Fine mist sprays your face, the sound of thundering water pounding your eardrums as the water cascades into a swirling mist of ice-blue and frothy white below. Jet boats venture as near as they dare while immense amounts of water plunge through a giant crevice in the land, roaring so loud you have to shout to be heard. Huka Falls (pr: 'hoo-kah'), in all its magnificence, symbolises Lake Taupo (pr: 'tow-paw') - fresh, clean and natural. 'Fresh' - a word that evokes images of nature at its best.

Lakes and rivers so clean you can see the bottom twenty feet below you. Magnificent snow-capped mountain ranges fringed by native bush lie in the distance - this is the Lake Taupo Region. The region is a haven for outdoor activities - a real 'do it' destination with plenty on offer for both convention and incentive groups. It is world-famous for its trout fishing, but offers spectacular hiking, thrilling jet boating, off-road 4-wheel driving, New Zealand's famous bungy jumping, exciting white water rafting and, as a complete contrast, wonderfully relaxing thermal pools.

Golf is another attraction - for both the serious and not so serious. Try your luck potting a hole in one on a floating platform bobbing in the lake or tee off at any one of the several excellent courses in the area, including the famous Wairakei (pr: 'why-rah-keh-ey') International course, just up the road from the Wairakei Resort. Just below Huka Falls, prawns, farmed and harvested on the banks of the Waikato River using hot geothermal water mixed with fresh lake water, are a sumptuous pleaser.

And while on the subject of food, if trout tickles your fancy, why not head out on the lake for a quiet cruise and fish? Or if you prefer, you can take a moonlit cocktail or dinner cruise. Serious anglers head to Turangi (pr: 'too-rahng-ey'), at the southern end of the lake, renowned as one of the best trout-fishing locations anywhere in the world and home to several excellent lodges.

For snow skiers there are two challenging skifields, Whakapapa and Turoa (pr: 'Fah-kah-pah-pah'; 'Too-raw-ah'), just a short drive away on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu (pr: Roo-ah-peh-hoo') in Tongariro National Park (pr: 'Tawng-ah-ree-raw'). Or they're right on your doorstep if you hold your conference at the base of the mountain - on either side - for venues with a real difference.

Back in the town of Taupo, most properties have stunning views of the Lake and surrounding landscape. Lake Taupo is also home to some of the world's most exclusive retreats. If you're looking for a superb incentive destination offering exquisite ambiance, tranquillity and service, complemented with fine food and wine, look no further. Located in the central North Island, the Lake Taupo and Mt Ruapehu Regions are easily accessible by road and only a one-hour flight from Auckland and Wellington.