Adventure Magazine Issue 220

The Central Plateau
The Central Plateau covers a large
area in the central North Island of New
Zealand. The heart of the area is the
mountains and volcanic area of the
Tongariro National Park and then it
fans out north past Taupo, to the west
past Taumaranui, and to the south
past Taihape. Each of the towns offer
something unique...
Taupo:
The largest urban area in the Central
Plateau and the 20th in the country, Taupo
is located at the outlet of Lake Taupo, New
Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is the heart
of volcanic and thermal activity providing
natural hot springs throughout the region.
With the lake and Waikato River on its
doorstep it’s obvious that Taupo is home
to a range of water activities. However,
there is a lot more to Taupo than just the
water. Mountain bike trails and river walks
allow you to get into the outdoors, but if
it's an adventure that you are after, you’ll
find plenty of things to do in Taupo, from
Bungy Jumping, skydiving, jet boating and
paragliding.
Turangi:
On the southern edge of Lake Taupo
you’ll find the town of Turangi. Developed
on the banks of the Tongariro River, it
was originally built to house workers
from the Tongariro hydro-electric power
development project and their families but
is now a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. With
the Kaimanawa Ranges and the Tongariro
River on its doorstep, it offers a range
of outdoor activities, from hiking, biking,
fishing, hunting, skiing, rafting, kayaking
and more.
Taumaranui:
Originally a Maori settlement at the
confluence of the Ongarue River with the
Whanganui, this is where important canoe
routes linked the interior of the island with
the lower Whanganui River settlements.
Its proximity to the Whanganui River
means there are plenty of water activities
on hand and biking trails, such as the
Timber Trail, are close by.
Owhango:
20km south of Taumaranui, you’ll find the
tiny town of Owhango. The Whakapapa
River lies 2km east of the town and
the vast expanse of Tongariro Forest
Conservation Area and bisecting the forest
is one of New Zealand's best mountain
bike rides, the 42 Traverse. The forest also
has excellent tramping, camping and deer
hunting opportunities.
Skydiving over Lake Taupo and the Central Plateau
National Park:
Nestled between the North Island main
trunk railway line and State Highway 4,
lies what for many travelling past would
appear as an unassuming village. From
the highway, travellers will see a petrol
station, pub, hotel and a few houses much
like many other small Kiwi towns they pass
through.
At an altitude of 820 metres, National Park
Village can truly claim the title of New
Zealand’s top town, being the highest
urban township in the country. But that’s
not what makes the village a destination of
choice for thousands of visitors each year.
As its name suggests, National Park
Village is located on the boundary of
Tongariro National Park in the Central
North Island. This makes the village an
ideal base for those wishing to explore
the natural and cultural wonders of New
Zealand's oldest national park and Dual
World Heritage Area, all year round.
Raurimu:
Just 6km north of National Park, is home
to the famous Raurimu Railway Spiral and
a selection of accommodation options set
among and on top of hills offering some of
the best views over the park, there’s also
a pub !
Further south along State Highway 4, lies
Erua where you’ll find a mountain lodge,
backpackers, motel units and access to
a mountain bike park – all at the base of
Hauhungatahi, one of the lesser known,
yet highest volcanoes in New Zealand, at
1,521 metres.
Whakapapa Village:
16km from National Park - meanwhile lies
within the Tongariro National Park and
hosts the historic Chateau Tongariro Hotel,
the Skotel resort hotel, a holiday park, café
and tavern.
Combined these villages offer the best
access to the Whakapapa ski area and
wider Tongariro National Park, along with
an exceptional choice of accommodation
and dining options catering for all budgets
and tastes.
Ohakune:
Located at the southern end of Mt
Ruapehu, Ohakune is the gateway to the
Turoa Ski fields. But it is also a lot more
than just a ski town, with trout fishing,
mountain biking, tramping and bushwalking
all within easy reach of the town.
As well as boasting the famous Ohakune
Carrot (the worlds largest model carrot),
the world's first commercial bungy jumping
site was established just outside Ohakune
at the old railway viaduct. This was
operated during the 1980s until the bridge
became too unsafe to continue operations.
This bridge is now restored and a highlight
of the 'Old Coach Road' walk/bikeway.
Taihape:
South of Ohakune on State Highway 1,
you’ll come across the small settlement of
Taihape. Built near the confluence of the
Hautapu and Rangitikei Rivers, this town
offers a gateway to some great outdoor
adventures. Home of the gumboot, Taihape
offers an access to a taste of the “real” NZ.
Why wait?
Adventure starts here
Dual Heritage Tongariro
National Park
38//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#220
www.nationalpark.co.nz