Luxury Lodge and Boutique Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in Taupo and Rotorua

Rotorua

Location
This region is centred on the internationally renowned thermal resort of Rotorua.

General
Geysers, bubbling mud pools and Maori hospitality are some of the many experiences you will encounter in Rotorua. It is the oldest and best-known resort in the country, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marvelled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the region's unique Maori culture.
Enjoy staying in a selection of B&B, Retreat and Farmstay accommodation.

Main Attractions / Activities
From the moment you arrive in Rotorua you'll know you're somewhere quite different. There is a pervasive smell of sulphur, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour.

If nature doesn't provide enough excitement, then you can top-up with some man-made extreme adventure. Try rap jumping down a mountain face, jumping from a plane at 9,500ft in a tandem skydive, sledding on a toboggan down white water rapids, jetboating, luging down a local mountain; or you might fancy tumbling head over heels down a hillside inside a giant ball - a zorb.

The Rotorua region is also one of the country's prime fishing spots where you are practically guaranteed a catch, especially if you hire a local professional guide.

After a hard day's sightseeing or strenuous activity a dip in a thermal spa is totally relaxing. In the evening you may be in the mood to experience a taste of Maori culture at a performance of song and dance, followed by food cooked in a traditional hangi (an earthen oven).

Don't Miss
Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and thermal reserve, Whakarewarewa
Maori concert / hangi
The Bathhouse Museum
Government Gardens
Mt Tarawera trip
Waiotapu Thermal Reserve
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Four-wheel drive adventures
Trout fishing
Giant Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

Main Centre
Rotorua - the country's oldest resort and centre of geothermal activity

Taupo

Location
South of Rotorua, this region is centred on Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake (619sq km), and the township of Taupo in the scenic heart of the North lsland.

General
This region incorporates the southern part of the thermal belt that extends from White Island in the Bay of Plenty through Rotorua to Tongariro National Park. Hot springs appear in several places around the lake, which is actually a volcanic crater. Just north of Taupo, near the Wairakei International Golf Course, underground steam has been harnessed for electricity generation. One of the few outlets from Lake Taupo is the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, which gushes through a narrow chasm at the Huka Falls.

Main Attractions / Activities
Lake Taupo, the Tongariro River and other inflowing streams have for a long-time had an international reputation for their rainbow trout fishery. Many people, however, just enjoy cruising, participating in the many water activities, or simply relaxing in one of the North Island's beauty spots. For the more energetic there are horse treks, bungy jumping, rafting, golfing and walking.

The Wairakei International Golf Course is one of the country's premier courses and one of seven in the area. Turangi at the southern end of the lake, is also another renowned trout fishing spot and the base for whitewater rafting on the Tongariro River which flows into the lake.

Don't Miss
Wairakei Park and Huka Falls
Cruise on Lake Taupo
View Huka Falls
Trout fishing
Golfing
Rafting on the Tongariro River

Main Centres
Taupo - a resort on New Zealand's largest lake
Turangi - for fishing the Tongariro River and rafting

Ruapehu

Location
The Ruapehu district is located in the central North Island, midway between Auckland and Wellington, with Highways 1 and 4 through the region providing equally good access and forming the western and eastern boundaries. The connecting Highways 47 and 49 provide the northern and southern boundaries respectively.

General
The 80,000ha Tongariro National Park (World Heritage Area) makes up most of this region, with its centrepiece Mount Ruapehu (2,797m) rising dramatically from the surrounding countryside. Alongside Mount Ruapehu are two smaller volcanic mountains - Mount Ngauruhoe (also active) and Mount Tongariro. Mt Ruapehu is still very much an active volcano that every year or so puts on a magnificent pyrotechnic display of a mini eruption. It is also the site of the North Island's premier ski fields at Whakapapa and Turoa, which have world class facilities.

Main Attractions / Activities
In summer there are a number of trails to explore, with one of the best known being the Tongariro Crossing, a full-day hike. These hikes provide opportunities to experience some of the most active volcanic areas, as well as moonscape craters, lush native forest, lava formations, glaciers and pristine streams and lakes.
High-energy pursuits include ice and rock climbing, abseiling and mountaineering. There is also rafting, canoeing, trout fishing, horse trekking, golfing and farm bike tours.

Two of New Zealand's biggest and most developed ski areas are both based on Mount Ruapehu - just four hours drive from Auckland or Wellington.

Near the junction of Highways 1 and 49, the Waiouru Army Museum tells the stories of New Zealanders at war.

An attraction of special interest to railway buffs is the Raurimu Spiral, an internationally recognized engineering achievement built to negotiate a 215m escarpment on the North Island Main Trunk Railway. Railway enthusiasts come from all over the world to ride this section of track, either on scheduled services or on regular vintage steam train excursions.

Don't Miss
Hiking Tongariro National Park
Railway Spiral, Raurimu
Skiing and snowboarding in winter
Army Museum

Main Centre
Ohakune - main service and apres-ski centre for region

Explore the fascinating thermal wonderland of this area whilst staying in some of the most luxurious boutique B&B, Retreat and Farmstay accommodation in New Zealand along the way.

"Heritage & Character Inns - promoting premium New Zealand luxury accommodation since 1994."