Activities
Taupo is famous for it's natural beauty and the vast number of experiences on offer to its visitors. (Live Webcam)
Here at Le Chalet Suisse, we would like to ensure our guests get the most from their stay with us in Taupo, and as part of that we try to provide as much information and assistance on what to see and do during your time here.
[top]
The Region
Lake Taupo is situated at the geographic centre of New Zealand's North Island and has good road and air links to the rest of the country.
While the region is renowned as the Trout Fishing Capital of the world, it is also a popular holiday spot and an ideal destination for fun, water sports, adventure and relaxation.
Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake, where you can fish for trout, swim, water ski, Boogy board, Windsurf, Sail or just cruise your worries away.
There are also plenty of attractions to be incorporated into your holiday including the Craters of the Moon thermal area, mighty Huka Falls, spectacular Aratiatia Rapids and a variety of crafts shops. The area is abundant with Adventure Activities from the extreme to the mild. Because Lake Taupo is approx 2500 feet above sea level many of New Zealand's elite athletes come to the area train. Taupo is also host to the New Zealand Ironman Competition and is fast becoming the event centre of New Zealand.
Taupo township is nestled beside the lake allowing the many cafes and night spots to enjoy the expansive panoramic view over the lake to the mountains.In the evenings there are no shortage of bars and pubs and cafes providing entertainment until late.
Volcanic History
Compared with other parts of New Zealand the volcanic plateau on which Taupo lies, is very young. Around a million years ago immense pressures were forcing the North Island upward above the surrounding seas and the oldest of the central volcanoes, Tongariro, was beginning to form.
Maori Traditional History
Maori Tradition relates that the great priest Ngatoroirangi and a chief, Tia, arrived in the Arawa canoe that made landfall at Cape Runaway and its people settled in the Bay of Plenty.
Tia was the first to explore inland and came across the eastern side of Taupo. He noted that a formation of rock resembled his heavy cloak and hung the cloak, or taupo, on a post and claimed the area as Taupo nui a Tia, which means the Great Cloak of Tia.
Ngatoroirangi arrived soon after and headed further south to the then lifeless mountains. He climbed to the top of one of the peaks and was almost overcome by the terrible cold. He called upon his sisters overseas in the ancestral home of Hawaiki to send him heat for warmth. The fire gods answered the sisters prayers and the fire came, traveling under the sea and land. At the coast of New Zealand, the fire broke through the surface as volcanic or thermal activity and ran as a line through White Island, Rotorua, Taupo and down to the mountains which erupted as volcanoes.
The Tuwharetoa claims descent from Ngatoroirangi, the priest of the Arawa canoe, one of the great migration of canoes. Te Heuheu Herea began the chiefly Te Heuheu line in the mid 18th century.
European Settlement
The first recorded European visitor was English trader Andrew Powers who was captured and brought to Taupo by Maori.
Taupo first entered the tourism trade in around 1845 when travelers crossed from Maketu on the east coast on their way to Wellington. The town itself was first surveyed in 1877 and divided into allotments, although 1869 is the year that is attributed as Taupo's founding.
Retail business began in Taupo in 1883 when Joseph Rickit and Robert Adams opened the first general store, followed by Joseph Crowther, a butcher. Brown trout arrived in 1885, released by Major David Scannell of the Armed Constabulary. Rainbow trout were released by Forestina and Malcolm Ross in 1898. By the 1900s word had spread and Lake Taupo was recording catches of 20 pounds and attracting more and more keen fishermen.
[top]
Dining
Graeme, your host at Le Chalet Suisse Motel has established friendly relationships with many of the local restaurants and cafes in our neighbourhood. In order to offer our valued guests the best possible choice of fine New Zealand cuisine, we've set up charge back facilities to your room.
Simply let us know which restaurant you will be visiting in advance and we will arrange a charge back service.
Restaurants recommended by Le Chalet Suisse are all within walking distance from the Motel:
Seafood Restaurant and Bar
Address : 29 Roberts Street (corner Roberts & Titiraupenga Streets)
Central Business District, Taupo
Phone: (07) 376 8030
Fax: (07) 376 8034
Address: 10 Roberts Street
CBD Taupo
Phone: (07) 374 8409
Thai Cuisine
Address: 137 Tongariro Street
CBD Taupo
Phone (07) 376 9497
Discover A Taste Of New Zealand
Address: 64 Tuwharetoa Street Taupo
Phone: (07) 377 2425
Wine and Liquor outlet, function room, cellar and tasting rooms.
Address: 32 Roberts Street
CBD Taupo
Phone: (07) 378 5704
Contemporary
Address: 43 Ruapehu Street
CBD Taupo
Phone: (07) 378 5759
Fine Dining & Contemporary
Address: 45 Rifle Range Road
CBD, Taupo
Phone: (07) 378 0484
Fine Dining, Contemporary & Bar
Address: 45 Horomatangi Street (opposite the Post Office)
CBD Taupo
Phone: (07) 377 4478
Restaurant & Bar
Address: 3 Tongariro Street (Lake front)
CBD Taupo
Phone: (07) 378 6894
[top]
Adventure
Centrally located in the middle of the North Island on State Highway One, Lake Taupo is the ideal place for a vacation, or to explore the many scenic attractions of the Central Plateau.
In an area stretching from Orakei Korako in the north, to the world renowned Tongariro National Park in the south, there is stunning scenery, and a host of holiday activities for you to enjoy.
You'll find snow-capped mountains, a fresh-water lake the size of Singapore, pristine native bush, steaming thermal areas, not to mention one of the world's only Dual World Heritage Areas. Walk the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, take a scenic cruise, go for a bush walk, catch a trout, enjoy a round of golf or explore one of the scenic mountain bike trails.
If you want a spot of action, try the thrill of a bungy jump, tandem skydive or high-speed jetboat ride, or head into the hills on a quad-bike adventure. There is rafting and kayaking on the regions rivers, or travel across the lake to view the Maori rock carvings.
At the end of the day, enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal hot pools before dining at one of the region's many restaurants and alfresco cafes. Whether it's a quick break away or an extended family vacation, you'll find plenty of fresh holiday ideas here.
The spectacular Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids lie to the north of the town, while extending to the South are the imposing mountains of the volcanic plateau and fantastic skifields of Mount Ruapehu. The exciting crater-to-crater walk between New Zealand's two most active volcanoes, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu is only a short drive from Taupo
Links to the more popular activites:
Quad Biking is a great way to have fun with your mates, to build up confidence with your work colleagues, or to just let off some steam.
At Action Quads Taupo, we run our 4WB (the wetta the betta) tours all year round with experienced guides- and have trails to suit people of all abilities. No experience necessary on your part ... just come prepared for a fun time!
North Island back country Dry Fly and Nymph Fishing for rainbow and brown trout.
A full range of golfing packages and tours to satisfy even the biggest golf nut!
Get your adrenalin pumping at Commando Paintball Taupo ... a great team building activity for work or social groups, sports teams, school children and friends.
Taupo/Turangi Region Trout Fishing Map
Come and learn the fine art of fly-fishing with Free Time - "Let me show you how enjoyable and rewarding fly-fishing can really be!"
Give your family a treat to remember, experience a safe, clean, learning environment where young and old minds alike have big moments. Wander through 10 acres, with tree lined lanes to hand feed 20 different species of quiet animals and birds. Watch your children explode with joy and wonder as they meet them face to face and cuddle baby animals in the barn. Definitely a place with lots of experiences to broaden horizons. Play-attractions and rest area complete with picnic tables and optional B.B.Q.
No one can deny that the Taupo region of New Zealand offers you the best quality and most diverse range of trout fly-fishing options anywhere in the world. Mark Aspinall, Leon McCarthy and David Wood make up the Mark Aspinall Fly Fishing Team. We specialise in guiding beginners to the very experienced anglers.
Top Quality Professional Service, at a reasonable price. You can't get better than that!
Whakapapa, on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu, is New Zealand's largest developed ski area. Within the 550 hectare (1360 acres) boundary there is excellent skiing and boarding for all levels.
Turoa Ski Area offers an exciting snow experience for all the family with an excellent variety of terrain to suit all levels of skiers and boarders.
Turoa is the highest ski area in New Zealand with 9 lifts giving access to 500 hectares (about 1200 acres) of patrolled terrain. If you want to get off the groomers, we have 3 main off-piste areas that strong skiers and riders will enjoy. And if you want to turn your legs into jelly, we have a run that is 4kms long! Turoa also boasts Australasia's longest vertical at 722m.
New Zealand Riverjet offers a unique adventure!A definite Must See Must Do Experience for anyone visiting Rotorua or Taupo! No other activity offers this many of New Zealand’s top attractions combined in to one great trip!
Orakei Korako is a truly unique tourist attraction - a geothermal wonderland park, one of nature’s true gifts. Cross the Waikato River between Rotorua and Taupo, New Zealand (NZ) by boat, then tour a world of gushing geysers, hot springs, boiling mud pools and some of the largest silica terraces in the world – an activity not to be missed.
Try flying under canopy, soaring like a bird high above Lake Taupo. Enjoy unsurpassed views over Lake Taupo down to mighty Mount Ruapehu And Mount Tongariro.
Operating for the past 17 years in the Central North Island including Taupo, Turangi and Tongariro National Park, Rapid Sensations offers a comprehensive range of outdoor adventure activities and skills courses for primary, intermediate and secondary school groups delivered by qualified instructors, excellent equipment and an effective positive learning environment.
Cruise and feel the history of a genuine 1920's 50 foot ocean going yacht, a beautifully crafted wooden masterpiece once owned by Errol Flynn and now sailed in the 21st century by experienced skipper David Nesbitt.
The Barbary conducts daily cruises to the famous ancient Maori rock carvings and is available for private charter on Lake Taupo, in the Central Plateau of New Zealand (NZ).
Offering a comprehensive range of fishing, boating and sight-seeing experiences aboard the M.V. Solamaar, Taupo Boating and Fishing Charters provides the ultimate in water-side entertainment.
Located in the stunning volcanic Waikato River Valley, Taupo Bungy is considered one of the world's most spectacular bungy sites. Featuring the world's first cantilever platform and New Zealand's first 'splash cam', even if you don't jump, you will be experiencing bungy jumping history first hand.
Whether your idea of fun, is a relaxing, quiet wonder through pine forest trails, or a more exciting canter through the forest we endeavour to provide either for you, in a safe and organized fashion.
Located in New Zealand, Central North Island, Taupo, we are situated on the shores of Lake Taupo in the beautiful volcanic plateau of the Tongariro National Park. Taupo Tandem Skydiving is the first tandem skydive operation in New Zealand and is currently the largest in the world.
Operating daily, year round (weather permitting) since 1992, we have the capacity to skydive up to 220 tandem students a day.
Enjoy spectacular scenic flights in our high wing Cessna Floatplane. Have unrestricted views looking down on beautiful Lake Taupo and the snow capped volcano's of Tongariro National Park. A floatplane flight is a magical way to experience and gain a true perspective of the stunning Lake Taupo Region. The sensation of taking off from and landing on the water is one you will never forget.
We invite you to take part in a leisurely one hour guided or self governed tour of the Wairakei Terraces Walkway, and enjoy the stories and history of New Zealand, Ngatoroirangi and Ngati Tuwharetoa, conveyed to you through the impressive carved features throughout the walkway.
[top]
Other Links
Should you wish to explore more on what our fabulous region has to offer, Le Chalet Suisse has compiled a list of reputable links to related web sites that we think can provide you with quality service:
Compare car rental prices in one easy system. Save time and money. Free online booking.
We hire touring motorcycles to independent travellers and deliver everytime the best guided motorcycle tours in the North & South Island of New Zealand.
Zealand's Information Network is dedicated to providing you with informative unbiased information on Travel Tourism, Accommodation and Transportation along with comprehensive travel guides for popular destinations, activities and 'all things New Zealand'.
A warm welcome great service awaits you at Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel, Paihia, where hospitality is our pleasure.
Taupo is the home of the New Zealand A1GP held at January 2007 at the Taupo Racetrack.
Graph of the river level for the last seven days, includes other useful information.
The Tourism New Zealand website is an introduction to tourism in New Zealand. Through this site, potential visitors will be able to learn about the diversity of what New Zealand has to offer and how their visit can become a fantastic experience.
[top]
Reciprocal Linking
Want to link to us? Why thank-you. Contact us if you would like to have your link appear on this page, or use the following code to add us to your site.
[top]
