Find things to do in the central North Island

Mount Ruapehu.

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Squeeze into an enchanted world in Taupō

Wriggle your way through a narrow rock crevice to find a naturally-heated waterfall, deep in the bush on the outskirts of Taupō. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Get up close with native falcons in Rotorua

At Wingspan, New Zealand’s National Bird of Prey Centre, you can get up close to our native falcons, or kārearea. 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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Heritage and history

Whanganui: colourful and creative

From clay to canvas; artworks, artefacts and molten glass, Whanganui is bursting with creative colour.  Read the story . . . 

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Get active in Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge

While now closed to vehicles, the Manawatū Gorge is busy with birdlife, bikers and people enjoying the native bush.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Climb Mount Tarawera

Despite its destructive history, Mount Tarawera today is a sleeping giant. Read the story . . . 

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing: one of the best one-day hikes in the world

Walk through this World Heritage Area of volcanic giants, sheer beauty and alpine lakes to make memories you will treasure forever. Read the story . . . 

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Five fun things to do in Taranaki

With the iconic Mount Taranaki rising like Olympus in the centre of this culturally rich and diverse region, there’s plenty to do for adventure seekers through to art lovers. Read the story . . . 

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Whanganui Journey: paddle your own canoe

While considered one of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Whanganui Journey is less of a walk and more of a paddle. Read the story . . . 

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Marvel at the power of water on the Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids track

Experience the intense power and energy of water, as the Waikato River is squeezed through dams and rapids in Taupō. Read the story . . . 

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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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Pukekura Park: flora, fauna and festivals

Right in the heart of New Plymouth you’ll find the multi-faceted Pukekura Park.  Read the story . . . 

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