Taranaki
The dramatic, snow-topped volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki is a spiritual
and physical force in this region. The mountain is the source of over 50
rivers and streams, the home of many botanically unique plants, and the
subject of many stories and legends. On sighting the mountain in 1642,
explorer Abel Tasman said it was "the noblest hill I've ever seen".
In
the Maori language, Taranaki means 'Gliding Peak', a name that ties to the
legend of how the mountain came to its location. As the story goes, Taranaki
once lived with the North Island's other great volcanoes (Tongariro, Ruapehu
and Ngauruhoe) but was banished for falling in love with Tongariro's wife, a
smaller volcano called Pihanga.
The mountain and the Tasman Sea, provide a natural playground for
travellers who enjoy outdoor adventures. The region is also known for its
creativity and ingenuity - characteristics that materialise as beautiful
gardens, fascinating museums and highly acclaimed art collections.
» Mount Taranaki : Taranaki's famous 2518 metre dormant volcano
sits at the centre of beautiful Egmont National Park. The park offers
outstanding hiking, climbing, skiing and photography opportunities.
» The surf highway : The close proximity of the mountain to the
sea is one of Taranaki's special features. It takes only 30 minutes to drive
from mountain plateau to beach - making it possible to ski and surf in the
same day.
» Puke Ariki : An interactive library, museum and visitor
centre, Puke Ariki displays more than 6000 significant Maori taonga
(treasures). The centre looks out to Len Lye's Wind Wand sculpture on the
coastal walkway.
Ruapehu
The 800 square kilometre Tongariro National Park (a World Heritage Area) is
the centre of attraction for this region. It was gifted to the country by
the local Ngati Tuwharetoa people, who recognised that a treasure so
precious needed to belong to all New Zealanders.
The
park protects three of New Zealand's most dramatic natural assets - the
active andesitic volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. On a clear day
at any time of the year, the mountains are an awe-inspiring sight. Their
cones and surrounding lava fields provide amazing opportunities for
adventure and exploration.
The Whanganui National Park is a micro-world of diverse landscapes. It has
fast and slow running rivers, crystal clear waterfalls, deep gorges, wide
river flats and extensive wilderness areas that are rich in native flora and
fauna.
The Whanganui River was once the main route into the North Island's
interior. It has a fascinating history of wars, steamboats, water-driven
flourmills and abandoned homes and farms. Forty generations of Maori have
learned passion and patience from this mighty river.
Ruapehu's main settlements are the ski towns of National Park and Ohakune,
the army town of Waiouru and the rural service centre of Taumarunui, nestled
on the banks of the Whanganui and Ongarue rivers. Local knowledge and expert
guides make it easy to discover the region's famous hiking trails, fishing
spots, kayaking, canoeing, horse riding and mountain biking experiences.
» Volcanic hiking : Gifted to the nation by the Ngati
Tuwharetoa, Tongariro National Park enshrines three massive active
volcanoes. Unforgettable hiking trails, including the famous Tongariro
Crossing, run around and up the mountains.
» Whanganui National Park : The Whanganui River winds its way
through hills and valleys from the mountains of the central North Island to
the Tasman Sea. To appreciate its beauty, kayak or journey down the river
with local Maori guides.
» Winter sports : Imagine skiing or snowboarding on an active
volcano. On Mount Ruapehu, it's a reality. Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas
will tempt you with world class facilities and a huge range of runs - from
beginner to advanced.
Lake Taupo
The Lake Taupo region in New Zealand's volcanic heartland is rich in Maori
tradition. It also has some of the country's finest untouched, uncrowded and
unique landscapes. The lake itself was the result of the most violent
volcanic eruption the world has seen in the past 5000 years - the ash
affected the sunsets as far away as Europe and China.
Maori
legend explains the lake a different way. When Ngatoirangi, the chief
tohunga (priest) of the Arawa people, first saw the region he was dismayed
to find a barren basin. Realising his people needed resources to live, he
plucked a large totara tree and hurled it into the crater to seed a new
forest. He aim was true, but the wind flipped the totara and it landed
upside down, piercing the ground with its branches. Water gushed up through
the holes, filling the basin and creating Lake Taupo.
» Australasia's largest lake : Lake Taupo was created by a
gigantic volcanic eruption in 181AD. At 616 square kilometres, it is as big
as Singapore Island. The lake's attractive pumice sand beaches give it the
appearance of an inland ocean.
» An intriguing geothermal landscape : Over thousands of years,
volcanic action has created a landscape of simmering craters, boiling mud
pools, fumaroles and steam vents. Maori mythology is richly interwoven with
the geothermal features of the region.
» Year-round trout fishing : Rainbow and brown trout were
liberated in Lake Taupo more than 100 years ago. Open for fishing 12 months
a year, the lake and its adjoining rivers represent one of the last true
wild trout fisheries in the world.
Hawke's Bay
For travellers, Hawke's Bay Wine Country presents an eclectic mix of visual
and sensual experiences. The region is New Zealand's leading producer of red
wines, has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture and hosts the
country's most elaborate celebrations of Matariki - the Maori New Year. As
if that weren't enough, Hawke's Bay is also known for its artisan gourmet
foods and glorious beaches that stretch from Mahia Peninsula in the north to
Porangahau in the south.
The landscapes of Hawke's Bay begin with the high, forested Ruahine and
Kaweka Ranges. From the mountains, the land steps down towards the coast,
flattening out to become the Heretaunga Plains. A number of wide rivers run
swiftly to meet the blue Pacific Ocean. The twin cities of Napier and
Hastings are the main population centres.
Blessed with a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke's Bay is
one of New Zealand's warmest, driest regions.
» Taste sensations : The agricultural heritage of Hawke's Bay
lives on in the region's wineries, orchards and artisan food producers. At
any time of the year, you can follow food and wine trails to discover
exceptional taste sensations.
» Wildlife by the sea : Cape Kidnappers nature reserve is home
to the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world.
Known to Maori as takapu, these birds usually breed on islands.
» Unusual places : From elegant Art Deco architecture to a
settlement with the world's longest place name, Hawke's Bay will capture
your interest with amazing stories. Learn about the past, both ancient and
recent, with a local guide.
Manawatu - Wanganui
The Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua districts are
bound together by magnificent rivers, forested ranges, deep gorges and long
stretches of wild surf beach. There is a strong emphasis on rural lifestyle
in this region, as well as an exciting choice of outdoor adventures.
Whether you explore by canoe, kayak or jetboat, the Whanganui River is
endlessly fascinating. It's the longest navigable waterway in New Zealand -
stretching 290 kilometres from Mount Tongariro to the historic city of
Wanganui, which has established itself as a centre of excellence for the
fine arts.
The
region's other city, Palmerston North, provides an entertaining mix of urban
fun and country life. Visitors can explore luxury retreats, play golf, ride
horses, hunt for antiques and visit the largest stock saleyards in the
southern hemisphere.
For those who want a hands-on experience of rural life, the farms of the
Rangitikei district are known for their hospitality. Depending on the
season, you could be involved with milking cows, shearing sheep or helping
to care for baby animals.
Horowhenua is a special part of New Zealand's Nature Coast, featuring
rivers, beaches, lakes, mountains, parks and golf courses. From the quiet
calm of bushwalks and gardens, to the exhilaration of rivers and sea,
through to history and culture, the region has something for everyone.
» River adventures : Every river has its specialities. The
Whanganui offers canoe and kayak safaris; the Rangitikei provides thrills
with bungy jumping and rafting; the Manawatu has jetboating and kayaking in
the gorge.
» Mountains and valleys : The Whanganui National Park's rugged
valleys provide wonderful outdoor experiences infused with a rich Maori and
European history of settlement. In the Tararua and Ruahine ranges, hiking
trails take you far and wide.
» Farming life : The region is a major agricultural power,
leading in beef, sheep and deer production. Farmstays allow visitors to
experience life on a New Zealand farm, not to mention some excellent country
cooking.
Wellington
Wellington, known as New Zealand's arts and culture capital, offers an
unmatched blend of culture, heritage, fine food, and lively arts and
entertainment.
Surrounded
by hills and a rugged coastline, the city boasts a stunning harbour.
Wellington's charm is that it serves up a vibrant inner city experience with
a slice of New Zealand scenery. And because of its compact nature, you can
sample it all - boutique shopping, art galleries, trendy cafes and
restaurants. Right on its doorstep is a network of walking and biking trails
with beautiful wineries and vineyards just a few hours away.
Wellington is a city that brims with energy and vitality, it offers an
almost overwhelming array of theatre, music, dance, fine arts and galleries
and museums. It also home to one of the nation's key attractions, the museum
of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which is recognised as a world leader of
interactive and innovative museum experiences.
Wellington offers a unique mix of experiences few cities could lay claim
to. With so many options at your fingertips, you'll need at least three days
to slip into the groove of this amazing place.
» Between harbour and hills : Wellington's geography has
created a compact city. The central city, only 2 kilometres wide, is nestled
between the harbour and the hills. Wild, untouched landscapes can be found
within minutes of your city hotel.
» The home of heritage : Wellington is home to many of New
Zealand's most significant heritage attractions. Among these are the
national museum Te Papa, Parliament and the National Archives, which
displays the original Treaty of Waitangi.
» A city with four flavours : Downtown Wellington is divided
into four distinct quarters, making it easy for visitors to experience the
different personalities of the city. The fashions, food styles and faces
change with every quarter.
Wairarapa
Wairarapa is tucked away in the south-east corner of the North Island, at
the foot of the rugged Tararua Range. Maori called the region "Land of
Glistening Waters".
If you arrive from Wellington, you'll wind your way over the Rimutaka hills
and along the route trodden by early European settlers 150 years ago. The
vast Wairarapa valley will open up before you, fringed by mountains to the
west and rugged coast to the east.
European settlement dates back to the 1840s, but Maori history is much
older. Archaeological research has shown that parts of the Wairarapa coast
have been occupied for at least 800 years.
Essentially rural with off-the beaten-track charm, Wairarapa promises a
diverse experience for those who appreciate great wine, gourmet food,
astonishing wildlife and natural beauty. Rolling vineyards, acres of apple
orchards, fields of lavender, olive groves, heritage museums and quaint
historic towns combine to make Wairarapa an appealing destination.
» Cape Palliser : Cape Palliser, complete with
lighthouse, is the southernmost point of the North Island. Highlights
include a large breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals and Maori
occupation sites dating from the 12th century.
Martinborough wine village : Approximately 30 wineries surround
Martinborough's charming village square, creating a unique 'walk the
wineries' experience. You can sample premium wines without the need to
drive.
» Castlepoint : An hour's drive east from Masterton,
Castlepoint beach is a great day trip. Walk the boardwalk to the lighthouse
or enjoy a longer walk through scenic reserve to Castle Rock, named by
Captain Cook in 1770.
