The centre of the North Island is the land of fire. It is dominated by volcanic cones and great lakes formed by eruptions long ago.
At the bottom of the region is Mount Ruapehu.
Two national parks combined, the district creates a natural arena for exploration, sport and relaxation. Scattered throughout are three active volcanoes, where you will encounter moonscape craters, native forest, lava formations, glaciers, crystal clear rivers and lakes, perfect for winter skiing or summer hiking.
Travelling just 1 ¼ hours north you arrive at Lake Taupo, where just about everywhere you look you will see a volcano. When thinking about Lake Taupo, think ‘fresh’. Fresh water, fresh snow, fresh air, fresh trout… Full of adventure, attractions, and of course trout fishing, Lake Taupo is the perfect place for fun and relaxation.
80km North of Taupo is Rotorua, New Zealand’s tourism icon.Rotorua is spiritual home to the Maori of Te Arawa, and is set amongst crystal clear crater lakes. You will experience some amazing natural earth forces, bubbling mudpools, spouting geysers and natural geothermal mineral pools… an extraordinary slice of New Zealand.
Another hour north and you arrive in the Waikato, where you can experience two landscapes. One above ground, the other below. Above, the region is blessed with lush green landscape. Below, underground caves, full with columns of limestone, and tiny glow-worms. The Waitomo Caves are full of walks and adventure trips for you to view this spectacular universe underground.
Rotorua is located at the heart of the North Island of New Zealand, in the aptly named 'Bay of Plenty' region. The Rotorua region covers 261,700 hectares. Rotorua is also part of the Central Volcanic Plateau. Rotorua is 297 metres above sea level.
Getting to Rotorua is easy either by plane, train or road. Located just 230 kilometres (145 miles) south of Auckland, Rotorua is a short 45 minute flight, or a pleasant three hour drive down the Thermal Explorer Highway. Direct one hour flights can link you from Christchurch International Airport, and there are connecting flights from other domestic airports around New Zealand.
Major state highways networks pass through Rotorua and make travelling by road straightforward. The major bus and coach companies travel to and from Rotorua on a daily basis, and self-drive options allow you the freedom to come and go from Rotorua as you please.
Quick Facts
Itinerary Ideas - Thermal Explorer Highway 6 Day Itinerary:
Auckland to Auckland
A 6 day journey that covers the crystal clear lakes, bubbling mud pools and snowy-capped splendour of the central North Island.
Regional Highlights - Thermal Explorer Highway Immerse yourself in the heartland of Maori culture, natural geothermal activity and limestone caves. This dual World Heritage area is also home to some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most abundant trout fishing grounds.
The Great New Zealand Touring Route The Great New Zealand Touring Route offers the unique opportunity to experience the very best of the North Island while following two well-established touring routes, Pacific Coast Highway and Thermal Explorer Highway.