Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo is a large freshwater lake located in the central North Island of New Zealand. It occupies a volcanic caldera and is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, covering roughly 616 square kilometers. The lake sits in the Taupō Volcanic Zone, a highly active geothermal region.

Lake Taupo occupies the caldera of a massive supervolcano. Much of the lake's current shape was formed during the Oruanui eruption, one of the largest known explosive eruptions in Earth's history. A subsequent major eruption occurred around 186 CE, further defining the caldera that eventually filled with water.

Lake Taupo is the source of the Waikato River, which is the longest river in New Zealand. The river flows out of the lake's northeastern edge and travels for about 425 kilometers before emptying into the Tasman Sea. Along its route, the river passes through the geothermal wonderland of Wairakei and the city of Hamilton.

Yes, Lake Taupo is an internationally renowned destination for trout fishing, particularly for rainbow and brown trout. The lake was artificially stocked with trout in the late 19th century, and they thrived in the pristine waters, feeding on native smelt. Anglers flock to the Tongariro River, which flows into the lake, for seasonal spawning runs.