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Kayaker on Lake TaupoLake TaupoThe largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo liesat the heart of the North Island, and was formedby one of most violent volcanic explosions of alltime. Set against a backdrop of the impressivepeaks of Tongariro National Park, its clear, tranquilwaters are a delight to explore. Lake Taupo is thesource of New Zealand’s longest river, theWaikato, which is famed for the thundering HukaFalls. Unsurprisingly the area is popular forwatersports and white water rafting, jet boat ridesand wakeboarding. However, it is fishing that hasreally put Taupo on the map, and it is now knownas the trout fishing capital of the SouthernHemisphere. The area is a haven of rocky coves,white pumice beaches and sheltered inlets. Thereare many tranquil corners to discover and a seriesof Maori rock carvings that can only be reached byboat. Along with all this are active thermal areas,unspoilt forests and excellent tramping trailsmaking it an excellent location to experienceNew Zealand’s great outdoors.Acacia Cliffs Lodge, Taupo24Huka Lodge, TaupoAcacia Cliffs Lodge, TaupoAcacia Cliffs Lodge offers boutiqueaccommodation in a quiet suburb overlookingLake Taupo. This stylish and contemporary lodgeaccommodates up to eight guests in four luxuryguest rooms. Three of the rooms have largeprivate deck areas with breathtaking lake viewsand the other has a private garden courtyard.The large spacious guest areas have uninterruptedpanoramic views of Lake Taupo, Mount Tauharaand the Kaimanawa Ranges. Linda and Rick areexcellent well-travelled hosts who have over 20years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Rick isan excellent cook and encourages guests to sitand talk to him with a glass of wine whilst heprepares dinner.Huka Lodge, TaupoInspired by New Zealand’s early pioneers thishistoric lodge has received countless internationalawards. Each of the 18 spacious, tasteful suites andtwo cottages are set amongst mature native trees,a short distance upstream from Taupo’s famousHuka Falls. Your time here can be spent simplyenjoying this truly magnificent property, or youcan choose to experience a variety of activitiesincluding world-class trout fishing, golf, skiing,white water rafting and horse riding. Huka Lodgeis consistently ranked as one of the world’s mostluxurious retreats, but the luxury is understatedand the relaxing atmosphere harks back to a timewhen life seemed much simpler.Maori rock carving, Lake Taupo