The Central Plateau
Three active, majestic mountains dominate the Central Plateau. Set in the country’s first National Park, during winter Mount Ruapehu is the North Island’s skiing hub with two great fields. During the summer, there is a multitude of walking tracks to explore from alpine crossings to pristine rain forests. As a plateau, the air is delicious to breath, its wide vistas will delight photographers and adventure seekers have plenty of adrenalin options. Neighbouring Whanganui National Park has a historically significant river that is ideal for kayaking and jet boat adventures. Intrepid explorers can discover the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ in the bush – the only remnant of an early settlement. The Whanganui River leads to the historic riverside Whanganui township, lined with quaint heritage buildings, and where an 1899 paddle steamer still chugs up the river on excursions.
Highlights:
· Village of Ohakune – après ski in Winter, tramping base in summer
· Drive to the top of the mountain road for the views
· The Tongariro Crossing – one of the country’s best day hikes
· Climb up the Ruapehu Crater Lake from Whakapapa ski field
· See kiwi in the wild on an eco tour
· Ski/snow boarding on Mount Ruapehu’s Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields
· Army Memorial Museum at Waiouru
· Kayak/canoe down the Whanganui River, New Zealand’s longest navigable river.
· Jetboat up the River in search of the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’
· Drive the winding and scenic Whanganui River Road
