KEY POINTS:
Where: Taupo is an easy weekend getaway from almost anywhere in the North Island. It's 280km from Auckland - about a 3 1/2-hour drive.
What to do: Taupo is famous for its fishing, boating, geothermal activity and proximity to the skifields of Mt Ruapehu.
However, this picturesque lakeside town also has a treasure trove of activities and attractions that make it a perfect spot for a girls' weekend away.
For a start there is some great boutique-style shopping - stores such as Flirt in HeuHeu St or Copyright in Tongariro St are great for fashion. Alternatively Kura, also in HeuHeu St, has a beautiful stock of unique pieces of contemporary New Zealand ethnic art.
There's also fresh produce, clothing, art and craft available from Riverside Park market every Saturday morning.
And you're after art and crafts, pick up a brochure for the art and crafts trail from Taupo Information Centre - it's a great guide to some of the town's more creative spots.
Two of the highlights are the Zeayou Gallery and L'Arte Sculpture Garden and Cafe in Acacia Bay.
Replete Cafe in HeuHeu St also features stunning artworks by Des Robertshaw, but perhaps more importantly it's home to some of Taupo's best food. We recommend the mega-grain toast with lemon curd.
Of course no girls weekend away is complete without a spa trip. There are several good day spas in Taupo but for the whole package - including a hot mineral pool soak - it's hard to go past Taupo Hot Springs and Spa, on SH5 headed towards Napier. The spa has a full range of beauty treatments from facials and massages to pedicures and manicures, but for something a little different try the hot honey body wrap. Delicious - the perfect way to relax with the girls.
Links:
www.laketauponz.com
www.larte.co.nz
www.taupohotsprings.com
www.replete.co.nz
