# Lake Taupo

Source: https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/waikato/taupo/lake-taupo-plc_exsvtaghcqg3f/

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Attraction

Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake, filling the caldera left by the Oruanui supervolcano eruption around 25,600 years ago. It covers roughly 616 square kilometres on the central North Island volcanic plateau, bordered by the town of Taupo. Visitors use the lake for boat cruises, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with several operators running trips from the town's lakefront.

## Tours and tickets for Lake Taupo

Tours and tickets from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (GetYourGuide): [](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Lake%20Taupo%2C%20New%20Zealand&partner_id=NNYQ1IK&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=place-lake-taupo)

## How to get there

Lake Taupo sits directly against Taupo town, so the lakefront is walkable from the central shops and accommodation strip along Lake Terrace and Tongariro Street. Boat cruises, kayak hire and fishing charters depart from the town wharf and nearby marinas. For points further around the shoreline, such as Kinloch or the eastern bays, a car is needed, as public transport around the lake is limited. Several tour operators also offer pickup from central Taupo accommodation.

Approximate location: -38.77197, 175.90862

## Hotels near Lake Taupo

- [Hotels in Taupo](https://godosomething.fun/hotels/new-zealand/waikato/taupo/)

## More in Taupo

- [Things to do in Taupo](https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/waikato/taupo/)
- [What to Do in Taupō? Match the Experiences to Your Trip](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/what-to-do-in-taupo/)
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Taupō?](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/how-many-days-in-taupo/)

## Quick answers

**How big is Lake Taupo?**

Lake Taupo covers about 616 square kilometres, making it New Zealand's largest lake by surface area. It formed inside the caldera of the Taupo Volcano following a major eruption roughly 25,600 years ago.

**What activities are available on Lake Taupo?**

Common activities include scenic boat cruises to the Maori rock carvings, fishing charters, kayaking, sailing and swimming. Most operators depart from the town wharf area, within walking distance of central Taupo.

![A wide lake with a cruise boat on calm water and distant volcanic peaks on the horizon.](https://cdn.godosomething.fun/media/site__place-new-zealand-taupo--lake-taupo.webp)
Photo: Go Do Something Fun (/media/site__place-new-zealand-taupo--lake-taupo.webp) — First-party AI-generated artwork © Suppers Software Limited ()