population: 0.024 million

extension: 697.2 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Taupo and want to visit museums, the Taupo Museum and Art Gallery should be your first stop. It showcases the history of the lake and the local Maori culture. If you're looking for similar places nearby, you could visit the Rotorua Museum, which is about an hour's drive away and has exhibits on local history and geology.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Taupo, according to locals, include:

1. Paua: a type of sea snail that is often pan-fried or grilled and served with butter and garlic.

2. Whitebait fritters: small fish caught during their juvenile stage are made into fritters by mixing them with egg and flour and then pan-frying them.

3. Kiwi burger: a classic New Zealand burger with a beef patty, beetroot, egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and sauce.

4. Hangi: a Maori cooking technique where food is cooked in an earth oven lined with hot stones; usually includes chicken, pork, lamb, kumara (sweet potatoes), and other vegetables.

5. Pavlova: a dessert made from a meringue base topped with whipped cream and fruit, such as kiwifruit or strawberries.

6. Hokey Pokey ice cream: vanilla ice cream with honeycomb toffee pieces mixed in.

7. Jaffas: small chocolate balls with orange-flavoured candy coating.

These dishes are all worth trying if you're visiting Taupo and want to sample some of the local cuisine.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Taupo include:

1. Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is a challenging but rewarding day hike with stunning views.
2. Biking the Great Lake Trail, which offers scenic lakeside routes for all skill levels.
3. Soaking in the natural hot springs at Spa Thermal Park.
4. Jet boating or kayaking on the Waikato River, which runs through Taupo.
5. Fishing for trout in one of the many rivers or streams in the area.
6. Skydiving or taking a scenic flight over Lake Taupo and the surrounding mountains.
7. Relaxing at one of the many cafes, restaurants, or bars in town, enjoying the laid-back Kiwi lifestyle.