Imagine cruising on an e-scooter along New Zealand’s largest lake – formed thousands of years ago, standing atop a gushing turquoise waterfall, and gazing in awe at a cave twinkling with thousands of glowworms. Taupō in North Island New Zealand, offers all this and more in just two days, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Lake Taupō is located within the Taupō Volcanic Zone, which is an active volcanic area. The lake itself was formed by a massive eruption about 26,000 years ago, known as the Oruanui eruption. It was one of the largest eruptions in the world in the last 70,000 years. While Lake Taupō itself is not an active volcano today, the region around it is still geologically active, with geothermal features like hot springs, geysers, and steam vents.
We reached Taupō at night, after spending a magical day at Hobbiton Movie Set. On the way we also saw a unique sight of a house being transported on wheels.
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Day 1 in Taupō New Zealand
I woke up to a partly cloudy day in Taupō. A beautiful weather for exploring the wonderful gems in the charming town in Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud. After a quick morning tea, I laced up my sneakers and rounded up my husband, kid, and best friend for a walk along Lake Taupō. We were staying right next to the Lake, so within a few minutes I was lost in the stunning blue water of the lake. The path is well maintained and great for running/jogging as well.
My friend suggested we check out the famous McDonald’s built inside an airplane. Maccas in an airplane – that was definitely not on my Bingo Card. My son was very excited to see the plane right above his play area. The inside of the plane felt a bit too cramped, so we decided to enjoy our breakfast outside, with the airplane right in front of us as the perfect backdrop.
I kept our itinerary light for the day, as I wished to relax and truly soak in the beauty of the place rather than rushing through a packed schedule. Our next stop was Huka Falls, and let me tell you, I was absolutely stunned by the vibrant color of the water.
“Huka” means “foam” in the Maori language, which perfectly describes the foamy appearance of the falls.
The Waikato River narrows from around 100 meters wide to a stunning canyon about 15 meters wide before cascading over the Huka Falls. This dramatic constriction generates an incredible force and distinct appearance of the waterfall. With over 220,000 liters of water rushing over the edge every second, Huka Falls is renowned as one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring waterfalls in the world.
The water in the Waikato River, which feeds the falls, is exceptionally clear. This clarity allows for maximum light penetration. The immense force of the water creates tiny air bubbles that scatter light, further intensifying the blue hue. The unique color is caused by both the reflection of light and the tiny air bubbles suspended in the water. Nature is a master-crafter.
As you can see, it was a cloudy day, but the water still maintained its distinct blue color. Definitely a must visit spot near Lake Taupō. The surrounding area also offers beautiful walking trails and picnic spots. We went on a short walk along the river.
Craters of the moon
171 Karapiti Road, Taupō Town, New Zealand.
The next stop was Craters of the moon – our first tryst with New Zealand’s geothermal landscape.
The Craters of the Moon began forming in the 1950s. This recent geological phenomenon was triggered by the construction of a nearby geothermal power station resulting in the lowering of underground water pressure. This change allowed super heated water to rise to the surface, creating the unique geothermal landscape we see today. Read more about its interesting history on the – website.
The barren, steaming landscape, dotted with craters, fumaroles, and mud pools, gives the area an otherworldly appearance. The geothermal activity is constantly shifting, with new vents and craters forming and old ones disappearing. The Maori name for the area is Karapiti, which translates to “boiling water.”
From afar you can see the steam coming out of the craters and vents, making the whole area look surreal. I tried to get closer look at the vents without stepping away from the walkaway. I was completely fascinated by the unique and wonderful phenomenon.
The main walkway loop is approximately 40 minutes long, making it suitable for most people, including families with children. At some point, I also ended up carrying my son on my back as he slept after a tiring day.
Add another 20 minutes to your walk if you would like to explore the upper walkway and the lookout point.
The closing time of the thermal walkaway is 5 pm in summers. We were one of the last groups that exited the grounds before the bell rang.
It was dark by the time we reached our hotel. We ordered takeaway dinner from a Thai restaurant, one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day 2 in Taupō New Zealand
As I had planned to spend the day with a bigger group, the only agenda of the day was Glowworm cave tour scheduled at 2 pm. The morning was spent near Lake Taupo. We had a hearty breakfast at Cafe Baku – starting with Eggs Benedict and Spanish Omelette that tasted absolutely divine.
After breakfast, my friend and I rented an e-scooter we spotted near the parking lot. It took me a little while to get the hang of balancing, but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed cruising along the lakeside. I shared it with kids and other friends.
At around midday we started our journey towards Waitomo Glowworm Caves. A journey of 2 hours that took us through the rolling hills of North Island. Lush green landscape with hundred of sheep leisurely grazing under a bright sun.
To be honest, I always thought that the images of glowworms on the internet were enchanced to make them look appealing. But oh my goodness, how wrong I was!!! As we entered the caves, there was still a bit of light, and our guide began narrating the fascinating history and stories behind them.
But soon we entered into the darkest part of the cave, where we descended the steps with quiet caution before boarding a boat. The whole cave was completely dark except for the light emanating from a ceiling full of glowing glowworms. Gosh! It felt like drifting under a sky full of stars – bright, beautiful and utterly dream-like. I was overwhelmed with emotion – nature has a way to humble us mere humans. I really wish the ride was a bit longer. Someday, I hope to return and book an extended tour. Photography wasn’t allowed inside so the only photo I have is of us emerging out of the cave.
Since it was our last day at Lake Taupō and we were heading to Rotorua next, we made a brief stop at Marokopa Falls.
Marokopa falls
Marokopa Falls is located within the Tawarau Forest, which is part of the greater Waitomo area in New Zealand’s North Island. The Marokopa Falls Walk is a short and easy track that leads to one of the most stunning waterfalls in New Zealand. The trail is about 20 minutes return and takes you through lush native forest, with birdsong accompanying you along the way. The path is suitable for most fitness levels.
At the end of the track, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Marokopa Falls, a 35-meter high cascade of water tumbling over a sheer rock face, creating a misty, magical atmosphere.
The rain had made the path a bit slippery and muddy, adding a touch of adventure to the walk. If I had more time, I would have loved to hike down the trail to the base of the waterfall. Definitely worth the detour.
After a refreshing walk back through the forest, we started our 3 hour long journey to Rotorua.
Two days in Taupō was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. From the tranquil waters of Lake Taupō to the powerful Huka Falls and of course, the unique experience of dining in an airplane, I will remember these memories with fondness.
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The place looks gorgeous. I am so jealous.