In September and October 2011 New Zealand will host the world’s third-largest sporting event – the Rugby World Cup. Approximately 70,000 international visitors are expected to attend, meaning that it is essential to book well in advance for accommodation and transport during this period. The event will include a nationwide festival showcasing New Zealand’s entertainment, arts, cuisine and lifestyle, so even if your clients are not sports fanatics, it will be an exciting time to visit. 
New Zealand Trade Manual has been designed with travel industry professionals in mind. 
New Zealand’s largest lake is the epicentre of a region bursting with adventure activities and natural attractions in the central North Island’s high-altitude plateau.
Situated right in the heart of the North Island, Lake Taupo is home to New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake, volcanic wonderlands, a world heritage park and the famous Huka Falls, Lake Taupo is truly blessed with world-class natural assets.
All over the globe, Lake Taupo is known for its trout fishing, but it’s not on the menu at any local restaurants as it is not commercially harvested. The region is one of the last true wild trout fisheries left in the world, so if you want to eat trout, you’ll have to catch one first. Fortunately, this isn’t too hard in Lake Taupo. Local guides will have even a beginner hooked up with ease.
The Lake Taupo area is also well known for its geothermal wonders. The heartbeat of pounding geothermal activity still resonates throughout this region. Many gushing geysers, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest silica terraces in the world still remain. Along with the unique history of both Tangata Whenua (people of the land) and early settlers, whenua (land) and people have many stories to tell.
Today, this growing lakeside community is a cosmopolitan hub, alive with a fresh cuisine scene and quality experiences. From outstanding golf to the ultimate helicopter experience, kayaking to rafting, skydiving to bungy jumping, this destination offers the true Kiwi package.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Lake Taupo The largest freshwater lake in Australasia is 616 square kilometres in size; as big as Singapore Island. Huka Falls More than 220,000 litres of water cascade over the falls every second. Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park Renowned as one of the best thermal areas remaining anywhere in the world.
Adrenaline Rush
Tandem Skydive (Taupo) More than 170,000 thrill-seekers have skydived at Lake Taupo. www.taupotandemskydiving.com Taupo Bungy (Taupo) Take the plunge in the spectacular Waikato River valley. www.taupobungy.com Formula Challenge (Taupo) Experience the thrill of single seater racing cars or V8 supercars on the Taupo circuit, phone +64 7 377 0338. Ski Whakapapa and Turoa (Ruapehu) Mt Ruapehu boasts the longest vertical drop in Australasia. www.mtruapehu.com Jet boating (Taupo) Catch a ride to the base of the Huka Falls. www.hukafallsjet.com
Relax & Indulge
Soak in a thermal pool (Taupo) This region is blessed with a variety of thermal pools, from family friendly to luxury spa. www.taupohotsprings.com Golfing Play a round on the green fairways of Taupo Golf Club or Wairakei International Golf Course. Trout fishing Trout were introduced in 1898 and they’ve adapted spectacularly well in the waters of Lake Taupo.
Luxury
Huka Lodge (Taupo) One of New Zealand’s most renowned luxury lodges, situated in a private riverside setting. www.hukalodge.co.nz Bayview Chateau Tongariro (Whakapapa Village) Lavish décor, heavenly cuisine and superior service against a scenic backdrop. www.chateau.co.nz
Culture
National Army Museum (Waiouru) Discover New Zealand’s military history. www.armymuseum.co.nz Wairakei Terraces (Wairakei) Look back in time to traditional Maori village life at this geothermal wonderland. www.wairakeiterraces.co.nz PureORAwalks (Taupo) Eco-cultural walking tours, including cultural components and Maori interpretation. www.pureorawalks.com Taupo Museum & Art Gallery (Taupo) Home to the ‘100% Pure NZ Ora Garden of Wellbeing’, art exhibitions, human and natural history. www.taupomuseum.co.nz
Natural New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Ruapehu) One of the best one-day hikes in New Zealand, the trek includes alpine meadows, a mountain summit and stunning volcanic features. www.doc.govt.nz Tongariro National Park (Ruapehu) New Zealand’s first National Park and now also a World Heritage Park, home to a triad of volcanic mountains. www.doc.govt.nz Whanganui National Park (Ruapehu) Dense rainforest with one of the largest tracts of intact lowland forest in the North Island.
On a Budget
Tongariro National Trout Centre (Turangi) See wild trout and visit the hatchery. www.doc.govt.nz Volcanic Activity Centre (Wairakei) The mysteries and wonders of the Taupo Volcanic Zone come to life. www.volcanoes.co.nz
The Iconic Experience
Cruising the lake (Taupo) Taking in remarkable Maori rock carvings along the way.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Edgewater at Millennium Manuels (Taupo) Award-winning waterfront dining. www.manuels.co.nz
Casual Dining
The Powderkeg (Ohakune) A favourite après-ski haunt, The Powderkeg offers a welcoming atmosphere. www.powderhorn.co.nz
Café
Licorice Café (Motuoapa) Fantastic stop-off between Taupo and Turangi. Great food and coffee, phone +64 7 386 5551.
Stylish Bar
Bond Lounge Bar (Taupo) Specialises in creative cocktails, premium beers and wine. www.bondloungebar.co.nz
Cosy Pub
Schnapps (National Park Village) Panoramic views of the central plateau mountains, phone +64 7 892 2788.
Culinary Experience
Huka Prawn Park (Taupo) The world’s only geothermal prawn farm. www.hukaprawnpark.co.nz
Shop or Gallery
Kura (Taupo) Specialising in contemporary New Zealand art and craft. www.kura.co.nz
Suggested Itineraries
3 days in Taupo
Start Taupo I Finish Taupo
Start the day with an exciting ride on the Hukafalls Jet. After lunch in Taupo, try white-water rafting on the Waikato River. Unwind at the Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery. On Day 2, join PureORAwalks, Maori culture and eco tours for an insight into the region. Start Day 3 with a tandem skydive – Taupo Tandem Skydiving is New Zealand’s original tandem skydiving operator. Recover from the thrill with a peaceful afternoon of trout fishing.
5 days in Taupo
Start Taupo I Finish Taupo
Spend the first morning at Taupo Adventure Ropes Course and then visit Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park. Stop at Huka Falls. On Day 2, enjoy a half-day tour with Wilderness Escapes, then head to Huka Prawn Park for lunch. Afterwards, board the Hukafalls Jet for a jet boat ride. On Day 3, go fly fishing with Fly Fishing Adventures. In the evening experience Maori culture at Wairakei Terraces. On Day 4, play the Wairakei International Golf Course or go fishing with Chris Jolly Outdoors. On Day 5, try river rafting and visit the Department of Conservation Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre.
Road Trip
Thermal Explorer Highway Part of the Great New Zealand Touring Route, this journey connects Rotorua, Taupo, Ruapehu and Waitomo via a series of captivating landscapes. www.gnztr.co.nz
Transport
Airports
Taupo Airport, 10 minutes from town, offers domestic flights to and from Auckland and Wellington. International flights are not available. The nearest international airport is in Auckland.
Roads
Taupo is located in the central North Island, midway between Auckland and Wellington. It is four hours by road from Auckland and five hours from Wellington. Scheduled coach services and shuttle services operate between central Taupo and popular visitor activities.
Further Information
Destination Lake Taupo
Trade Contact Maggie Sando
Phone +64 7 376 0400
Fax +64 7 376 0410
Email info@laketauponz.com
www.LakeTaupoNZ.com
Visit Ruapehu
Trade Contact Justine Tuck
Phone +64 7 895 8188
Fax +64 7 895 3256
Email info@visitruapehu.com
www.visitruapehu.com
