In the middle of the North Island is Lake Taupo, site of a once massive volcanic eruption.

'Whanganui Bay' is the predominant crag of the region, seeing development from the 1980's. More recently however, 'Kawakawa Bay' provides equally fantastic climbing.

Climbs tend to be on cliff faces coming right out of the lake with heights of upto 100m. The general rock type is welded ignimbrite, providing great friction and great features for use as holds. There are both crack and face climbs, tending for both sport and trad climbers alike.