Long weekends usually mean one thing for us, and that is the opportunity to take long road trips outside the city that we call home. Because regular weekends are usually spent uncovering beautiful Auckland gems, we relish the opportunity to head out and drive (for more than a couple of hours) to see the extraordinary sights surrounding the region.

The very first long weekend for 2017 was of course New Year, so we took advantage of the four-day holiday and we drove down to the Great Lake Taupo area, particularly Turangi and Taupo. The weather wasn’t the best, but that didn’t hinder us from exploring what these spots had in store for us.

Day 1:
Drive from Auckland.
Breakfast at The Native Tree.
Stopover at Tirau.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Cave and Park | 494 Orakei Korako Road, Taupo | http://www.orakeikorako.co.nz/
Check-in at Angler’s Paradise Motel | 57 Raukura Street, Turangi, Lake Taupo | http://www.anglersparadise.co.nz/

Day 2:
Tongariro National Trout Centre | State Highway 1, Turangi, Lake Taupo | http://www.troutcentre.com/
The River Walk – can be accessed from the Tongariro National Trout Centre.
Lunch at Hydro Eatery | 17 Ohaunga Road, Turangi, Lake Taupo.
Take a dip at the Tokaanu Thermal Pools for approx $10.00 | Mangaroa Street, Tokaanu.

Day 3:
Go for a walk for about an hour from Spa Park to see Huka Falls.
Then take a dip at the Otumuheke Stream once you get back to Spa Park.
If you are not too keen on walking, you can always drive to and from Huka Falls and Spa Park.
Lunch at Huka Prawn Park | Karetoto Road, Wairakei | http://www.hukaprawnpark.co.nz/
Try fishing for prawns as well. It costs $28.00 to fish for prawns and to explore the other facilities inside the Huka Prawn Park.

Day 4:
Explore Lake Taupo.
Visit the shops at the Taupo Town Centre.
Lunch at The Storehouse Taupo – they serve delicious food and great coffee! | 14 Runanga Street, Taupo | http://www.storehousetaupo.co.nz/

This is but a snapshot of the multitude of activities and attractions that you can do in the Great Lake Taupo area. If you like outdoor activities then you’ll surely be spoilt for choice. Just keep in mind that many of these activities are weather dependent, so it pays to include the weather forecast in your planning.