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Family things to do in Lake Taupo Honey Hive

December 3, 2009 By Carl View Comments

On the road north of Lake Taupo, just past the World Famous Huka Falls, is the Honey Hive, this is a working bee factory, with a difference. Here not only can you see a real hive working through a glass case, you can also interact and learn a great deal about the humble honey bee. Not only that, there is a large store, in which you can buy all things honey: from different blends of honey to meads to ice creams, the list is amazing. Here is a great place with free entry and there is something for all the family to learn from, well worth checking out. And located on the same premises is the Rock ‘n’ ropes complex.

http://www.honeyhivetaupo.com/index.pasp

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TravelMonkee’s top 10 things to do in Taupo Spring edition

November 30, 2009 By Carl View Comments

Lake Taupo is full of fantastic activities here is my top 10 to do this spring

  1. Taupo Lake Adventures, whether fishing or just enjoying the scenery on a cruise with friends, indulge yourselves aboard the luxurious Bravado III. This vessel is one of the few in Taupo that allows you to take in the views and soak up the sun from the upper deck.  http://www.taupolakeadventures.com/
  2. Get out and see the Maori carvings you have a number of choices, here are two
  3. Earnest Kemp, a replica steamer http://www.fishcruisetaupo.co.nz/booking.php
  4. And the Barbary a fantastic yacht that plies the waters of Lake Taupo http://www.barbary.co.nz/
  5. Visit the botanic gardens at this time of year they are just coming into spring bloom http://www.laketauponz.com/taupo/scenic-highlights/waipahihi-botanical-reserve.html
  6. Play “Hole’n’ 1” golf on the water front http://www.holein1.co.nz/ this is a lot of fun and at only 102 metres from the shore, you don’t have to be Tiger Woods!
  7. Huka Jet boat, this is a full on half an hour of furious fun, 360 degrees turns, that deliver you to foot of the mighty Huka Falls http://www.hukafallsjet.com/page/5-Home
  8. Jump out of a plane Taupo is the Mecca of skydiving, why not find out why! http://www.taupotandemskydiving.com/
  9. Have a hot soak in the historic AC Baths, with a large slid to keep the kids occupied while you relax in one of the private pools http://taupovenues.co.nz/tv/home/
  10. Mountain bike ride at Craters of the moon, hire a bike from http://www.rapids.co.nz/mountainbiking.htm located on site
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Accommodation in Taupo

November 18, 2009 By Carl View Comments

Taupo has many great accommodators; I’m going to run through some of the options that you have available to you, from 5 star hotels and Motels through to backpackers and Bead and Breakfasts.

It is important to know that what you are booking will meet your needs, and remember that some people working in the business will try to sell you a room that may not have your best interest at heart. So with that in mind my next few posts are personal recommendations, as I have worked in the accommodation industry for a number of years; and as a disclaimer, if I haven’t mentioned your favourite place of accommodation, it is not because I’m discrediting it, feel free to right in and recommend it to some of our other readers.

Hotels

Taupo has only a few Hotels and with the arrival of Hilton set to open soon Oct 09 http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/AKLLTHI-Hilton-Lake-Taupo/accommodations.do

There has been a buzz around the town, especially as the new Hotel is next to the Iconic Terraces  http://www.terraceshotel.co.nz/ which has been a port of call for many years and opened in 1889. Adding to the onsite restaurant and having the added advantage of been located right next to the world famous De Bretts Hot water springs http://www.debrettsresort.co.nz/ this will be a real treat to the weary traveller of family of explorers

The other major hotel in Taupo is the 180 roomed Bay view Wairakei hotel this also opened in the late 1800’s and has a unique history and charm about it. This is an ideal hotel for business conference and corporate travellers. It is also the home of the renowned Wairakei International Golf course.   http://www.wairakei.co.nz/

Another hotel is the Copthorn http://www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/copthornetaupo/index.html located right on the lake front it is a popular spot for coproate travellers and families wanting something a little bit different with its log cabin exterior, although the rooms are not large, be sure to ask for a larger studio.

Now for something truly special http://www.kauri-point.co.nz/ this little hotel is markets itself as a petit hotel, and is truly sumptuous in its location and superior settings. This small hotel does Taupo proud, and is targeted at the couple wanting to celebrate a special time.


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Lake Taupo Marina and Cafe

November 16, 2009 By Carl View Comments

Situated on the edge of Lake Taupo township is the Taupo marina, this is where the Lake Taupo drains into the mighty Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand measuring 264 miles (425 km) long, it tumbles over Huka Falls and flows northwest to enter the Tasman Sea south of Auckland. You can see a number of lovely boats anchored there; there is also a booking office, which can set you up with any number of charters, from sightseeing on the Earnest Kemp, which takes you to see the Maori carvings, to giving you the opportunity to catch the big one while fishing on the lake.

While you are there make sure you grab a coffee at Stir cafe.

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Lake Taupo

November 6, 2009 By Carl View Comments
View of Lake Taupo and Mount Ruapehu

View of Lake Taupo and Mount Ruapehu

Lake Taupo Township is located on the northern Australasia’s largest Lake. Lake Taupo was created by a gigantic volcanic eruption in 181AD, which formed a 616 square kilometre lake; it is as big as Singapore Island.

The Maori Name for Taupo is Taupo-nui-a-tia which translated means “The great cloak of Tia’ one of the first Maori explores to locate Lake Taupo.

The lake’s attractive pumice sand beaches give it the appearance of an inland ocean.

With a population of 26,000, it’s easy to feel like a local when you enter the town.

The town is well serviced with two large supermarkets, ample shops, including some of New Zealand’s top clothing outlets. Along with a large selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, there is always a great meal to be had here. As tourism is the main focus of the township, it has some very nice accommodation, everything from some 4-5 star motels, hotels, along with Bed and Breakfast providers to renting batches.

The town is well positioned for many events and activities and promotes itself as the events capital, hosting great events like the International Iron man/women http://www.ironman.co.nz/

The annual 160 Kilometre cycle ride http://www.cyclechallenge.com/

The A1GP motor race held its first 2 events at the newly rebuilt motorsport park http://www.tauporacetrack.co.nz/index.php

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