Find things to do in the central North Island

Sunset over Lake Taupō.

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Activities

Get a whole new perspective of ancient forest in Rotorua

Whether you’re clipped to a zipline, bouncing across a swing bridge or strolling along a 50-metre-high walkway, you’ll get a whole new perspective on native bush in Rotorua.  Read the story . . . 

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Road trips

Catch a break on Taranaki's Surf Highway 45

Generations of adventurous surfers have made the pilgrimage along Taranaki’s coastline in search of the perfect wave. Take their lead this summer on Surf Highway 45.  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 full guide here, for free! Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Bridge to Nowhere: stunning walking in the Whanganui National Park

Reach the enigmatic Bridge to Nowhere via the Kaiwhakauka Track or navigating the Whanganui River to the Mangapūrua Landing. Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Ōrakei Kōrako: the painted place

The name Ōrakei Kōrako means something along the lines of ‘painted place’ in Māori and it’s easy to see why. Read the story . . . 

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Road trips

Take a trip back in time on the Forgotten World Highway

It’s rugged, rural and remote, but despite its name, you’ll definitely remember the Forgotten World Highway.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Admire the vibrant hues of Hamurana Springs

Rotorua’s Hamurana Springs are the deepest natural freshwater springs in the North Island.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Catch the Sky Waka to New Zealand’s highest café

Take New Zealand’s longest gondola ride to the highest café in the country. Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Explore hidden glowworm caves in Manawatū

Venture off the beaten track in northern Manawatū to discover the soaring caves at Limestone Creek Reserve. Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Experience the world's youngest geothermal system at Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Take a walk through Rotorua’s Waimangu Volcanic Valley and learn about how the world began. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Ride through history on the Ohakune Old Coach Road

Take an easy ride along a historic road that winds through native forest in Ruapehu. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Helm your own Doughboat on Lake Taupō

One of the latest and most striking additions to the Taupō waterfront are Doughboats – inflatable doughnut-shaped boats with room for up to six people to cruise the inner reaches of the Great Lake. Read the story . . . 

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