Lake Taupo is NZ's largest lake and includes many dive sites, including deep drop-offs, walls and weed lines but is predominantly made up of sandy or muddy bottom. Lake Taupo has an area of approximately 620 square kilometres and is on average 100 metres deep plunging to 164 metres at its deepest point.
Average surface water temperatures range from 12 degrees in the winter to 22 degrees in the summer but reduce significantly with depth. Average viz is about 15 metres but may be up to 25 metres.

Aquatic Life:

While much more sparsely populated than coastal dive sites, Lake taupo is still home to many small freshwater fish as well as the larger but more elusive rainbow trout. Eels are a common sight but the most charismatic inhabitant of all has to be the small but mighty koura, fresh water crayfish. Koura defiantly stand tall on their rear legs to defend their territory against pesky divers. Very cute!

Warnings:

At an altitude of 370 metres, Lake Taupo is a fresh water altitude dive that is deep in many places and so requires special gear and considerations. Seek advice from dive professionals before setting out.

Directions:

Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake and contains many diving sites. Ask at your dive store for advice on best sites to dive before heading off. Some dive stores in other cities, such as Wellington, arrange dive trips to Lake Taupo and include a river dive also.
This site marker is at Moutere Reef.