it has a lake and mountains in the background, oh and an airport that we were discussing..........
Lets get back on topic!
Waka rider, Your statement is very true however Taupo isnt unsafe because it has only an NDB to make approaches with. Plenty of aircraft use that approach and dont hit Tauhara, its the amount and various specialist types of operations that are conducted in and very close to the MBZ and approaches to AP that warrant ATC. If Taupo had an ILS, or someone monitoring your progress on radar, yes it would be safer to approach from the north but thats not the main issue here, its the aircraft and meatbombers that get in your way that cause the issue!
Dont get me wrong though, your comment is valid fuel for the argument!