Taupo

Taupo (pronounced /ˈtaʊpoʊ/) is a town on the shore of Lake Taupo in the centre of the North Island.

The name Taupo comes from Māori Taupō-nui-a-Tia. Literally translated, it means “The great cloak of Tia” where Tia is the name of the discoverer of the lake.

Taupo is located at the outlet of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, in the north-east corner of the lake where it discharges the Waikato River. The river flows over one of New Zealand’s most spectacular waterfalls, Huka Falls, a short distance north of the town. Taupo is a centre of volcanic and geothermal activity and hot springs suitable for bathing are located at several places in the vicinity. The volcanic mountain of Mount Tauhara lies six kilometres (4 mi) to the east. Some forested area exists near Taupo, with understory vegetation consisting of certain shrubs and ferns.