One of the largest freshwater lakes in Australasia- Lake Taupo is a shimmering and shining water body in New Zealand.Hues of blue and greens attract people to the crystal-clear Lake Taupo, which measures 239 sq mi (619 sq km). New Zealand’s largest lake derives its name from the Māori Taupō-nui-a-Tia and is the best place for trout fishing in the world apart from being the perfect place for a family vacation. The lake holds the record of the first trout caught in the Taupo region way back in 1904.Lake Taupo is situated around the caldera of a volcanic mountain in the heart of New Zealand. The largest freshwater lake in Australasia has some of the cleanest water in the world. It is roughly equal to the size of a small country and provides the perfect biome environment for aquatic life like fishes and water birds. Lake Taupo is also the home of Huka Falls, the most popular place for pictures in New Zealand. Formation And Volcanism Lake Taupō is located in the heart of the crater. According to geological records, a volcanic eruption occurred more than 26,000 years ago, leading to its formation. It is not active right now, but violent eruptions occurred in Taupo quite a few times in the thousands of years of its existence. The most recent major eruption occurred for Taupō in 181 CE, followed by many eruptions and volcanic explosions in the years since then. These left a caldera after the collapse of the volcanic activities when a large crater formed, along with its surrounding land, filled with water later and formed Lake Taupō. The Oruanui eruption is known as the largest volcano eruption known to us. It ejected humongous amounts of material, including molten lava. According to the tree ring data, it was followed by the Hatepe eruption, making these two very violent eruptions. Taupo’s last known eruption devastated and left lava dome extrusions forming the reefs.New Zealand did not have human settlers, and the Southern Hemisphere was affected due to these volcanic eruptions. The volcanic explosion spewed lava and extrusions, forming the reefs around Lake Taupo. The eruptions devastated the North Island and the size of this lake increased. We can experience the hydrothermal activities near the Horomatangi vent, with many hot springs in the different parts like Rotokawa and Tūrangi of Lake Taupo. Some special extremophile microorganisms can survive under such extreme conditions too. The volcano may be inactive right now, but it is not extinct. The amazingly calm water of Lake Taupo, New Zealand can fool everyone into forgetting the volcanic cone of the past that led to its formation in the first place. New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River, originates and flows out from Lake Taupo. Hydroelectric dams on the river also control the water level of the large lake. Mount Ruapehu enamors the tourists as it is an active volcano yet has the largest skiing range in New Zealand. Different volcanoes in Taupo have spewed different types of lava, making it an interesting place for different flora and native faunal species.Tourism: Lake TaupoLake Taupo is the biggest attraction for families and adventurers alike in New Zealand. Lake Taupo becomes the center of holiday travel plans, especially during the summer months and the season of celebration around Christmas and New Year. The temperate climate around Lake Taupo maintains a daytime average between 75.2°F (24°C) in January and February to 51.8°F (11°C) in July. The nighttime temperature in the lake area may go down to 35.6°F (2°C) in winters. Rainfall adds to the beauty of Lake Taupo, and many occur in winter and spring.One of the greatest attractions in Lake Taupo is the Cycle Challenge. This strenuous challenge takes cyclists around the world’s largest lake and may last four to ten hours. You can go on a cycling tour too. Taupō is also a part of the Ironman event in New Zealand. Swimmers must cross the 25 mi (40.2 km) of Lake Taupo as a part of the challenge.Skydiving is yet another popular tourist attraction due to the clear waters and safety of the service available in Lake Taupo. You can see the distant coasts of the North Island on a clear day from the top when you dive. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is touted as the best walking path in New Zealand. Mount Ruapehu is perfect for skiing. The best three bike trails in New Zealand are located on the western side of Taupo. Huka Falls is a popular natural attraction in New Zealand. In addition, the lake water is so clear that you can see the bottom of Lake Taupo in places that could be 42.6 ft (13 m). However, due to the caldera that happens due to the collapse of volcanic cones, Lake Taupo may plunge to 610 ft (186 m) at the deepest point. You can play golf in one of the top two golf courses in New Zealand here in Taupō. But if you are keen on fishing, it is well known for trout. Lake Taupo and Tongariro River have trout fisheries with rainbow and brown trout and are also known for water birds and crayfish. Stone Carving: Lake TaupoMāori rock carvings created by Maoris in the 20th century adorn the cliffs of the North-west side of Lake Taupo. Māori legends mention Ngātoro-i-rangi, who guided Maori tribes to this area some 1,000 years ago, and the carvings depict this legend. The carvings have cultural and religious significance as these symbols are the guardians of Lake Taupo against volcanic eruptions. Now people come in large numbers to visit the cliff in boats and yachts to reach the 33 ft (10 m) tall cliffs adorned with the carvings. On the northwest side, Lake Taupo also boasts Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, showing the Maori culture and their inheritance of beliefs and stories. You can see all these from the water and marvel at the amazing art form that has survived years of water and sun. Tongariro National Park in Taupo is a unique site credited for its significance in the local culture and the landscape created due to volcanic eruptions. You can spot even a few modern Maori rock carvings in the cliffs above the Mine Bay in Taupo region and some contemporary rock carvings on the central North Island.Family Trip SuggestionsLake Taupo is located conveniently in the middle of the North Island. You can take a bus or car from Queenstown or even fly to Taupo. It may take longer, but you can combine the bus, ferry, and train and enjoy the scenic beauty along the route of the Taupo region. The Waikato River, which originated from Taupo, will also impress you. The southeast area of the lake has Motutaiko Island. Waikaremoana Road is a wonderful route but is considered more adventurous due to its winding tracks and gravelly structure. Wellington is also connected to Taupo through bus, train, or plane. Once you reach Taupo, you will forget all of your tiredness by looking at this natural beauty. You can hire boats for trout fishing and exploring the lake along with swimming in the clear azure waters. All kinds of adventures are available- paddle boarding, kayaking, water skiing, and cycling tours.More adventurous people can opt for skydiving and jet boats. Kids would love the major attraction of flights over Lake Taupo and cruises. Everyone would undoubtedly enjoy the associated hot springs at the thermal park, which has steaming geysers and some boiling mud pools. Imagine having unique prawn burgers made using the geothermal energy of the springs!The lake is the perfect tourist attraction targeting every age group. We have created these Lake Taupo facts after conducting intensive research. 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One of the largest freshwater lakes in Australasia- Lake Taupo is a shimmering and shining water body in New Zealand.
