Taupo is home to New Zealand's largest lake offering stunning geographical features.

With views to the mountain ranges of Ruapehu, the Taupo region has it all – world-class trout fishing, luxurious accommodation and stunning natural beauty. Taupo is the perfect place to explore the natural beauty of New Zealand.

Here at Gopher we know there is more to Taupo than just being a tourism mecca for the North Island. "The great cloak of Tia" comes from the Maouri Taupō-nui-a-Tia. Tia is the name of the discoverer of the lake and his great cloak still captivates us all, both the transient tourist and the Taupo born and bred local. The local economy relies on the volcanic peaks, the thermal activity and the cultural heritage that the area offers. This page hopes to peel back the packaging and put a weekly spot light on what makes Taupo our taiwhenua, our place.