Central North Island.

Diversity is the key phrase here, 6 forest parks, 3 National Parks, Lakes, Caves, beaches. and the nearest thing we've got to a desert. It's all here, something for all seasons too, water sports, the great outdoors, ski fields and underground experiences, thermal activity, vineyards and cultural displays.

Here's just some of what's on offer....................

National Parks.

Tongariro National Park, south west of Lake Taupo.

Tongariro National Park is the second oldest National Park in the World second only to Yellowstone National Park in the USA.

Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe, and Mt Ruapehu dominate the landscape, often obscured by cloud, and capped with snow. There's no mistaking the classic volcanic cone of Ngauruhoe, with the other two looking a little more mountain like. Ruapehu has been recently active and is in no way regarded as dormant.

Eruptions in consecutive winters of 1995 and 1996 caused major financial woes for ski operators on the mountain slopes and caused ash clouds which closed airports around the Bay of Plenty.

The Tongariro Crossing is a walk which traverses the mountain, taking you high into the cratered peak. It takes several hours and is challenging in parts but can be achieved by a person of average fitness. This is not a loop track and commercial transport is available to drop off and pick up.

There is a visitors centre located near the Château Tongariro with information on all the walking options in the park.

The base of the volcanoes is surrounded by a barren landscape not yet regenerated after volcanic activity. This area is bordered by state highway 1 known in this section as the Desert Road.

Whanganui National Park, north of Wanganui

Featuring the Wanganui River and vast tracts of colourful lowland forest.

Urewera National Park, south of Whakatane.

Containing the largest area of native bush in the North Island, the country is dense and rugged. The Jewel of the Park is Lake Waikaremoana, a lake setting of isolated and natural beauty.

Famous Lakes and Caves

Rotorua

The Lake and its surrounding area provides endless opportunities to explore thermal reserves and sites of Maori cultural and historical significance. Then there's the stunning beauty of the smaller Lakes nearby, surrounded by lush and green native bush.

The museum, located in the former Baths is a worthwhile insight into the area with an insight into the areas past, including the destruction of the 'Pink & White Terraces' during the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. A worthwhile short drive down the Lake Tarawera Road past Blue Lake provides opportunities to picnic and swim amongst Postcard scenery.

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo is famous for it's abundant Trout and mans pursuit thereof.

Take a trip on the Lake, fish or not, visit the mighty Huka Falls, and the Trout Hatchery near Turangi.

Taupo at the north eastern corner of the lake is a popular resort, with many north islanders owning holiday homes there. Tourism based around the lake, nearby Tongariro National Park, and the development of industries such as logging has seen Taupo increase dramatically both in size and visitor numbers in recent times. The town has an air of newness about it as opposed the more historic Rotorua. Turangi at the southern end of the lake is another popular location for lake based activities such as fishing, charters, cruises and is central to a variety of interesting walks. Handily located for access to the Tongariro National Park with it’s mountain activities such as hiking, including the famous Tongariro Crossing and for winter activities such as skiing, being only 40 minutes from Whakapapa and a further 20 minutes to Turoa. Ohakune is a small population centre located to the south of the National Park. The small town services visitors to the area and is popular during the ski season as well as for the numerous summer activities.

Waitomo Caves, west between Otorohanga and Te Kuiti

The Waitomo Caves are a group of limestone caverns in a region known for its adventures and interesting landscapes. Two caves the Waitomo and the Aranui are open to visitors. The Waitomo cave is renowned for its Glow Worm Grotto Both caves feature extensive limestone formations. A third cave, Ruakuri, offers “Black water rafting”. In addition to the caves and often less visited are the features along the road out to Morokopa and Kiritehere Beach. Recommend if you have the time, driving down this road to see the following:

Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

Piripiri Caves, you need a torch (flashlight) for exploring here, not commercial and worth a visit.

Marokopa Falls........this is as far as you need go toward the coast.

Forest Parks

Kaimai Mamaku. situated west of Tauranga. A southern extension of the Coromandel Ranges the Kaimai Range contains some ancient Maori Tracks and old tramways which are incorporated into the many hike and trails in this park.

Pirongia Forest Park, south west of Hamilton

Centered around Mount Pirongia, an old volcanic cone, this area has a diverse mix of vegetation types.

Pureora Forest Park, north west of Lake Taupo

Logging roads provide access to the area which caters to walkers, hunters and birdwatchers.

Whakarewarewa Forest Park, south of Rotorua

All stages of timber production from planting to logging, there are many pleasant picnic and recreation spots catering to walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.

Whirinaki Forest Park, between lakes Taupo and Waikaremoana

Comprising mostly native forest with some fine examples of ancient podocarp trees. There are walking trails and interpretive panels.

Kaimanawa Forest Park, south of Lake Taupo.

The Waipakihi and Oamuru Rivers provide good tramping routes through the area.  It has tussock grasslands above the tree line. The Kaimanawa Mountains peak at around 1700m.

Kaweka Forest Park, east of the Kaimanawa Forest.

Some excellent trout fishing and sightings of Sika Deer. rugged and remote, access is very difficult and a guide is recommended.

 

Rotorua
	Helipro Mount Tarawera flights - ex Rotorua Helipro offers scenic helicopter flights to Mt Tarawera with a 'fly over' only or landing option. Alternatively take the 'Volcanic Adventure' that takes in Crater Lakes, Tarawera Falls, Mount Tarawera and the renowned thermal reserves of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu :Website: CLICK HERE
	Helipro White Island trips  ex Rotorua Visit White Island from Rotorua with HELiPRO, experience the unforgettable landscape of New Zealand's most active volcano. Marvel at the steaming vents and crater lake, bubbling hot streams and boiling mud, also learn about the interesting history of White Island. :Website: CLICK HERE
	Tamaki Maori Village & Concert Rotorua's Tamaki Maori Village is a window to the world of Maori Culture, protocol, entertainment, crafts and mythology. Located a short distance from Rotorua city the journey into the realm of Tane begins as soon as you step aboard your transfer coach. :Website: CLICK HERE
	Whirinaki Rainforest Walks Experience the wonders of the Whirinaki Forest on this one day guided walk. Arguably the best remnant of New Zealand podocarp forest remaining. :Website: CLICK HERE
	Buried Village. The Village of Te Wairoa was buried buy the eruption of Mt Tarawera on 10 June 1886 an event that also destroyed the spectacularly beautiful Pink & White Terraces. Excavations began in 1931 to reveal the remains including the schoolhouse, flour mill, Rotomahana Hotel and other features. Today the site is a fascinating and multi faceted visitor attraction suitable for all ages. :Website: http://www.buriedvillage.co.nz
	Waimangu Volcanic Valley Fascinating geothermal eco-system, enjoy a range of easy walking, advanced hiking, and boat cruise experiences ranging in duration from 45 minutes to over 4 hours at Waimangu. A variety of tours including transportation from the Rotorua township are also available. 'Phone:  64 7 366 6137 :Website: www.waimangu.co.nz
	Rotorua Museum and Bath House, the audio visual on the Mt Tarawera eruption is good, and a soak in the bathhouse is a relaxing way to end the day. :Website:  http://www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
	Paradise Valley Ventures Horse Trekking is set on 700 acres of New Zealand pasture – a working farm with sheep and cattle. There is no better way to see rural life than by horseback. We are the Bay of Plenty’s only Qualmark approved horse trekking operation 679 Paradise Valley Road, RD2, Rotorua 3072 'Phone: 07 348 3300 :Website:   www.paradisetreks.co.nz
Lake Taupo & Tongariro
	Whirinaki Rainforest Walks ex Taupo Experience the wonders of the Whirinaki Forest on this one day guided walk. Arguably the best remnant of New Zealand podocarp forest remaining. :Website: CLICK HERE
	Tongariro Crossing 1 day walk - self Guided The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track passes over varied and spectacular volcanic terrain. In the presence of active volcanoes you can experience some of Tongariro National Park’s special gifts. A cold mountain spring, lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and magnificent views combine to make this an enjoyable and memorable trip
	Mountainair Fixed wing flights over the central volcanic plateau with Mountain Air ex Turangi (south of Lake Taupo) or Chateau airport (at Tongariro National Park) Book ahead on the day. 'Phone:   Freephone in NZ:0800 922 812 7.Fax: +64 (07) 892 2703 :Website: www.mountainair.co.nz ;e-mail: mountain.air@xtra.co.nz
	Helistar Helicopter Flights (Recommended!) over the central volcanic plateau, Lake Taupo, Huka Falls etc, various options with Helistar Helicopters, Huka Falls Road, Wairakei Tourist Park, Taupo, book ahead on the day. 'Phone:  Freephone in NZ:0800 554 422 'Phone:   +64 (07) 374 8405 7.Fax: +64 (07) 374 8406 :Website: www.helistar.co.nz ;e-mail:  info@helistar.co.nz
	Jet Boat rides with Huka Jet, book ahead the day before. 'Phone:  Freephone in NZ:0800 4852 538
	River Rafting, options including gentle family floats through to raging whitewater adventures, book ahead the day before with Tongariro River Rafting, at Turangi (south of Lake Taupo) Freephone in NZ:0800 101 024 'Phone: +64(07) 386 6409 7.Fax:+64 (07) 386 6445 ;e-mail: info@trr.co.nz :Website: www.trr.co.nz
	Fly Fishing Guides Taupo. Fish the crystal clear streams of the central north island with knowledgeable and experienced guides :Website:   www.taupoflyfishing.com
Turangi
	Walks Pukawa to Omori, 1 hr 20 mins (one way) return via same track, a walk through bush along edge of Lake Taupo, finishing at a picnic area and shingle beach at Omori reserve. Track starts off Kaiuru Avenue in Pukawa Village (15 mins drive NW of Turangi) Pukawa Bush Walk 45 mins loop track, begins Hauraki Terrace off Pukawa Road. Through bush above the village of Pukawa. Native bush and forest featuring native birdlife. ·Tokaanu Thermal Walk 20 mins loop track, begins Tokaanu Thermal Pools Complex (6km NW of Turangi). short walk featuring steaming mineral pools and bubbling mud. ·Te Porere Redoubt, 2.5km, 45mins (one way) return by same track, 25km from Turangi off road to Whakapapa. Site of the last major battle of the New Zealand Wars 1869. An earthworks fortification built by Te Kooti and his followers, now preserved as an historic site. ·Tongariro River Walkway 3hrs (one way) return by same track. Begins Major Jones Footbridge, Koura Street, Turangi. or Red Hut footbridge 5kms south off SH1. Follows the banks of the Tongariro River, passes through some native bush and skirts farmland. Watch for trout in stream and mountain bikers on the track. Mountain Biking: Tongariro River Walkway Track is open to mountain bikes, please be considerate of walkers.
	Fishing: Turangi lies in the heart of the Taupo fishing district, situated on the Tongariro River. Internationally famous, the river has been fished by celebrities from all over the world. . The river has a turbulent flow that fish must fight to reach their spawning ground. Around 750,000 trout swim up this river each year. It has been said that anglers fishing the famous pools on this river have been knocked over  by the fish as they race upstream! Central North island waters are covered by a special licence so be sure to check  you are carrying the correct one. If in doubt visit the local sports stores for advise and purchase of the correct licence.
	Skiing:   Turangi is 45 minutes from Whakapapa, and a further 20 minutes to Turoa .Whakapapa is New Zealand largest ski area with a 550 hectares and caters for everyone from beginners to experts. :Website:: www.whakapapa.co.nz Whakapapa Ski Area, Private Bag, Mt Ruapehu. 'Phone: +64 (07) 892 3738 · Snowphone/Summer Information 'Phone:  +64 (07) 892 3833 Transport to ski field Alpine Scenic Tours 'Phone:  +64 (07) 386 8918
Te Kauwhata/Rangiriri
	Te Kauwhata has a viticulture research facility, whilst not open to the public there are several wineries in this area.
	Lake Waikare, Te Kauwhata is popular for yachting and picnicking and part of the lake is a bird sanctuary.
	Rangiriri (15km north of Huntley). The battle site of the 1863 conflict between Maori and Europeans with trenches still visible can be reached by a small path from the parking area on the west side of SH1. In this area also is Te Wheoro's redoubt. On a short eastern side route from SH1 is the Rangiriri Maori War and Early Settlers Cemetery, 46 British Troops killed during the battle are buries here and the cemetery has a memorial gate.
Huntly/Ngaruawahia
	Hakarimata Trig  Walk Ngaruawahia 1 1/2-2 hours one way. Starts Brownlee Avenue on western bank of Waikato River opposite Ngaruawhahia. This is the first section of a much longer (7hr) walk so do as much or as little as you like. Great views from the trig, passes through attractive native bush
	Waingaro Springs. Thermal soda springs 23km west of Ngaruawahia, are open daily. :Website:   http://www.waingarohotsprings.co.nz/
	Huntly Mining Museum, a collection of historic coal mining equipment housed in the historic society's building in  26 Harlock Place, Huntly :Website:    http://www.huntly.net.nz/coalfieldsmuseum.html
Hamilton / Cambridge / Matamata
	Paddleboat cruises on M.V. Waipa Delta, Memorial Park Jetty, Hamilton. Cruise part of New Zealand's longest river by paddleboat. Lunch, Afternoon and dinner cruises.  'Phone: (07)854 7813 'Phone: Freephone in NZ: 0800 472 335 ;e-mail:  mailto:waipadelta@xtra.co.nz :Website:  www.waipadelta.co.nz
	The Zoo at Hamilton has the largest walk through aviary in the southern hemisphere. In the free flight sanctuary, see our New Zealand birds in a carefully landscaped environment. In the Waikato Wetlands display see our native wading and water birds. Plus a variety of native and exotic species of animal life. 'Phone: +64 (07) 849 0293 :Website:    http://www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz
	Jetboat Tours on the Waikato River - ex Cambridge :Website: http://www.camjet.co.nz
	Hobbiton Matamata   Visit the film location of Hobbiton as seen in The Lord of the Rings :Website:  www.hobbitontours.com
	Wairere Falls. a 150m waterfall in the Kaimai Range, reached by a 20 min walk to the lookout from the road's end, a 50 minute walk to the top or a 3 hour round trip. Access to the walk off Goodwin Road, 14km NE of Matamata
	NZ Horse Magic a one hour show and tour of the complex at Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge. 'Phone:  +64 (07) 827 8118 :Website: www.racing.net.nz/cambridge ;e-mail: ctl@clear.net.nz
	Paddles Kayak Hire,  Non guided Kayak trips on Waikato River Hamilton/Cambridge 'Phone: (07) 853 9937 :Website: http://www.kayaks4hire.co.nz ;e-mail:    info@kayaks4hire.co.nz
	Chiddingfold Garden, South of Cambridge, Waikato. Visit by prior arrangement. Colour all year round. See the Californian Redwoods planted by settlers in 1873 'Phone:  +64 (07) 827 4294 7.Fax: +64 (07) 827 4394 :Website: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~jsacoles/ ;e-mail:  jsacoles@ihug.co.nz
	The Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour  with Rings Scenic Tours Ltd, Matamata, is a real must-do for every The Lord of the Rings fan travelling through New Zealand, but it really is an interesting and entertaining experience for all. 'Phone: +64 (0) 7 888 9913 7.Fax: +64 (0) 7 888 7498 :Website:   www.hobbitontours.com
Te Awamutu
	Te Awamutu and District Museum has a collection of artifacts relating to the Maori Wars and pioneer times.
	St John's Church built 1864 is one of the oldest in the district and has magnificent coloured lead glass windows, memorial tablets and graves of both British and Maori casualties of the Waikato Wars.
	Pirongia Forest Park, 20km west of Te Awamutu  has a number of walking tracks leading to the summit of Mt Pirongia (959m).
	Kakepuku, 8 km SW of Te Awamutu is prominent volcanic cone which has a scenic reserve and 1 1/2 hour walking track to the top (449m)
Waitomo / Otorohanga
	Otorohanga Kiwi House  (59km south of Hamilton) has a nocturnal kiwi house at the zoological gardens, as well as a walk through aviary and deer park. :Website:  www.kiwihouse.org.nz
	Waitomo Caves Journey underground on a subterranean adventure at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Discover an underground labyrinth of limestone caves and formations. :Website:  http://www.waitomo.com/waitomo-glowworm-caves.aspx/
	Black Water Rafting, best way to see the glow worms, book ahead if you want to do this. 'Phone:  +64 7 878 6219, Free Phone: 0800 228 464 e-mail: bwr@blackwaterrafting.co.nz :Website: www.blackwaterrafting.co.nz
	Waitomo Adventures, abseiling and caving, described as “It’s a cross between Indiana Jones goes caving and being flushed down the toilet on a rope.” Again book ahead, then you can dwell on it ! Warning Bungy jumping will seem tame after this. 'Phone:  +64 7 878 7788 'Freephone: 0800 924 866 :Website http://www.waitomo.co.nz
Tirau/Putaruru
	Te Waihou Walkway  Attractive river walk of 4.7 kilometres to the internationally acclaimed Blue Spring. Walk time 1.30 hours ( 3 hours return ) Access from Whites Road SH 28 - between SH 1 near Putaruru, and SH 5 Rotorua Rd 5 Km's from Tirau :Website: www.putaruru.co.nz
	The Putaruru Timber Museum is definitely worth a visit and only a 2km drive south of Putaruru. Learn about the history of the timber milling and logging industries for the Central North Island, attractively set in 1.5 hectares of park-like grounds.
Tauranga / Whakatane
	Swim with Dolphins Tauranga. The Tauranga dolphin company offers a unique and totally natural experience with wild dolphins. Gemini Galaxsea is sixty feet long and very comfortable. She is a sailing boat, a very dolphin friendly vessel and this voyage is ecotourism at its very best. 'Phone:  +64 7 578 3197 'Phone: Freephone: 0508 BUTLER ( 0508 288537 ) ;e-mail:   taurangadolphins@clear.net.nz :Website:   www.swimwithdolphins.co.nz
	Blue Ocean Fishing Charters - Tauranga - operates anywhere in the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Great Barrier Island areas, and base the vessel in either Tauranga and Mount Maunganui or Whangamata. Based Tauranga Bridge Marina ~ PO Box 13-100 ~ TAURANGA ~ 'Phone:+64  7- 578 9685 :Website:  http://www.blueocean.co.nz
	Mills Reef Winery & Restaurant, 143 Moffat Road, Bethlehem, TAURANGA Mills Reef Restaurant is set atop 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring expansive patios and grassed areas, with plantings of ornamental trees, colourful flowering shrubs and a sea of agapanthus. 'Phone: + 7 576 8800 :Website:    www.millsreef.co.nz
	Waimarino Adventure Park Kayaking Tours include Lake McLaren Glowworm Tour and Sea Kayaking on Tauranga Harbour 36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga 'Phone:  +64 07 576 4233 ;e-mail: info@waimarino.com :Website: www.waimarino.com/tours.html
Katikati
	Half an hour north of Tauranga, Katikai is farming and fruit growing country with a mild sunny climate, superb mountain and coastal scenery, and in close proximity to bush tramps (hikes), harbour and ocean beaches. Once known mainly for its bird gardens and thermal springs, the town of Katikati has now become famous for its ever-growing number of murals depicting various aspects of the area's history and development. Informative notes about the murals are available from the Katikati Information Centre and from the Katikati Craft and Mural Centre in the town. Open-Air Art Inc conduct guided Group tours of the murals, and these can be arranged through the Information Centre

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Revised: January 25, 2010