South of the lake, three volcanoes dominate the landscape. Tongariro, the oldest, was formed around a million years ago. Ruapehu, was born half a million years, and Ngauruhoe, some 2500 years ago. Pockets of volcanic activity in our district, in the form of hot pools, mud pools and steaming hot cracks in the Earth's crust, have long been popular visitor attractions. And, of course, the harnessing of geothermal energy at Wairakei and elsewhere, has been a great asset to the district's economy.
Man is a relative newcomer to our region.
Maori settled here in the 12th century, and today around 30 per cent of the district's population have Maori ancestry. European settlement began in the 1860's. However, it is only in the last 40 years or so, since the advent of better access roads and the Wairakei Geothermal power station, that Taupo has experienced sustained growth. In recent years the rate of growth has been among the most impressive in New Zealand. In the Lake Taupo district we owe Mother Nature a huge debt of gratitude.