The Taupo volcanic zone is a graben of complex structure in central North Island, New Zealand. A three-tiered survey technique involving (i) regional mapping of structural features (notably lineaments and circular features), from Landsat MSS band 7 imagery augmented by (ii) air photo interpretation of selected areas, and (iii) field surveys suggest alternative interpretations to those generally accepted of the fault patterns and characteristics of the Taupo volcanic zone.