New Zealand Guide
Central North Island
The Central North Island contains more than its fair share of New Zealand's star attractions, many the result of its explosive geological past. It is dominated by three heavyweight features: Lake Taupo, the country's largest; Tongariro National Park, with its trio of active volcanoes; and the volcanic field that feeds colourful and fiercely active thermal areas, principally around Rotorua. If you are ticking off Kiwi icons, then time is well spent around Rotorua where boiling mud pools plop next to spouting geysers fuelled by super-heated water, drawn off to fill the hot pools around town. You'll also find the most accessible expression of Maori culture here, with highly regarded Arawa carvings and groups who'll perform traditional dances and haka before feeding you with fall-off-the-bone meat and juicy vegetables cooked in a hangi steam oven.
Highlights
1 Kaituna River Raft this excellent short river and shoot its seven-metre fall.
2 Maori cultural performance Chants, dance, songs, stories and a hangi feast.
3 Wai-O-Tapu Iridescent pools, glooping mud and a performing geyser make this the best of Rotorua's thermal areas.
4 Lake Taupo Cruise New Zealand's largest lake, haul trout out of it, or approach at speed while skydiving.
5 Huka Falls For volume and power alone this is the country's finest waterfall.
6 Rapids Jet The only commercial jetboat trip that tackles real rapids.
7 Tongariro Alpine Crossing Quite simply the best and most popular one-day hike in New Zealand.