Thermal Explorer Highway

Photo credit:Chris McLennan

From the geothermal phenomena of Rotorua and Taupo to the pastoral perfection of Waikato, the central North Island is packed with interest and possibilities for adventure. The landscape is memorable for its lakes, volcanoes, forests and agricultural serenity. The people are memorable for their humour and down-to-earth friendliness.

Geothermal activity and Maori culture merge to make Rotorua one of our most unique cities. Against an amazing backdrop of boiling mud, geysers and hot springs you can discover Maori performance art and cuisine. Nearby Lake Taupo, a massive crater which qualifies as a ‘supervolcano’, is a great place for fly fishing and a game of golf. Horse trekking and quad biking are other ways to enjoy the lakeside environment. At the southern end of Lake Taupo, the three huge volcanoes of Tongariro National Park are a stage for snow sports and hiking.

Around Waitomo, the ancient limestone landscape has been sculpted by water and time to create a subterranean playground. Some caves are highly accessible; others can challenge your comfort zone. A sedate boat trip will float you through the famous glow worm cave; a 100 metre abseil plunges you into the Lost World; black water rafting, a speciality of ours, combines the thrill of canyoning with the squeeze of caving. West of Hamilton you can check out the surf town of Raglan, where the waves line up with the utmost precision.

Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves were formed over 30 million years ago, and drip by drip they’re still changing. The natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glow worms has to be seen to be believed.

Geothermal phenomena
From the moment you arrive, the scent of sulphur tells you that Rotorua is different. Steam escapes from crevices in the ground, gardens bloom alongside bubbling craters and geysers shoot for the sky.

Maori spirit
In Rotorua’s geothermal villages, the tradition of guiding and sharing cultural heritage has been passed down through the generations. You'll find it expressed with true warmth and energy.

Australasia's largest lake
Lake Taupo was created by a gigantic volcanic eruption in 181AD. At 616 square kilometres, it is as big as Singapore Island. The lake's attractive pumice sand beaches give it the appearance of an inland ocean. The Lake and its adjoining rivers represent one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world.

Volcanic hiking
Gifted to the nation by the Ngati Tuwharetoa, Tongariro National Park enshrines three massive active volcanoes. Unforgettable hiking trails, including the famous Tongariro Crossing, run around and up the mountains.

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