Taupō

Taupō sits on the shore of New Zealand's largest lake, filling the caldera of a giant ancient volcano, and has grown into one of the North Island's busiest adventure hubs. Its mix of a warm-water lake, a fast river and clear skies supports a full menu of thrills.

The signature jump is the Taupō bungy, a platform cantilevered over a cliff above the Waikato River, sending jumpers plunging toward the blue-green water below; a companion cliff-edge swing offers a big arc for those who prefer a rope over an ankle cord. Taupō also markets itself as a skydiving centre, with tandem free-falls over the lake and distant volcanoes, plus jetboating up the river toward Huka Falls, where the Waikato funnels through a narrow rock chute in a torrent of white water. None of the commercial activities require experience.

The lake and its surrounds fill the calmer hours — trout fishing, kayaking to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, soaking in riverside hot springs, and walking or cycling the Great Lake Trails. The volcanic landscape of Tongariro rises to the south, close enough for a day on the alpine crossing.

Adventure runs year-round here, but summer, from December to March, brings the warmest water and the steadiest skydiving weather. Winter still sees jumps and jetboats on clear days, with fewer crowds. Because skydiving and paragliding depend on cloud and wind, build in flexibility, and pack layers for the cool mornings even in summer.