This year, the Feast of Tabernacles will be held once again in picturesque Taupo, in the center of the North Island of New Zealand. The Taupo region is a place of extraordinary natural beauty with its rivers, ancient forests and snow-blanketed mountains. Taupo is about three-and-a-half-hour drive south of Auckland, and a five-hour drive from Wellington. Taupo is a scenic and popular tourist resort town, nestled on the banks of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s (and the Southern Hemisphere’s) largest freshwater lake. The lake is at the heart of New Zealand’s central volcanic plateau and the shining expanse of blue and jade green water is crystal clear to a depth of 13 meters. It is home to one of the best wild trout fisheries in the world.    

Local attractions include many water-bound activities such as world class fishing, boating, whitewater rafting and jet boating. There are plenty of walks, hikes and biking tracks, along with golf, geothermal attractions and natural hot pools. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes, with a variety of food types. 

Rotorua is a one-hour drive east and hosts many activities. Waitomo Caves is a two-hour drive West where you can enjoy rafting or the famous Glowworm Caves.

This year, our guest speaker will be Darris McNeely. Darris and his wife will be coming to New Zealand for the first time to enjoy the feast. While they are here we are planning to invite the Beyond Today subscribers to hear from one of the presenters and writers of the publications. Services will be located at the Taupo Yacht Club at 9 Ferry Road, Taupo, New Zealand.

Please contact Michael Fike at michael_fike@ucg.org for Feast site information and accommodations.