Volcanic Heartland

The region offers much of the North Island’s most spectacular and unique scenery, from the almost perfect volcanic cone of the now dormant Mt Taranaki (Egmont) to the sulphurous clouds hanging over the active volcano of White Island in the Bay of Plenty. With its three volcanoes, Tongariro National Park is a popular destination for trampers in summer and for skiers in winter.

A highlight for all visitors is the thermal region around Rotorua, with its numerous mud-pools and geysers. Rotorua is also the heart of Maori culture, where Whakarewarewa Village offers a rare insight into traditional Maori society. On the other hand, keen anglers will certainly want to spend a few days on the shores of Lake Taupo, famed for its rainbow trout.