Understand
About 1800 years ago, Lake Taupo was a volcano that erupted in an enormous explosion that ejected about 800 cubic kilometres of material and spread it over the central north island, forming the volcanic plateau. Recorded by the Chinese, this is believed to be the largest volcanic eruption in the last 2000 years. The resulting hole in the ground became Lake Taupo after it filled with water draining off the surrounding hills.
Today, Lake Taupo feeds the Waikato river with enough water to run 8 hydroelectric power stations.
