Taupō
Taupō (Māori pronunciation: [ˈtaʉpɔː]), sometimes written Taupo, is a town located in the central North Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the edge of Lake Taupō, which is the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand. Taupō was constituted as a borough in 1953. It has been the seat of Taupō District Council since the council was formed in 1989.
Taupō
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|---|---|
Taupō | |
| Coordinates: 38.6875°S 176.0694°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Island | North Island |
| Region | Waikato |
| Territorial authority | Taupō District Council |
| Ward | Taupō-Kaingaroa |
| Settled | Pre-European |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Borough status | 1953 |
| Named for | Originates from Taupō-nui-a-Tia, meaning "great cloak of Tia" in Māori |
| Electorate | Taupō |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | David Trewavas |
| Area | |
| • Urban | 42.95 km2 (16.58 sq mi) |
| • District | 6,970 km2 (2,690 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 360 m (1,180 ft) |
| Population (June 2023) | |
| • Urban | 26,500 |
| • Urban density | 620/km2 (1,600/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Postcode | 3330 |
| Area code | 07 |
| Local iwi | Ngāti Tūwharetoa |
Taupō is the largest urban area of the Taupō District, and the second-largest urban area in the Waikato region, behind Hamilton. It has a population of approximately 26,500 (June 2023). Taupō is known for its natural beauty, with the surrounding area offering a range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and water sports. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of attractions, including the Wairakei Power Station, Huka Falls, and the Tongariro National Park.