Welcome to Taupō, considered to be the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s beautiful North Island. The picturesque town is in between Auckland amd Wellington.

And at the centre of this region is the beautiful Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand and sometimes being regarded as the country’s great inland sea. A drive in this quaint town will allow you to experience landscapes of different kinda. From snow-capped fields during winter to verdant forests during the summer, to trout-filled rivers and thundering cascades of waterfalls to steaming geothermal valleys, Taupo, as their tourism slogan says #LoveTaupo, is a place one will surely love.

Here are some snaps from a weekend trip to Taupo, New Zealand back then.

Drive around Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in all of Australasia. The lake is home to one of the best wild trout fisheries in the world, more than 30 species of water bird, several types of native fish and native koura (crayfish). If only I had more time, I would’ve wanted to try some of the water activities (specially trout fishing which is a very popular thing to do in Taupō). But hey, just walking or bumming by the lake is already a lively experience. Plus, the sunset here is stunning! The Wharekawa Point is one of the favorite spots to wait for the sundown.

One activity I enjoyed doing in Taupo was a nature walk along the banks of the Waikato River. I started the walk from from the hot springs in Spa Thermal Park and continued on to the spectacular Huka Falls.

The walk is one that is so relaxing from the sights you see to the sound you hear. The paths were marked with signs that are easy to follow. Notable natural wonders you’ll pass by while walking include the Waikato River, Otumuheke natural hot stream, Otumuheke Stream, the Huka Falls, and one can continue on to the Aratiatia Rapids.

So if you happen to be in Auckland, try squeezing in a day trip/weekend trip to Taupō. Take it easy.