HOME GROWN
THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE, YOU WILL SEE THE GRAPHIC A NIKAU PALM AND THE WORDS HOMEGROWN AND CENTRAL PLATEAU. THAT IS A CONNECTION, AN INDICATION THAT HERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR NEW ZEALAND. IN A WORLD; FOR THE NEAR FUTURE WHERE WE WILL NEED TO SATISFY OUR ADVENTUROUS APPETITE LOCALLY, WE HAVE TAKEN A SEGMENT OF NEW ZEALAND AND EXPOSED JUST SOME OF WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN THE REGION. THE CENTRAL PLATEAU, USUALLY RENOWNED FOR RUAPEHU AND SKIING, OFFERS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST SNOW. THERE IS BIKING, HIKING, RAFTING, FISHING AND KAYAKING, THE LIST IS ENDLESS. SO WE HAVE HIGHLIGHTED JUST SOME OF WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO WHET YOUR APPETITE. 3.7 MILLION PEOPLE LIVE IN THE NORTH ISLAND THAT IS 3.7 MILLION PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE TO FLY TO GET TO THE CENTRAL PLATEAU; YOU CAN DRIVE THERE. IT IS EQUALLY A SUMMER DESTINATION AS A WINTER ONE. START PLANNING NOW – FULFIL YOUR ADVENTUROUS PASSION WITH NEW ZEALAND'S MOST ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND.
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.
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
