Lake Taupo Facts
Lake Taupo is a large lake in the North Island of New Zealand.
It is located around three and a half hours from the city of Auckland, and measures 238 square miles in area (616 square kilometers).
It is the largest lake in all of New Zealand.
Fun Lake Taupo Facts
It is a freshwater lake and most popular as a fishing spot. It is the most popular destination for fishing in New Zealand. The most common fish there are the brown trout and rainbow trout.
Lake Taupo is known as a fun location for people who love the outdoors – water skiers, sailors and kayakers. Skydiving is also really popular.
It is about the same size as Singapore – that’s how huge it is!
It is 29 miles (46 kilometers) long and 2 miles (33 kilometers) wide. It is 610 feet (186 metres) deep at its maximum depth.
Time for a little history. Lake Taupo was formed following a massive earthquake which took place 26,500 years ago. Water filled the caldera left by the earthquake.
The actual name for the lake is Taupo-nui-a-Tia, which translates from the Maori language as “the great cloak of Tia.”
You can visit the township of Taupo at the northern end of the lake. The township of Turangi can be found at the southern end.
At the eastern end of the lake, you will find the Kaimanawa Forest Park and the Kaimanawa Ranges – a massive forest where you can find a wide variety of trees and shrublands.
Final fun fact! The Kaimanawa Forest Park and Ranges was the location for the Black Gate of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Have you seen this epic film series?
You may have heard that much of the Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand, which was chosen as the movie settings due to its natural beauty.
Learn more about New Zealand.
