Set on a high-altitude plateau south of Lake Taupo, the central North Island offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. Where else can you ski on a live volcano?

But that’s not all! Apart from skiing and boarding, there are heaps of other activities on offer in the central North Island and its location means other places are easy to get to. You can savour a gourmet meal at the foot of Mount Ruapehu in a lodge where presidents and princesses have stayed, go hiking in a world heritage national park, stroll along the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, or catch rainbow trout in a mountain-fed stream.

The central North Island is home to several towns offering accommodation and eateries. Taupo, on the northern shores of Lake Taupo, is the largest centre in the region. Turangi, 40 minutes from Taupo on the lake’s southern shores, is known for its superb trout fishing. Whakapapa Village is home to the iconic Bayview Chateau Tongariro, a beautiful brick hotel that has stood at the foot of Mount Ruapehu since 1929. Nearby is the small settlement of National Park Village. Here you can enjoy views of the three volcanoes and have easy access to adventure activities in Tongariro World Heritage Park and Whanganui National Park. Another great base for exploring, Ohakune comes alive with skiers and snowboarders over the winter season.

Taupo

On the northern tip of Lake Taupo is a launching pad for some world-renowned outdoor activities. From Taupo, it’s one hour and 15 minutes by road to Whakapapa Ski Area and a little further to Turoa Ski Area. The drive includes an hour around the lake, which fills a crater formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 106 AD – and there’s still plenty of geothermal activity around in the form of geysers and mud pools.

Bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, skydiving and mountain biking are just some of the activities available for the adventurous. Bathing in hot pools or fishing, golf, horse treks and bush walks are more laid-back possibilities, and there are plenty of opportunities for scenic trips. Possible destinations are the Karangahape Cliffs or Maori rock carvings.

The town of Taupo is full of world-class cafés, restaurants, bars, boutiques and a huge range of accommodation on offer from backpacker hostels to some of New Zealand’s most luxurious resorts – all of which makes it the perfect base for exploring the region.

Turangi

45 minutes from Taupo, on the southern shores of Lake Taupo, is Turangi, the jumping-off point for Whakapapa Ski Area. Built on the banks of the Tongariro River, this area is well known as a great place to hook a trophy-sized trout. Near Turangi, the village of Tokaanu lies on the southern shores of Lake Taupo and is known for its thermal pools.

Whakapapa Village

At the base of the Bruce Access Road to Whakapapa Ski Area, in Tongariro World Heritage Park, is Whakapapa Village. This tiny settlement is as dramatic as its host mountain, thanks mostly to the beautiful hotel that dominates the area. The Chateau Tongariro dates from 1929 and has a style reminiscent of old-world grandeur. It’s one of only a few hotels in New Zealand to be located in a world heritage park. Whakapapa Village also offers a good value lodge – Skotel Alpine Resort. Both Skotel and the Chateau have restaurants that are packed with locals after a day on the slopes. Make sure you stop in for a chance to engage in the time-honoured tradition of swapping tall tales over a beer.

National Park Village

This is the only town to offer views of all three volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. A proliferation of lodges, bars and restaurants in recent times means National Park Village is becoming a popular tourist resort. As well as being an ideal base for skiing and snowboarding, its location enables easy access to adventure activities in Tongariro World Heritage Park and Whanganui National Park, including mountain biking, rafting and alpine walks. National Park Village also has a good range of services including ski shops, taverns and a general store.

Ohakune

A thriving ski town located close to Mount Ruapehu, Ohakune is home to the Big Carrot (it sounds odd, but you’ll know when you get there!). If you’re heading to Turoa Ski Area, Ohakune is the place to eat, drink, sleep and party. During the ski season, this town comes alive with skiers and boarders keen to unwind at the end of a hard day on the slopes! The southern gateway to Tongariro National Park, it’s also within easy reach of Whanganui National Park, so you’ll find plenty to do.

Need to Know

Whakapapa Ski Area, Turoa Ski Area, Tukino Ski Field

Population Taupo District 32,400. Average July temperature Taupo 6.7˚C. Main centres Taupo, Turangi, National Park Village, Ohakune, Whakapapa, Taumarunui.

Air Taupo Airport, 10 min from town, offers domestic flights. Rail National Park, Ohakune and Taumarunui are on the main line with daily services between Auckland and Wellington. Road Taupo is 4 hours from Auckland, 2 hours, 10 min from Hamilton and 5 hours, 25 min from Wellington. Coaches provide regular services.

Taupo offers car and campervan rental. Coach companies operate frequently between Taupo and regional destinations. Shuttle services operate between Taupo and nearby visitor activities and to the mountain, and if you need transport to the slopes.

(Towns) From Taupo to: Turangi 40 min; Whakapapa Village 1 hour, 25 min; National Park Village 1 hour, 25 min; Ohakune 1 hour, 55 min. (Ski areas) From Taupo to: Whakapapa Ski Area 1 hour, 15 min; Turoa Ski Area 2 hours; Tukino Ski Field 1 hour, 30 min.

Online www.destination-nz.com, www.laketauponz.com.
By phone Taupo +64 7 376 0027, Turangi +64 7 386 8999, Ohakune +64 6 385 8427, Taumarunui +64 7 895 7494. In person Taupo i-SITE Visitor Centre 30 Tongariro Street; Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre Ngawaka Place; Ruapehu i-SITE Visitor Centre 54 Clyde Street, Ohakune; Taumarunui i-SITE Visitor Centre Railway Station, Hakiaha Street.

Defining Experiences

Take a jet boat ride to the base of the powerful Huka Falls.
Relax in one of the region’s thermal pools – perfect after a day on the slopes!
Summon your courage and try tandem skydiving above Australasia’s largest lake or go flight-seeing over Mount Ruapehu.
Drive the Volcanic Loop Highway around Lake Taupo.

Winter Highlights

Skydiving in the winter air above Lake Taupo with stunning views of snow-capped mountains
Winter wonderland walk in Tongariro National Park Gain a whole different perspective on the mountains with a flight-seeing adventure
Party hard at the Ohakune Mountain Mardi Gras
Join a Yeti Tour
Tubing at Whakapapa Ski Area
Have a go at alpine climbing at Tukino Ski Field

Events

Mountain Mardi Gras (Ohakune) 25 Jun 2011
Mini Games (Whakapapa Ski Area) 26 – 27 Jul 2011
Mother Freestyle Series (Turoa Ski Area) 14 Aug 2011
Jäegermeister Snowboard Masters Nationals (Turoa Ski Area) 27 Aug 2011
NZ Navy Champs (Turoa Ski Area) 28 Aug 2011
Ngauruhoe Trophy Race (Whakapapa Ski Area) 3 Sep 2011
Export 33 Extreme (Whakapapa Ski Area) 4 Sep 2011
Jäegermeister Ski Masters (Turoa Ski Area) 17 Sep 2011
K2 Rip Curl Bikini Downhill (Whakapapa Ski Area) 24 Sep 2011
Fischer Retro GS (Turoa Ski Area) 1 Oct 2011
Peak to Powderkeg (Turoa Ski Area) 8 Oct 2011
Export 33 Pond Skim (Turoa Ski Area) 15 Oct 2011