The above is a picture of Taupo as it was in 1886. Were it not for the hump of Tauhara in the background, many would be at a loss to identify the place. The Maori post in the foreground no longer exists. Its site is the property at present of the Misses Moody, and the Nukukau side of the Waikato River. Just beyond it, on the opposite side of the river are two buildings formerly used by Mr Dan Ferney in connection with his business as a waterman and also his steamer service between Taupo and Tokaanu. The line of buildings running down to the cliffs on the right is the middle distance marks the present main street of Taupo. Between Ferney's and that line is the old post office. In those days there was neither broom or manuka. It was tussock land, with a few pines here and there.

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 38, 1 October 1952, Page 1

The above is a picture of Taupo as it was in 1886. Were it not for the hump of Tauhara in the background, many would be at a loss to identify the place. The Maori post in the foreground no longer exists. Its site is the property at present of the Misses Moody, and the Nukukau side of the Waikato River. Just beyond it, on the opposite side of the river are two buildings formerly used by Mr Dan Ferney in connection with his business as a waterman and also his steamer service between Taupo and Tokaanu. The line of buildings running down to the cliffs on the right is the middle distance marks the present main street of Taupo. Between Ferney's and that line is the old post office. In those days there was neither broom or manuka. It was tussock land, with a few pines here and there.