Lake Taupo is a lake situated in the North Island of New Zealand. It lies in the caldera of the Taupo Volcano. With a surface area of 616 square kilometres (238 sq mi).

Lake Taupo has a perimeter of approximately 193 kilometres and a deepest point of 186 metres. It is drained by the Waikato River (New Zealand's longest river), while its main tributaries are the Waitahanui River, the Tongariro River, and the Tauranga Taupo River. It is a noted trout fishery with stocks of introduced brown and rainbow trout.

Fishing

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Lake Taupo and the rivers in the Great Lake Taupo region are a trout fishing mecca. The town of Turangi is known as the 'Trout Fishing Capital of New Zealand' and is a great place to base yourself to experience the best that New Zealand trout and fly fishing has to offer.

Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in New Zealand and has plenty of hidden gems to explore with beautiful secret bays, sandy pumice beaches, waterfalls, lush native bush and striking steep cliff faces.

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Photos courtesy of greatlaketaupo.com

Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings


 

The Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo have been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, the carvings have become one of the North Island of New Zealand's biggest tourist attractions.

The carvings were sculpted over the course of four years and completed in 1980. Marae-taught carver Matahi Brightwell led a team of four artists to create a spectacular carving of his ancestor Ngatoroirangi on the rock face.

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Photos courtesy of greatlaketaupo.com