Dan Hutchinson 01/05/2025 Dan Hutchinson 01/05/2025

Piglet flies under radar, landing delayed

Most people are familiar with the dangers birds pose to aircraft but in rural airports like Taupō, ground-based wildlife can also be problematic.

Dan Hutchinson 01/05/2025 Dan Hutchinson 01/05/2025

Fairytale landscape to explore

Despite dire forecasts of rain an optimistic crowd of walkers set off for the Ohaaki Wetlands.

Dan Hutchinson 30/04/2025 Dan Hutchinson 30/04/2025

Whakapapa ski field’s future decided

The Department of Conservation’s Director-General, Penny Nelson, has granted Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.

Dan Hutchinson 24/04/2025 Dan Hutchinson 24/04/2025

‘Mirror perfect’ Lake Okataina

This Rāhina we walked a medley of short, easy trails in the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve.

Dan Hutchinson 17/04/2025 Dan Hutchinson 17/04/2025

River explorer does it again

He may bear the name of a famous explorer, but Peter Cook (55) is fairly laid back about his own expeditions.

Dan Hutchinson 04/04/2025 Dan Hutchinson 04/04/2025

Highway reopening delayed by another week

The section of State Highway 1 between Ātiamuri and Wairakei will remain closed until April 9.

Dan Hutchinson 04/04/2025 Dan Hutchinson 04/04/2025

Aussies wake up to a Taupō Sunrise

Taupō got a boost to its profile this week, appearing on top-rating Australian breakfast show Sunrise on Wednesday morning.

Dan Hutchinson 03/04/2025 Dan Hutchinson 03/04/2025

Symmetry across the lake

A pea soup fog had us creeping along Broadlands Road at snail’s pace before we broke free of the gloom on the Rotorua side of Rainbow Mountain.

Dan Hutchinson 27/03/2025 Dan Hutchinson 27/03/2025

The toil and trouble of Ōpepe Reserve

Today’s medley of walks may have been short on distance but certainly not short on variety, history, information or fun.

Dan Hutchinson 14/03/2025 Dan Hutchinson 14/03/2025

Serious crash on SH5 Rangitaiki

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash on SH5 at Rangitaiki.

Dan Hutchinson 13/03/2025 Dan Hutchinson 13/03/2025

One road opens and another closes

No sooner has one road opened, than another one closes.

Dan Hutchinson 12/03/2025 Dan Hutchinson 12/03/2025

Working hard at a cruisy job

Taupō travel consultant Melissa Duder couldn’t have picked a worse time to start her new career – just before a global pandemic – but it has all paid off with a major award in Sydney on the weekend.

Dan Hutchinson 12/03/2025 Dan Hutchinson 12/03/2025

Waiouru highway to reopen soon

The Tūrangi to Waiouru stretch of State Highway 1 will reopen on Friday.

Dan Hutchinson 05/03/2025 Dan Hutchinson 05/03/2025

Devastation gives way to serene, green forest walk

What a Goldilocks’ day. Not too hot and not too cold, just perfect for our walk in the Kaimanawa Forest.

Dan Hutchinson 03/03/2025 Dan Hutchinson 03/03/2025

Sneak peak at refurbished Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge has reopened following a $25 million refurbishment.

Dan Hutchinson 24/02/2025 Dan Hutchinson 24/02/2025

A trip to Rotorua’s towering forest

A double rainbow plunged into the lake bidding us a colourful farewell on our journey to the Whakarewarewa Forest.

Kim Manunui 18/02/2025 Kim Manunui 18/02/2025

Originair touches down

Passengers on the first Originair flight from Wellington to Taupō arrived on Monday to a bit of fanfare, with a band and about 50 supporters.

Nicola Carter 30/01/2025 Nicola Carter 30/01/2025

Kia ora, welcome to Taupō

Taupō has been named as one of the top 10 most welcoming places in the world. The rankings are prepared by travel platform Booking.com and are based on the number of accomodation providers in a town that receive a Traveller Review Award.