This popular touring route guarantees plenty to talk about over dinner, as well
as plenty of delicious dining opportunities.
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| Charter a boat on Lake Taupo and make the most of the stunning mountain views. |
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It's an enticing combination of unusual, captivating landscapes; indulgent food
and wine experiences; and authentic encounters with Maori culture. You'll journey
from the caves of Waitomo to the vineyards of Hastings, with amazing volcanic
action in between.
Route Summary
Beginning in Auckland, New Zealand's largest population centre, the Thermal Explorer
Highway takes you through the Waikato region then on to the geothermal city of
Rotorua. After Lake Taupo you have the option of detouring to Tongariro National
Park, then it's over the hills to the wine country of Napier and Hastings.
Key Features
A line of volcanic action cuts diagonally across the central North Island. The
landscape is remarkable for its crater lakes, volcanic cones and areas of seething
geothermal activity. Around Rotorua and Lake Taupo, wafts of steam indicate parks
and gardens where nature has made her own spectacular water features - geysers,
simmering cauldrons and boiling mud pools. Where there is inner heat, there are
spa pools and beauty therapists. You can supplement your relaxation with geothermal
mud wraps, hot soaks in mineral pools and delicious massage treatments.
Since the earliest times, Rotorua has been a focus for Maori culture. Attracted
by the comfort of geothermal energy for cooking and warmth, Maori settlers arrived
around 600 years ago. Today, their descendents maintain the traditional way of
life in many ways. As a visitor to Rotorua, you'll have the chance to learn about
the culture, enjoy the amazing performance art and discover the smoky succulence
of hangi (earth oven) food. Rotorua's hospitality is beautifully expressed with
the word manaakitanga. A deep-rooted concept in Maori culture, manaakitanga is
a challenge to Rotorua's community to offer visitors the best experience.
| One of Taupo's most spectacular geothermal attractions is free for anyone to see. |
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Around Waitomo in the Waikato region, an entirely different world awaits. The
area is riddled with caves and tomo (holes). Underground attractions cover the
full adventure spectrum - from a gentle stroll through the giant Waitomo cave,
with a pitch black boat trip to see glow worms, to sliding through underground
caverns in a wetsuit. If you want an entirely mind-blowing mission, do the The
Lost World adventure, which begins with an abseil into a 100 metre tomo.
Sublime food and wine experiences are a feature of the Thermal Explorer, but
it's not until you reach Hawke's Bay that you can kick off your shoes and dine
alfresco amidst the vines. More than 40 vineyards are clustered around the river
plains behind Hastings, and most have a café or restaurant. Some visitors choose
to cycle from one to the next; others team up with a local tour operator, to avoid
the need to drive.
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MEMORY:
Submitted by paul&vicky hewitt from United Kingdom
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Thank you to all the people we met and believe me, we do remember you all with love.
"
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