A glimpse back in time inside a typically cluttered early 20th century general store, back in the day when they were truly one-stop shops. The local general store not only stocked sugar, bacon, tea and biscuits but also medicines, motor spirits and fishing tackle. Getting a coffin made or a load of firewood delivered was not out of the question.

The first stores in Taupo were established by retired members of the Armed Constabulary, among the the first Europeans to settle in this area. They battled pumice dust, terrible roads and isolation and the consequent difficulties in getting supplies. They helped to build the foundation of a thriving town.

The Busy Corner Store was an actual shop, which operated on the corner of Horomatangi and Tongariro Street (the main street) from about 1915 to the early 50s.