adventure in a beautiful natural setting
AC Baths, Events Centre (07 377 3600) has indoor and outdoor thermally heated pools, hydroslides, sauna, private spas and a 12m climbing wall.
Tokaanu Hot Pools (07 386 8575) has private and public mineral pools in an active geothermal area near Turangi, south end of Lake Taupo
.
Geothermal Attractions
Orakei Korako - The Hidden Valley - is a 20 minute drive north of Taupo. One of the best thermal areas in New Zealand, with colourful silica terraces, geysers and the deep Ruatapu Cave. Entry includes a boat ride across Lake Ohakuri. Canoes and dinghies available for hire. (07 378 3131)
Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, SH 1, Wairakei ( 07 374 8004)
Craters of the Moon - a lunar landscape of thermal activity with boiling mud pools and steam vents. Karapiti Rd, five minutes off SH 1, near Wairakei.
Wairakei Terraces geothermal wonderland, silica terraces and traditional Maori village, evening concert and hangi. Ten minutes north of Taupo, SH 1 , Wairakei ( 07 378 0913)
Volcanic Activity Centre: See Mt Ruapehu erupt and experience a 6.3 earthquake at this interactive centre. Huka Falls Loop Rd, Wairakei ( 07 374 8375)
Tourist Parks
The Honey Hive - New Zealand's largest selection of honey and honey products, plus a good cafe and live viewing hives. Huka Falls Loop Rd, Wairakei Park ( 07 374 8553)
Huka Prawn Park. Geothermally heated, New Zealand's only prawn farm. Tours and fresh prawns available in the riverside restauarnt. Huka Falls Rd, Wairakei ( 07 374 8474)
History
Lake Taupo Museum & Art Gallery, Story Place provides an insight into early Taupo. Also features historic Maori Carvings and Art Exhibitions. The 100% Pure NZ Ora Garden of Well Being is a remarkable garden set up at the museum containing geothermal silica terraces with steaming hot pools reminicent of natural features found in the Central North Island. It was a gold medal winning garden at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show in the UK .
Wine Tasting
Sample some of New Zealand's medal winning fruit wines, including kiwifruit, boysenberry, plum, passionfruit and meads and liqueurs. No entrance fee and free tastings. Visit Taupo's first commercial vineyard.
NZ Fruit Wines, Huka Falls Loop Rd. Wairakei Park ( 07 374 8525)
Huka Falls Winery at Huka Falls Resort, Huka Falls Rd ( 07 378 5426
Cinema
The Starlight Cinema, Starlight arcade, Horomatangi St ( 07 378 7515) shows the latest movies.
Art
Follow Taupo's Art & Crafts Trail to see the work of local artists and craftsmen. Pick up this brochure from the Visitor Information Centre (I-site)
.
|
