Volcanic Lake Taupō - Roadside Stories

A Manatū Taonga audio guide to Lake Taupō. Check out the Ministry for Culture and Heritage's audio guide in the image carousel above.

Lake Taupō fills a caldera (volcanic depression) formed by massive eruptions. The first eruption, about 26,000 years ago, covered the central North Island with pumice and ash; the last, about 1,800 years ago, was so dramatic that its effects were noted in China and Rome. In Māori tradition the lake is home to a taniwha (supernatural being) called Horomatangi.

Lake Taupō,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/volcanic-plateau-places/10

The Taupō volcano,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/volcanoes/5

Lakes,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/lakes

Lake Taupō,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/nga-waewae-tapu-maori-exploration/5/1

Taniwha,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/taniwha

Archival audio sourced from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives, http://www.soundarchives.co.nz/. Sound files may not be reused without permission from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives (Reference number sa-97112-26-01-pm).

—

Roadside Stories are a series of audio guides to places of interest on major road trips in New Zealand. Each guide tells the story of an attraction along the way -- its people, its history, its cultural and natural significance. For more information about Roadside Stories visit http://www.mch.govt.nz/roadside/