Find things to do in the central North Island

Ski Whakapapa. © Visit Ruapehu

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Things to do

Ōrakei Kōrako: thermal wonderland

There are still reminders scattered about the Taupō district of the subterranean forces that produced its mighty, first-century eruption and subsequent lake. Read the story . . . 

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Heritage and history

Find archaeological relics at the Buried Village

Discover New Zealand’s most famous archaeological site at the Buried Village in Rotorua.   Read the story . . . 

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Things to do

Must-Do's: Central and Lower North Island Travel Guide

From The Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Eastland, to Waikato, Rotorua, Hawke's Bay and Wellington, our Central and Lower North Island Must-Do's guide includes all the information you need to plan your next road trip.  Read the story . . . 

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Walking

Take an alpine walk to Taranaki Falls

Taranaki Falls are one of the Tongariro National Park’s most impressive and accessible waterfalls.  Read the story . . . 

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Kiwi Gems

Get hands-on with molten glass in Whanganui

In Whanganui, you’ll find the only open-access glass studio in New Zealand.   Read the story . . . 

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Indulgence

Spas and relaxation: natural hot springs in Rotorua

Soak in naturally heated mineral pools while you look out over the lake, take a twilight mud bath, or bathe under a waterfall in a natural hot spring. Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Taranaki: like no other

Taranaki’s catchphrase, that it is 'like no other' – is, at first glance, nonsensical: after all, no place is quite like any other. But let’s see... Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Loved by the locals: Palmerston North

Come for the coffee, stay for the food and while you're here check out a local's picks for the best things to see and do in Palmerston North. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Lake Taupō: how did we get so lucky?

It really is all about Lake Taupō in this part of the world, where the water’s mood governs the feel of the day: sunny and sparkling, or grey and intense.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Classic Rotorua

Known as Roto-Vegas for good reason, the Rotorua tourist trail is bright, exciting and loaded with thrills.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

The Goblin Forest: lush and fantastical forest

In the Goblin Forest, twisted kāmahi trunks lead the way through one of New Zealand's most epic, lush and fantastical natural spaces. Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Timber Trail: cycle in the footsteps of early loggers

Ride through ancient podocarp forest, over some of New Zealand's longest and highest suspension bridges and along an old bush tramway following the hard-fought footsteps of early loggers. Read the story . . . 

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