Central North Island

Central North Island

 

 

 

At a glance … adventure abounds in a region of caves, rolling hills, volcanic mountains and New Zealand’s largest lake.

Main Centres – Turangi, National Park Village, Whakapapa, Ohakune, Taumaranui


Gateway


Hamilton Airport has flights from Australia. The nearest comprehensively serviced international airport is in Auckland. Transfer by air to Hamilton, Taupo or Rotorua, or travel by road (3 hours, 30 minutes Auckland to Taupo).


Unforgettable Events


Bonita Ironman New Zealand Triathlon – March – Taupo
The Annual Kiwiana Festival – March – Otorohanga
The Great NZ Muster – March / April – Te Kuiti
Balloons Over Waikato – April – Hamilton
National Agricultural Fieldays – June – Hamilton
Crater to Lake Multi-sport Challenge – August – Taupo
Ohakune Mountain Mardi Gras – August – Ohakune

Travelling times

    Hamilton to:
  • Waitomo 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Auckland 1 hour, 55 minutes
  • Taupo 2 hours, 10 minutes
  • Whakapapa Village 3 hours, 40 minutes
  • Wellington 7 hours, 30 minutes
    Waitomo to:
  • Hamilton 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Taupo 2 hours, 35 minutes
  • Whakapapa Village 2 hours, 45 minutes
  • Auckland 3 hours, 10 minutes
  • Wellington 7 hours, 10 minutes
    Taupo to:
  • Whakapapa Village 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • Hamilton 2 hours, 10 minutes
  • Waitomo 2 hours, 35 minutes
  • Auckland 4 hours, 5 minutes
  • Wellington 5 hours, 10 minutes
    Whakapapa Village to:
  • Taupo 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • Waitomo 2 hours, 45 minutes
  • Hamilton 3 hours, 40 minutes
  • Wellington 4 hours, 45 minutes
  • Auckland 5 hours, 35 minutes

Action

Blackwater rafting on an underground river in Waitomo

Relaxation

Soak in a thermal pool at Taupo
wildlife

Spot a Kiwi at the Otorohanga Kiwi House in Waitomo

Taste

BYO trout! Most Taupo restaurants will cook your catch

Culture


Catch Billy Black’s Kiwi Culture Show at Waitomo Caves