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

Discover great things to see and do throughout the Central and Lower North Island, including Waikato, Bay of Plenty, The Coromandel, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Rotorua, Ruapehu, Manawatū, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Wellington. You can download or read the digital guide here and find great content to inspire your travels. Search by location above, or scroll down for more inspiration!

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Things to do

Editor's Picks: the top 5 things to do in the Central and Lower North Island

Check out our AA Traveller Guides Editor's picks of the top 5 experiences not to be missed in the Central and Lower North Island! 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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Activities

12 unusual things to do in Taupō

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or want to take things at a more leisurely pace, we’ve picked 12 unusual activities and attractions in Taupō that may not be the things you already know and love.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Be the first to see the sunrise at East Cape Lighthouse

There’s something a bit special about watching the sunrise. It’s even more special if you’re one of the first people in the world to see it.  Read the story . . . 

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Heritage and history

Chateau Tongariro: style and grandeur at the foot of Ruapehu

Tip your hat to architect Herbert Hall of Tīmaru who harnessed the iconic, neo-Georgian style and grandeur of European mountain chateaus at the foot of Ruapehu. Read the story . . . 

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Food and drink

Eat and drink your way around Wellington City

With a stellar collection of superb cafés and restaurants, most within easy walking distance, plus an abundance of boutique brew bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Wellington.  Read the story . . . 

Activities > Get outdoors > Family fun > Heritage and history

Cape Kidnappers: majestic gannets and more

Captain Cook had plenty to say in his log about Cape Kidnappers, the southern headland of Hawke’s Bay. Read the story . . . 

Road trips > Free things to do > Must-Do's

Forgotten World Highway: a rugged, beautiful drive

Drive this remote 150-kilometre highway and pass over four mountain saddles, through a mysterious one-lane tunnel and along a meandering river gorge. Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Relax on secluded Ōtarawairere Beach

Picture a secluded beach made from crushed seashells that you can only get to on foot or by kayak.  Read the story . . . 

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Food and drink

Find zen at Zealong Tea Estate

Slow down and enjoy the ancient rituals of a tea ceremony at Zealong Tea Estate in Waikato.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Cape Palliser: the wild southern tip of the North Island

Climb the steps of Cape Palliser lighthouse and immerse yourself in the rugged charm of the southernmost tip of the North Island. Read the story . . . 

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Walking

Walk or cycle the He Ara Kotahi pathway in Palmerston North

He Ara Kotahi means ‘the path that brings people together’ which is a fitting name for Palmerston North’s newest walkway.  Read the story . . . 

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Road trips

Coromandel: take the long way round

Even in an area that has more than its fair share of wonderful beaches, the gems that lie along this road less travelled are in a class of their own... Read the story . . . 

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Heritage and history

Experience historic tunnels and towers in Whanganui

Tunnels and towers are fascinating. Whanganui has both, and even better, they are joined together by a historic elevator. Read the story . . . 

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Must-Do's

Nine Must-Do’s and Kiwi Gems for your next Rotorua getaway

Rotorua is not short of great things to see and do, whether you’re travelling with family, or escaping for a weekend away. But while you’re there, make sure you check out these nine Must-Do’s and Kiwi Gems.  Read the story . . . 

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