Lake Taupo is situated in a volcanic region of the north island and is steeped in Maori heritage and tradition. The lake was produced as a result of the most ferocious volcanic eruption in the past 5000 years - its ash drifted as far as Europe and China. Maori tradition explains the lake's origins differently - they believe that Ngatoirangi, the chief priest of the Arawa people, discovered the basin dry and caused it to flood into a lake when he attempted to plant a forest through hurling a tree at the ground. The lake itself and its surrounding areas boast a wide range of activities for tourists to enjoy including exploration of the volcanoes (including Mount Ngauruhoe which featured as Mount Doom in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy), participating in some world-class fishing, or adventurous and energetic watersports such as white water rafting, jet boating and parasailing.

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