The Central Plateau is an area of the central North island
created by volcanic forces. There is plenty to see and do
here with the thermal activity near Rotorua, trout fishing around
Lake taupo, and the high volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and
Ruapeha.
Whether seeking to experience Maori culture, geothermal earth
forces, spa rejuvenation, thrills and adventure, or any of the
other natural assets such as 16 lakes, some of the World's best
mountain biking trails, fantastic trout fishing and a myriad of
forest walking tracks - Rotorua delivers it all !
Rotorua is the heartland of maoridom and you can find many
examples of their rich culture and history across the city.
This is the ancestral home of the local Te Arawa people who settled
here more than 600 years ago.
The smell of sulphur in the air alludes to the place where
turbulent forces that formed New Zealand are most evident.
This city, on the Volcanic Palteau, has one of the World's most
lively fields of geothermal activity. Skyrocketing geysers,
hot springs and boiling mud pools tell you that this place sits
squarely on the Pacific Rim of Fire.
If adventure is your thing, Rotorua has many attractions to get
the adrenalin pumping; everything from skydiving and luging to
Zorb'ing and one of New Zealand's, and the World's, best mountain
bike circuits.
Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand and the largest
freshwater lake in Oceania. It was created nearly two
thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened the
skies in Europe and China.
At some of Lake Taupo's beaches, swimmers and paddlers can enjoy
warm, geothermal water currents. Other scenic highlights
include the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres
of water thunder over the cliff face every second, and the
Aratiatia Rapids.
But what Taupo is really known for is fishing. With the
largest natural trout fishery in the World, this is the place to
cast a line alook for the big one. The small town of
Turangi, on the southern shores of Lake Taupo, is the hub of Trout
Fishing in the region. The local streams are usually dotted
with anglers standing thigh-deep in the water.
From there loom the massive volcanoes of Tongariro National
Park, where you can hike and take in the scenic wonderland, or in
Winter hit the slopes and ski on a live volcano.
Being the home of Maoridom, Rotorua is the ideal place to
take in the culture. Experience a personal encounter with
the locals, enjoy a cultural performance and learn about the
history of the people and place.
The mineral waters of the area are famous for their therapeutic
qualities, so relax in a spa and be pampered. Enjoy a
massage, facial, herbal wrap or body scrub - or all !
Head to Hobbiton. Take a day trip and visit the home of
the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit on a Movie Set Tour.
Your Guide can take you to fish in any of the 10 lakes in the
Rotorua region where Rainbow trout are most common - but there are
also Brown trout, Tiger trout (Lake Rotoma only), and Brook trout.
The so-called trophy lakes - Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti
- can all produce fish of prize-winning size. You can also
move further afield toward Taupo or Tongariro to vary your
catch.
It's a great place to take the family. Learn about New
Zealand's World-leading sheep industry and shear a local at the
Agridome in Rotorua. Adventure rides offer a challenge.
View the World from the air. Take a scenic flight over
the Tongariro National Park and take in the majesty of Ngarahoe,
Ruapehu and Tongariro and their crater lakes of magnificent
colours. Head out to White Island and land on New Zealand's
most active volcano. Land on Lake Tarawera on a floatplane,
or be flown to Te Wairoa, the Buried Village, obliterated in the
eruption of Mt Tarawera.
Down the road towards Taupo, visit Huka Falls and it's
thundering water, or choose to see it from below on a high-speed
jet boat ride to the base.
Get out the walking shoes. New Zealand's oldest National
park and a dual World Heritage Site, the Tongariro National Park is
rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural
scenery. Unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of
Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu ensures the Tongariro Alpine
Crossing is consistently ranked in the Top 10 Single Day Treks in
the World. Highlights of the 19.4km walk include walking
over volcanic terrain, the Emerald Lakes and the Blue Lake.
Ski or snowboard on a live volcano. Mt ruapehu is New
Zealand's largest skiing area with two feilds to choose from, and
also an active volcano.
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