5 ways to make the most of Central & Lower North Island

Some serious bragging rights come with these top five activties

1. TAKE ON MT TARANAKI

He who dares, wins. For the fit and strong-willed, hiking up Mt Taranaki in summer is a challenging but spectacular conquest. Stretches of pathway bearing names such as ‘The Puffer’ hint at the difficulty of this eight to ten-hour return trip. Perseverance will eventually lead to a startling summit, but bear in mind that winter ascents, when the volcano is swathed in snow, is for experienced mountaineers only.

Tongariro National Park

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2. TACKLE THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

Many North Island youngsters take on this seven-hour beast as part of a school excursion, but don’t be fooled; it’s not a doddle, Kiwi kids are just tough! From the Devil’s Staircase which aptly names a series of thigh-burning steps, to windy ridges that howl with the ferocity of helicopter blades, Mother Nature made this terrain to challenge you. She has however, thrown in multiple rewards, including two striking Emerald Lakes and a hidden waterfall.

3. DISCOVER KĀPITI ISLAND

Free from all introduced pests and predators, Kāpiti Island is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important bird sanctuaries. The inhabitants, ranging from beady-eyed tomtits to green-breasted wood pigeons are remarkably tame. Many will spy you as soon as the ferry lands, while others will follow you on a guided tour. Just one hour’s drive from Wellington and five kilometres off the coast, it’s nature exactly as it should be.

Spoonbills, Kapiti Island

Kapiti Island Nature Tours

4. KAYAK TO DONUT ISLAND

Sparkling just one kilometre off Whangamata Beach, kayak or standup paddleboard to a droplet of pure Utopia, better known as Donut or Whenuakura Island. Venture through the 12-metre cave to find a secret lagoon. This piece of paradise is also a sacred wildlife sanctuary so leave it exactly as you find it.

Discover Lake Taupō's secret enchanted world.

5. LOOK BEYOND LAKE TAUPŌ

Everyone knows Taupō’s lake is as enchanting as it is enormous, but few people know about The Squeeze. Part of Taupō’s River Jet adventure, you can take a fast-paced jet-boat blast through the Tutukau Gorge to reach a secret, enchanted world. Make your way through rocky crevices and clamber over boulders to find a gorgeous waterfall and a naturally-heated bathing pool.

Lake Taupō

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