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  • Taupo Lake Front

The Taupō region encompasses 6,350 km² of land including diverse and pristine world renown natural heritage sites. From the small picturesque town of Mangakino, home to Lake Maraetai, stretching to the Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park and east into the Kaingaroa Forest, Taupō is home to natural beauty, history and culture that is experienced by locals and visitors to the area. 

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Lake Taupō is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia and is 159 meters deep! The Lake is actually a crater of one of the large volcanic eruptions in the last 5000 years. Activities on the Lake are endless and include sailing, water skiing and kayaking to name a few. The numerous tributaries that flow into Lake Taupō provide an adventure playground with white water rafting and jet boating activities just some of the tourism operators offering visitors an experience to remember.

Taupō is a popular summer and winter destination with a variety of activities, events and attractions available during all seasons. The close proximity to Mt Ruapehu's ski fields - Whakapapa on the north-western side and Turoa on the south-western - allows skiing and snow boarding enthusiasts to get their fix while also providing the ultimate destination for a family winter break. When not covered with snow Mt Ruapehu is also a playground for walkers and nature enthusiasts alike.

It is estimated that 42,600 people live in the Taupō district according to 2024 Taupō District Council data. The major industries providing employment in the area are Geothermal Energy, Forestry & Wood Processing, Agriculture, Tourism and Events. Geothermal energy was first harnessed to generate power at the Wairakei Power Station in 1958, the first power station of its kind (wet steam) in the world. The Taupō District has seen a rapid growth in geothermal power generation as it is totally renewable and has the lowest cost base of energy production.

Forestry and Wood Processing continue to be a major industry in Taupō. As the Taupō region is situated within the Central North Island Forestry Zone (CNI Forests), it accounts for a third of the total forestry plantations in New Zealand. 

Dairy Farming is becoming increasingly popular and successful in the Taupō District. With the launch of a new milk processing company, Miraka, and the joint venture between Miraka and Shangahi PengXin to process UHT milk the dairy industry in Taupō has received a boost which in turn has created valuable jobs. 

With almost one million visitors each year, tourism is a key economic driver for the Taupō District, employing 23% of the local workforce. Renowned for its natural beauty and unique landscape, from geothermal wonders and volcanic activity to the stunning Lake Taupō, the region is a magnet for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. A growing calendar of major events continues to boost visitor numbers. Highlights include the Contact Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge, Ironman New Zealand, and other major national sporting events that draw crowds from across the country and beyond. Taupō also hosts many private and public conferences and other events each year where delegates can make the most of the multitude of activities on offer outside of their conference hours.

To view a list of events coming up in Taupō click here to go to our What's On page. 

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