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taupo: general info
· history
· hostels
things to do
· tours
· photos
· read reviews
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TAUPO
Calling Code: +64 7
The city was first settled in 1869 when an armed constabulary post was
established during the Maori Land Wars. Its
full name is Taupo-nui-a-Tia meaning "great cloak of Tia". It was named after Chief Tia who laid hid
cloak on the ground, thus
forming the lake.
Apart from the natural geothermal features of the surrounding area, Taupo is fast becoming known as the action adventure capital
of the north. With a wide range of activities from the relaxing thermal baths or fishing for a fat rainbow trout, to throwing yourself off,
out of, or down all kinds of things, there is a no reason to be bored.
Taupo lies in the very heart of the North Island with a population of just over 20,000 people. The town is situated SW of
Rotorua and is a commercial centre for an area which supports both dairy and sheep farming, cattle farming and industries based on the substantial exotic forests that surround it.
Lake Taupo, at 616 sqkm, is the largest lake in Australasia; it's big enough to fit the Island of Singapore in and still get your boat
around it for a fish. Some say the lake was formed by Tia, others say it was the scene of one of the largest volcanic explosions,
back around 186AD, mankind has ever recorded. Ancient Chinese and Romans recorded dark red skies that brought climatic changes to
the area.
However the lake was formed, there is no doubt that tonnes of trout are hooked from the lake each year.
Today, Lake Taupo is proclaimed as the world's trout fishing capital with international tournaments held every year.
Quick tips/suggestions
Make sure to explore the Tongariro Crossing - it is rated one of the best one day tramps in the country.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
 Activities
Taupo Bungy - take the plunge
Great Lake Skydive - reach new heights and feel the rush
Bars
Holy Cow - we remember very little
Mulligans - a great irish pub
Hostels
Action Downunder YHA - an older place on the outskirts
Taupo Urban Retreat - a sanctuary in the heart of downtown
Silver Fern Lodge - they call themselves a flashpackers
Nature
Great Lake Walk - the most popular tramp in town
Huka Falls - a sanctuary in the heart of downtown
Photos
City Scapes - pictures of taupo
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