🇳🇿 Taupo, NZ | The Underrated Gem You Can’t Miss!

✨ Most travelers overlook Taupo—but this lakeside town packs a punch! Think turquoise waterfalls, geothermal wonders, and even a plane-turned-McDonald’s! Here’s your ultimate guide: ✅ Must-Visit Spots 📍 Huka Falls 💙 *Ice-blue rapids roaring at 220,000 liters/sec!* 📸 Free entry – snap that iconic waterfall + lake combo shot. 📍 Lake Taupo (NZ’s largest lake!) 🦢 Black swans glide past the "LOVE TAUPO" sign ❤️. ⛳ Lakeside golf: NZ$3/ball – hit the target for cash prizes! 📍 Craters of the Moon ($10) 🌋 Steamy geothermal walk (50min) – hat & sunscreen essential! 📍 Lava Glass ($12.50) 🔮 Whimsical glass garden + live glassblowing demos (fragile souvenirs alert!). 📍 Wairakei Terraces ($25) ♨️ Four mineral-rich pools (34°C-45°C) – skin = silky smooth after! 📍 McDonald’s Taupo ✈️ Dine in a retro plane – global bucket-list oddity! 👔 Summer Packing Tips (Dec-Feb) 🧥 Light jacket + windproof shell (chilly mornings!). 🕶️ Sunglasses/mask – UV is fierce! 👟 Comfy shoes for hikes. #TaupoNZ #HiddenGemsNZ #NZRoadTrip #TravelNewZealand