Taumarunui

In winter, Taumarunui is a hub for skiing. Situated not far north of Ruapehu, it is conveniently located for reaching the Whakapapa ski fields. At other times of the year it is extremely popular for fishing, canoeing and hiking adventures. There are many trout fishing guides who can point out the best spots and techniques for fishing in the region.

Canoe trips into the Whanganui National Park leave from Taumarunui. The Raurimu Spiral, 28 kilometres south of Taumarunui, is an incredible feat of railway engineering.

Taupo

Lake Taupo was created by a series of cataclysmic volcanic eruptions around 27,000 years ago. With a surface area of 616 square kilometres, the lake is roughly the size of Singapore.

The Huka Falls area is great for picnics and nature walks. Take a walk around the Craters of the Moon for a close encounter with billowing steam vents and bubbling mud.

Turangi

Turangi, on the banks of the Tongariro River, is one of the best places to go for adventure tourism. There's hunting, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, white water-rafting, kayaking, sight seeing and much more.

An ideal base for excursions into the Tongariro National Park, Kaimanawa Forest Park, Pureora Forest Park. Only 40 minutes by road to the Whakapapa ski area on Mt Ruapehu.