Lake Taupō is calling: Recharge in the North Island’s adventure capital

Winter is the perfect time to recharge in the North Island’s adventure capital.

Far away from the city is a world of magical lake and mountain landscapes. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors by day and curl up by a roaring fireplace under the stars at night.

Here’s your guide to off-the-beaten-track places to eat, play and stay in the Taupō region this winter.

RECONNECT WITH YOURSELF AND NATURE

Spending some time outside in the fresh, crisp air of the Central Plateau will recharge your spirits. Take in breathtaking scenery by foot, kayak and boat on a full day Scenic Lake Cruise & Kayak Tour around the Western Bays, admiring majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs along the way.

Then warm yourself up walking through bubbling hot springs and active natural geysers at Ōrākei Kōrako Cave and Geothermal Park. This hidden valley has the most active natural geysers of any of New Zealand’s geothermal parks and is one of Taupō’s best-kept secrets.

GET THE BLOOD PUMPING

Whatever your preferred way to get around, there’s a path, track or trail to suit you somewhere in the Central Plateau.

After a leisurely stroll? Walk the 5km loop track circling beautiful Lake Rotopounamu. Get the heart rate going a little more on the 3-4hr return track to the Mount Urchin trig and be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Taupō and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.

The 10km Kawakawa Bay to Kinloch Track (K2K) also has great views of Lake Taupō. Camp overnight and bring your own gear to try some outdoor rock climbing the next day.

For a different experience, kayak to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, an impressive 14m high wall hand-carved by artist Matahi Brightwell only accessible by water.

ENJOY A UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

These dining out and in-home experiences are the perfect complement to your Lake Taupō adventures.

Grab a casual drink and wood-fired pizza from The Bay or some fresh Vietnamese cuisine from Saigonese Eatery.

Part cafe, part pottery workshop, part magical art gallery - L’Arte Cafe & Gallery is the most unique cafe you’ll ever visit. Tipsy Trout with its lakefront views is another solid option for brunch, lunch or dinner in the lakeside settlement of Kinloch.

Savour a burger and beer at Rust Gourmet Burger Bar or a classic steak with truffle mash from Hare & Copper. If it’s fine wine in front of a roaring fireplace you’re after, look no further than Tongariro Lodge.

Don’t feel like going out? Try an intimate inhome dining experience with award-winning chef Prue Campbell through Yum w/Prue. Chef Nikki from Wild Roots will come to your holiday home and create a bespoke five-course menu for your preferences and dietary requirements or send you a food box to plate up yourself.

COZY UP UNDER THE STARS

Snuggle up with a good book or film in a luxurious lodge, or glamp under starlit skies at an off-grid rural property.

Lodge accommodation

• Braxmere Lodge: Self-contained apartments a hop, skip and a jump away from walking trails and ski fields at the Tongariro National Park.

• Oreti Village Resort: Rustic accommodation surrounded by bush and beautiful lake views with a luxurious restaurant on-site.

• Tongariro Lodge: A homely, peaceful setting on the banks of the Tongariro River, known as the “trout highway.”

Off-grid rural accommodation

• Kawawaka Hut: This off-grid hut has all you need for a romantic rural retreat.

• Telephone Exchange: An off-grid glamping retreat complete with outdoor bath for relaxation under the stars.

• Te Tuhi Hut: Unplug at this romantic retreat perched on a hillside overlooking farmland, native bush and Lake Taupō.

• Kinloch Glamping: A spacious safari tent complete with twin outdoor baths, beanbags, outdoor fire and farm-fresh milk.

Plan your perfect winter escape to the Taupō region at lovetaupo.com