Taupo now rivals Rotorua for daredevil escapades, according to the Lonely Planet's newest guide to New Zealand.
The lakeside town and central plateau region have been described as possessing some of the North Island's star attractions, including Lake Taupo and the peaks of the Tongariro National Park in the just-released 16th edition ofLonely Planet New Zealand.
"Perhaps you fancy fly-fishing in the trout-filled Tongariro River, hooning up to Huka Falls in a jetboat or bouncing on a bungy over the Waikato River? Or skydiving, skiing, or just soaking in a thermal pool? If so, mark Taupo as a must-do on your North Island itinerary," says the guide.
It lists the best places to eat as Bistro Lago at the Hilton Lake Taupo, Vine Eatery and the Brantry in Taupo, and Tongariro Lodge near Turangi; and the best places to stay as Riverstone Backpackers and Creel Lodge in Turangi, and the Lake in Taupo.
And its highlights, according to Lonely Planet, are tramping the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, taking a tandem skydive, skiing on Mt Ruapehu, biking the 42 Traverse, paddling Lake Taupo to the modern Maori carvings, discovering the lost valley of Orakei Korako, jetboating on the Waikato River and bungy jumping.