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Lake Taupo lies in a caldera created by a supervolcanic eruption which occurred approximately 26,500 years ago. According to geological records, the volcano has erupted 28 times in the last 27,000 years.

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The initial event 26,500 years ago is known as the Oruanui eruption. It was the world's largest known eruption over the past 70,000 years, ejecting altogether 1170 cubic kilometres of material and causing several hundred square kilometres of surrounding land to collapse and form the caldera.

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The caldera later filled with water, eventually overflowing to cause a huge outwash flood It is possible that the Lake Taupo event contributed to starting the Last Glacial Maximum.

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Ruapehu is one of the world's most active volcanoes and the largest active volcano in New Zealand. It is the highest point in the North Island and includes three major peaks: Tahurangi (2,797 m), Te Heuheu (2,755 m) and Paretetaitonga (2,751 m). The deep, active crater is between the peaks and fills with a crater lake between major eruptions.

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