What is the largest lake, by surface area, in Aotearoa/New Zealand?

Lake Taupō is a large crater lake in New Zealand's North Island, located in the caldera of the dormant Taupō Volcano. With a surface area of 616 km2 (238 sq mi), it is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, and the second largest freshwater lake by surface area in Oceania.

Lake Taupō has a perimeter of approximately 193 km (120 mi) and a maximum depth of 186 m (610 ft). It is drained by the Waikato River and flows over the Huka falls, an 11 metre waterfall, at a rate of around 220 m3/s (7,769 cu ft/s). This rate can vary as the level of the lake is controlled by Mercury Energy, a state owned enterprise, which owns the eight hydroelectric dams on the Waikato River downstream of the lake, using gates built in 1940–41. The gates are used to reduce flooding, conserve water and ensure a minimum flow of 50 m3/s (1,800 cu ft/s) in the Waikato River.

The lake's and main tributaries are the Waitahanui River, the Tongariro River, and the Tauranga Taupō River. It is a noted trout fishery with stocks of introduced brown and rainbow trout.

The small city on the north eastern shores of the lake is also called Taupō with over 26,000 residents. It has many accommodation options for tourists who can can go fishing, jet boating, cycling, walking or soaking in hot pools.