Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake with a surface area of 606 sq km and a surface level elevation of 357 m above sea level. It is located in the center of the North Island. It was formed by one of the greatest volcanic explosions the world has experienced. The Taupo region's really big eruption was about 25,000 years ago - that was the one that created the huge basin now filled by Lake Taupo. The eruption produced an estimated 800 cubic kilometers of ash. The North Island would have been devastated, coated with hot, poisonous ash tens of meters thick, More recently, in AD 181, accounts of darkened skies and spectacular sunsets were recorded in China and Rome.- the effects of another Taupo explosion. This was the world's most powerful eruption in historical times. At the time New Zealand was still uninhabited. About 30 sq km of ash and pumice were ejected in just a few minutes, shooting out across the land at speeds up to 900 km/h (Source: Lonely Planet, New Zealand, 10th edition, 2000). The entire area is today still very active with much geothermal activity. In the distance the snow-capped Mt. Ruapehu can be seen, about 45 miles distance (as the crow flies). This picture was taken on 9 June 2017, Sig...