Lake Taupo is well located to explore some of the geothermal attractions in the area, the closest being Wairakei Terraces and Craters of the Moon, just outside the town, but larger Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is only a 40-minute drive away and the various attractions of Rotorua just an hour away. If you’re heading that way then stop at Huka falls, just north of Taupo, to view the impressive waterfall and the Lava Glass Blowing Studio, where award-winning artist Linden Over creates beautiful glass ornaments and table-ware inspired by the New Zealand landscape.

The town of Taupo itself has a few good shops and cafés as well as an art gallery and museum where you can while away a couple of hours. There is a lovely lakefront path which goes from the Riverside Park recreational area at one end to Wharewaka Point at the other (about 7 km away) where you will find splendid views across the lake. There are also a couple of places where you can rent kayaks if you’d rather be on the water and the local tourist information centre can help with boat trips or other organised activities.