Taupō is a popular lakeside tourist town in New Zealand's North Island, set on the shores of Lake Taupō, the country's largest lake, which fills a vast volcanic caldera. Surrounded by dramatic geothermal and volcanic landscapes, it makes an excellent base for exploring the central North Island. Travellers can cruise across the lake to see the renowned Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, begun in the late 1970s, or fish for trout, kayak and hike along the shoreline. Nearby, the Waikato River surges through spectacular Huka Falls, while geothermal areas reveal steaming vents, hot pools and other volcanic features. With easy access to Tongariro National Park and its renowned alpine trails, Taupō combines outdoor adventure, dramatic scenery and Māori culture.