Central Plateau

Rotorua

Voted New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City in 1999, 2000 and 2002, Rotorua’s striking gardens, cobbled streets and fascinating mix of Maori and English Tudor architecture give the city a significant point of difference. Beyond the urban centre, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire. View Example Travel Itineraries - Rotorua accommodation - Rotorua tours.

Geothermal phenomena
From the moment you arrive, the scent of sulphur tells you that Rotorua is different. Steam escapes from crevices in the ground, gardens bloom alongside bubbling craters and geysers shoot for the sky.

Spa therapy 160 years after the first Europeans arrived to ‘spa’ in Rotorua, visitors are still enjoying the therapeutic properties of the geothermal resources. Mineral pools, mud wraps and massage will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Maori spirit In Rotorua’s geothermal villages, the tradition of guiding and sharing cultural heritage has been passed down through the generations. You'll find it expressed with true warmth and energy. 

Taupo 

The Lake Taupo region in New Zealand's volcanic heartland is rich in Maori tradition. It also has some of the country’s finest untouched, uncrowded and unique landscapes. The lake itself was the result of the most violent volcanic eruption the world has seen in the past 5000 years - the ash affected the sunsets as far away as Europe and China. View Example Travel Itineraries - Taupo accommodation - Taupo tours.

Australasia's largest lake
Lake Taupo was created by a gigantic volcanic eruption in 181AD. At 616 square kilometres, it is as big as Singapore Island. The lake's attractive pumice sand beaches give it the appearance of an inland ocean.

An intriguing geothermal landscape Over thousands of years, volcanic action has created a landscape of simmering craters, boiling mud pools, fumaroles and steam vents. Maori mythology is richly interwoven with the geothermal features of the region.

Year-round trout fishing Rainbow and brown trout were liberated in Lake Taupo more than 100 years ago. Open for fishing 12 months a year, the lake and its adjoining rivers represent one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world. 

Ruapehu

The 800 square kilometre Tongariro National Park (a World Heritage Area) is the centre of attraction for this region. It was gifted to the country by the local Ngati Tuwharetoa people, who recognised that a treasure so precious needed to belong to all New Zealanders.

The park protects three of New Zealand's most dramatic natural assets - the active andesitic volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. On a clear day at any time of the year, the mountains are an awe-inspiring sight. Their cones and surrounding lava fields provide amazing opportunities for adventure and exploration. View Example Travel Itineraries - Tongariro accommodation - Tongariro tours.

Volcanic hiking
Gifted to the nation by the Ngati Tuwharetoa, Tongariro National Park enshrines three massive active volcanoes. Unforgettable hiking trails, including the famous Tongariro Crossing, run around and up the mountains.

Whanganui National Park The Whanganui River winds its way through hills and valleys from the mountains of the central North Island to the Tasman Sea. To appreciate its beauty, kayak or journey down the river with local Maori guides.

Winter sports Imagine skiing or snowboarding on an active volcano. On Mount Ruapehu, it's a reality. Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas will tempt you with world class facilities and a huge range of runs - from beginner to advanced.