Top Spot - Hilton Lake Taupo

The Hilton Lake Taupo has recently been named Best New Hotel in the World - a wonderful accolade for a terrific hotel that blends old and new.

Large, amazingly well-priced, modern apartments have sprung up beside the original heritage building, which began life as the Terraces Hotel in 1889. It's had a number of revamps in recent years but it reaches maturity under Hilton management. That unmistakeable 'Hilton chic' now hovers over every space and suites and apartments have big balconies and either wide lake views, or more intimate views over the thermal valley and Taupo Hot Springs Spa below and to the rear of the hotel. It's located to the south of Taupo township on the Napier-Taupo Highway and as an aside, the bathrooms are divine. www.laketaupohilton.com

All photographs courtesy of Hilton Lake Taupo.

High Speed Thrills

Imagine travelling 80kmph in this Towards this! That's what happens when you step into a Huka Falls Jet Taupo June 2010. Ajr www.hukafallsjet.com

Taupo Highlight

Huka Falls, Taupo. May 2007. Ajr

If you find yourself in and around Taupo, don't miss a visit to Huka Falls. This gorgeous frothing torrent of water is a result of the normally 100-metre wide Waikato River narrowing to just 15-metres as it gushes over a volcanic ledge. A spectacular 220,000 litres per second crash through the gorge creating one of the North Island's most visited waterfalls. There are paths along the river bank and a sturdy (thank goodness!) bridge crosses the torrent. It's all a little nerve-wracking if, like me, you have a fear of heights but opportunities abound for some spectacular photographs. (This, it should be noted, isn't one of them - I was in too much of a hurry to cross the bridge.) www.laketauponz.com www.hukafalls.com

Huka Magic

When I was travelling around New Zealand last year doing my research for the Frommers New Zealand travel guide, I stopped off at the internationally acclaimed Huka Lodge at Taupo. Perched right on the edge of the Waikato River just upstream from the beautiful Huka Falls (below image), it is a sublime escape. This top picture is the view you get from the very beautiful Owner’s Cottage balcony, looking across the infinity swimming pool to the river. Not a bad spot for a quiet moment is it! www.hukalodge.co.nz