You are, I believe, practically in the caldera, yes?...
,,, no, I'm south of Taupo by three and a half to four hours by road. Taupo is a popular holiday spot that will be filling up with families around now as they settle in for a summer break. No Taupo break for me though, we've got friends coming in on December 30 from Geneva until January 11, then FReepers staying with us from January 12 -30. My wife will take them thru to Taupo and Rotorua while I keep a check on the business.