North Island Adventure Centre
Home to New Zealand's greatest lake, largest ski areas and some of NZ's top scenery, the Taupo & Central Volcanic Plateau region is a hub of adventure and activity!
From white water rafting to kayaking, bush walks to bungy jumping, there’s plenty to see and do in and around Taupo. Make sure you visit Huka Falls – 200,000 litres of water per second gush through the falls making them truly awesome. Also considered one of the best places in New Zealand to skydive, don’t pass up the opportunity to view this stunning region from the air.
Volcanic Landscape: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro
Forming the backbone of the North Island, the Central Plateau’s triplet volcanoes – Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – command a domineering presence on the rugged landscape. Though Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are dormant, feisty Ruapehu has been known to burst into spectacular life, last erupting in 1996.
In March, 2007, Ruapehu's crater lake flooded, causing a lahar to cascade down the mountainside. The lahar, consisting of approximately 1.3 million cubic metres of mud, water and debris, caused road and railway closures. It also washed over the memorial site of the 1953 Tangiwai disaster - when 151 people lost their lives to a major lahar.
Ski Whakapapa & Turoa
Despite its tumultuous reputation, Ruapehu is home to two of New Zealand’s top ski areas – Whakapapa and Turoa. With world class facilities and some great après-ski action in the towns of Turangi and Ohakune, the thrill of skiing an active volcano lures many to the region.
Tongariro National Park
In the summer months the region offers different delights, with some of the country’s most stunning hiking tracks located in the Tongariro National Park. Encompassing 80,000 hectares this World Heritage Area offers a number of walks, including the highly acclaimed Tongariro Crossing – voted New Zealand’s top short walk.