36-624: Taupo International Motorsport Park and Events Centre (previously known as the Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park ) is a motorsports circuit located in Broadlands Road, Taupō , New Zealand . It is owned by Tony Quinn who also owns Highlands Motorsport Park and Hampton Downs Motorsport Park . The circuit was an upgrade from a 1.398 km (0.869 mi) Taupo Car Club's circuit to the new 3.500 km (2.175 mi) international layout in 2006. The Motorsport Park
72-437: A number of surrounding plantation pine forests including the large Kaingaroa Forest and related industry. A large sawmill is sited approximated 3 km to the north east of the town on Centennial Drive. Taupō is surrounded by seven geothermal power stations including the historic Wairakei geothermal power station a few kilometres north of the town. Taupō has a McDonald's with a decommissioned Douglas DC-3 attached to
108-412: A sauna, two hydroslides and four private thermal mineral pools. Taupō has four high schools: Tauhara College , Taupo-nui-a-Tia College , Māori immersion Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Whakarewa i Te Reo ki Tuwharetoa and state integrated Lake Taupo Christian School . It also has Wairakei, St Patrick's, Waipahihi, Hilltop, Mount View, Taupō and Tauhara primary schools, and Taupo Intermediate School . Taupō
144-512: A tighter chicane was introduced at the end of the straight. On 25 January 2009 Taupo Motorsport Park hosted the fourth race in the 2008–09 A1 Grand Prix season . Owing to the tight 'S' bend close to the start causing collisions in the past, the rolling start was replaced by a standing start for the 2009 event's Sprint race. The Taupo Race Track project has received a Silver Award by the Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand , praising
180-643: A variety of attractions, including the Wairakei Power Station , Huka Falls , and the Tongariro National Park . The name Taupō is from the Māori language and is a shortened version of Taupō-nui-a-Tia . The longer name was first given to the cliff at Pākā Bay , on the eastern shore of the lake, and means the "great cloak of Tia". It was named for Tia , the Māori explorer who discovered
216-655: Is a territorial authority that administers the Taupō District in the Central North Island of New Zealand . The district stretches from the small town of Mangakino in the northwest to the Tongariro National Park in the south, and east into the Kaingaroa Forest , covering 6,970 km (including Lake Taupō ). It had a population of as of June 2024. The district falls within the jurisdiction of four different regional councils ; however
252-459: Is currently under construction. The track also features an NHRA standard 830 m (2,720 ft) long, 17 m (56 ft) wide dragstrip with full capacity viewing for 10,000. The motor racing circuit has various licences ranging from National Grade 1 Motorsport Licence, FIA Grade 2 Motorsport Licence and International Motorcycling Safety Standards depending on which track configuration. A1 Team Ireland 's driver Adam Carroll commented that
288-534: Is divided between/among more than two regions, and most are not divided at all. The Taupō District has five wards – Taupō, Taupō East Rural, Turangi-Tongariro, Mangakino and the new Te Papamārearea Māori ward – and is represented by the Mayor and twelve councillors. The areas of Taupō and Kaingaroa are administered by the Taupō District Council. The areas of Mangakino and Pouakani are administered by
324-554: Is itself in the caldera of the Taupō Volcano . The Waikato River drains the lake and runs through the town, separating the CBD and the northern suburbs. The river flows over the spectacular Huka Falls , a short distance north of the town, Taupō is a centre of volcanic and geothermal activity, and hot springs suitable for bathing are located at several places in the vicinity. The volcanic Mount Tauhara lies six kilometres (4 mi) to
360-607: Is served by State Highway 1 and State Highway 5 , and is on the Thermal Explorer Highway touring route. All three highways run concurrently along the Eastern Taupō Arterial, which was built in 2010. Taupō is one of the few large towns in New Zealand that have never had a link to the national rail network, although there have been proposals in the past. Taupō Airport is located south of
396-729: The Centennial course. Other golf courses located near Taupō include Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, the Kinloch Club Golf Course and the Reporoa Golf Club. Taupō is home to the Taupo International Motorsport Park . It has a full international-standard racing circuit. The AC Baths is a swimming pool complex located at 26 AC Baths Avenue. Facilities include two 25-metre lane pools, an outdoor leisure pool with two toddler areas,
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#1732786576473432-572: The Lake Terrace treatment plant was upgraded and the two systems were amalgamated. Acacia Bay has its own dedicated fresh water system. The local newspaper Taupō Times is owned by Stuff . Digitisation of the Taupō Times from 1952 was undertaken in a partnership between The Preserving Local History and Educational Trust and Taupō Museum and Art Gallery. Taupō is twinned with: Taup%C5%8D District Council Taupō District Council
468-635: The Taupō District Council. The area is also represented by the Mangakino Pouakani Representation Group which has a total of six members including three Councillors. The areas of Tūrangi and Tongariro are administered by the Taupō District Council. The area is represented at Council by one district Councillor. Following the October 2022 local election, the Tūrangi-Tongariro Community Board (TTCB)
504-734: The Taupō urban area had a population of 23,631 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 2,508 people (11.9%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 2,937 people (14.2%) since the 2006 census . There were 9,000 households, comprising 11,520 males and 12,096 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female, with 4,740 people (20.1%) aged under 15 years, 3,849 (16.3%) aged 15 to 29, 10,164 (43.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 4,875 (20.6%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 79.8% European/ Pākehā , 24.5% Māori , 3.3% Pacific peoples , 5.7% Asian , and 2.0% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas
540-424: The accumulation of dry air causing severe frost during winter. However snowfall in Taupō is rare. The summer climate in Taupō is mild with maximum average temperature reaching 23 degrees and a minimum average temperature of 10 degrees. Taupō is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a medium urban area and covers 42.05 km (16.24 sq mi), which stretches from Acacia Bay in the west to Centennial Park in
576-518: The circuit to maintain its FIA Grade 2 status. However, the circuit is renamed Taupo International Motorsport Park, after Tony Quinn purchased the circuit in November 2021. The track includes four alternative configurations (consisting of 3.400 km (2.113 mi), 3.321 km (2.064 mi), 2.200 km (1.367 mi) and 1.300 km (0.808 mi)), two separate pit areas, a three-story pit lane complex with 32 ground floor pit garages that
612-482: The east and to Taupō Airport in the south. The Taupō urban area had an estimated population of 27,000 as of June 2024, with a population density of 642.09 people per km . It is the 26th-largest urban area in New Zealand, and the second-largest in the Waikato Region behind Hamilton . Before the 2023 census, the town had a larger boundary, covering 42.94 km (16.58 sq mi). Using that boundary,
648-425: The east. Somewhat to the northeast are significant hot springs. These springs contain extremophile micro-organisms that live in extremely hot environments. The small but growing satellite town of Kinloch , where there is a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus , is 20 kilometres west along the lake. Taupō suburbs include: Taupō has an oceanic climate ( Cfb ). The town is located inland, which results in
684-477: The electricity distribution network in Taupō. Natural gas arrived in Taupō in 1987. First Gas operates the gas distribution network in the town. Taupō's fresh water supply is drawn from Lake Taupō. Prior to 2013, there were two separate fresh water systems serving the town: the Lake Terrace system serving the town north of Napier Road, and the Rainbow Point system serving the southern suburbs. In 2013,
720-518: The high-quality delivery of the project, which was designed and constructed in tandem to achieve very tight deadlines. However, on 8 May 2008 Newstalk ZB reported that the motorsport park was NZ$ 3 million in debt and the owners were seeking equity to help keep their business afloat. The circuit was renamed Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park on 26 November 2015, as a tribute to former Formula One driver and team owner Bruce McLaren . The renaming occurred as Taupo directors announced they would be rebuilding
756-498: The lake. Māori later applied the name to the lake itself. In 2019 the official name of the town was changed from Taupo to Taupō . Although the English pronunciation "tow-po" ( / ˈ t aʊ p oʊ / , NZE /ˈtæʊpaʉ/ ) is widespread, it is often regarded as incorrect, and the Māori pronunciation, "toe-paw" ( / ˈ t oʊ p ɔː / , NZE /ˈtaʉpoː/ ) is generally preferred in formal use. In 1868, an armed constabulary post
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#1732786576473792-520: The seat of Taupō District Council since the council was formed in 1989. Taupō is the largest urban area of the Taupō District , and the second-largest urban area in the Waikato region , behind Hamilton . It has a population of approximately 27,000 (June 2024). Taupō is known for its natural beauty, with the surrounding area offering a range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and water sports. Visitors can also enjoy
828-540: The store. The fast food outlet has seating inside the plane's structure. The Taupō district council provides local government services for Taupō. Taupō is part of the Taupō electorate and the current member of parliament (as of 2023) is Louise Upston . The Taupō museum is located in the centre of the town on Story Place. It has displays including about the Ngāti Tūwharetoa , a Wharenui (Māori Meeting House) which
864-482: The township. Scheduled services to Auckland and Wellington operate from the airport. Taupō first received a public electricity supply in 1952, with the commissioning of the Hinemaiaia A hydroelectric power station south of the town. The town was connected to the national grid in 1958, coinciding with the commissioning of Wairakei geothermal power station north of the town. Today, Unison Networks owns and operates
900-586: The track has few bumps and is technical and tight. The unofficial all-time track record is 1:14.072, set by Nico Hülkenberg on the qualifying of 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand . As of April 2024, the fastest official race lap records at the Taupo International Motorsport Park are listed as: In a break from the usual open-road courses, Athletics New Zealand selected the Taupo Motorsport Park as
936-619: The vast majority (73.74% by land area) of the district falls within the jurisdiction of Environment Waikato . The exceptions are the towns of Rangitaiki (14.31% of the district's land area), which lies within the Bay of Plenty region, Taharua (11.26%), which lies within the Hawke's Bay Region , and Te More (0.69%), which lies within the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Taupō is unique in being the only district in New Zealand so divided; no other district
972-422: The venue for 2024 New Zealand Road Relay Championships. Taup%C5%8D Taupō ( Māori pronunciation: [ ˈ t a ʉ p ɔː ] ), sometimes written Taupo , is a town located in the central North Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the edge of Lake Taupō , which is the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand. Taupō was constituted as a borough in 1953. It has been
1008-482: The wider Tongariro area is also fairly represented, a representative group will be established by council and delegated the powers and functions previously held by the TTCB for that area. The Taupō District has 12 councillors and a mayor. The office of mayor of Taupō was established in 1989 as part of the 1989 local government reforms . Since 2013, the mayor of Taupō has been David Trewavas. Taupō District deputy mayor
1044-567: Was 18.5, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 51.7% had no religion, 34.9% were Christian , 2.7% had Māori religious beliefs , 1.1% were Hindu , 0.2% were Muslim , 0.6% were Buddhist and 1.9% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 2,991 (15.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 3,510 (18.6%) people had no formal qualifications. 2,835 people (15.0%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
1080-646: Was also the location of the off-road motorcycle event FIM International Six Day Enduro . The International Mountain Bicycling Association has designated the mountain biking trails at Bike Taupō as a silver-level IMBA Ride Center. Ride Centers are the IMBA's strongest endorsement of a trail experience. Taupō is home to the Taupo Golf Club which has two courses: the Tauhara golf course and
1116-619: Was carved locally between 1927 and 1928, a moa skeleton and a caravan filled with local memorabilia from the late 1950s and early 1960s. There are also displays about volcanos and art galleries. Regular sporting events in Taupō include Ironman New Zealand , the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge and the Great Lake Relay (established in 1995). The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge has about 5,000 riders. The Oxfam Trailwalker has been held in Taupō several times. In 2006 Taupō
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1152-469: Was completed in 2006 at the cost of NZ$ 13 million. It features driver training facilities, a motorsport business park with 13 first floor corporate suites and a second floor race control, corporate and catering complex. On 21 January 2007 Taupo Motorsport Park hosted the sixth race in the 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season and on 20 January 2008 it hosted the fifth race in the 2007–08 A1 Grand Prix season . In order to create more overtaking opportunities,
1188-405: Was established in Taupō in order to strengthen communication lines in the central North Island. Hot water pools around Taupō began to attract tourists to Taupō in the late 1870s and early 1880s and hotels were developed to take advantage of this. In the 1890s, rainbow trout were introduced to Lake Taupō and Taupō became a popular town to stay and fish. A road board was established in 1922 and it
1224-456: Was made a borough in 1953. Taupō grew quickly due to the development of the Wairakei geothermal power station , expansion of the timber industry, and farm development between 1949 and 1953. The population of Taupō was 1,358 in 1951, later increasing to 2,849 people in 1956 and 5,251 people in 1961. Taupō is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Taupō , New Zealand's largest lake, which
1260-616: Was replaced with ward representation from one councillor, and a district-wide Māori ward, Te Papamārearea, with two councillors. The area will also be supported by a Mana Whakahono a Rohe, a partnership agreement between Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūrangitukua, the Ngāti Tūwharetoa hapū which holds mana whenua over Tūrangi township. As part of the Mana Whakahono, an equal co-governance committee made up of both Ngāti Tūrangitukua and council appointees will be set up. To ensure
1296-423: Was that 9,246 (48.9%) people were employed full-time, 3,003 (15.9%) were part-time, and 507 (2.7%) were unemployed. Taupō is a tourist centre, particularly in the summer, as it offers panoramic views over the lake and to the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park to the south. It offers a number of tourist activities including sky diving , jetboating , parasailing , and bungy jumping . Taupō services
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