Taupo

 Taupo is the name of New Zealand's largest lake and also the town that is sited on the lake's northern side. It is a thermal area, important as well for trout fishing in the lakes and streams, and forestry on the large Kaingaroa Plateau in particular. The air in the region is especially clear and there are a significant number of retired people who choose Taupo as their home. It acts too as a base for the activities that take place on the mountains to the south, and being about half way between the two main cities of Wellington and Auckland, it is also a stopover place for those travelling between the two.

	To the north, on the banks of the Waikato river there are several activites and sites to interest tourists. The main one is on the river itself at Huka Falls, where the hard volcanic rock has proven difficult to erode and thus the river falls over the edge in a spectacular fashion. Further north are the Arartiatia rapids which are also worth a visit.
There are many things to do round Taupo. There are several golf courses including the International course at Wairakei, and if you are interested in swimming, there are two large thermally heated swimming pools available:de Bretts and the AC  (Armed Constabulary) Baths.	The Truck Stop Breakfast. If you want a treat, try the breakfast provided at the TruckStop a couple of kilometres along the Napier-Taupo road. It is likely to be memorable!
This late summer photo taken from the main road through the town show the mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (the volcanic cone) and Tongariro without their customry covering of snow.	The lake itself and the contributary streams, are all important for trout fishing, the two main types being rainbow and brown trout. Trout is a sporting fish only and is not on any of the restaurant menus, so the only way to taste one is to catch it yourself. There are boats based in Taupo which will take you trout fishing and if you prefer to try your hand by yourself from the banks of the rivers, you may do so after having purchased a licence of course.
Along with Rotorua, this area showcases Maori culture and it is possible to attend a hangi (maori meal) and concert in either city.  The photo to the right, shows two Japanese honeymooners  posing with a local performer after a concert
	If the mood takes you, you have the opportunity to bungy into or down to the beautifully clear and colourful Waikato river (see photo left) Bungying is not for the fainthearted, but it is done by a significant number of older people. The white dot in the photo is not a person; it is one of the doves/pigeons that nest on the steep banks.
One major event early in March is the New Zealand ironman competition where people can qualify for the world champs a Kona in Hawaii. In 2010 there were over 400 local people who took part which is no mean feat considering it consists of a 5km swim followed by a 180km cycle race, then a marathon!	2010 on a chilly morning just before 7.00am the ironman swim gets underway in Lake Taupo. Just on 2000 people were competing.