The Great New Zealand Touring Route
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The Great New Zealand Touring Route

 

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Back to Nature

A selection of natural attractions that showcase the regions of the Thermal Explorer Highway and the Pacific Coast Highway

Natural beauity at its best!

Waitomo / Experience what the earth’s natural elements are capable of creating –seeing is believing. Rain, rivers and earth movements have formed a network of spectacular caves within the Waitomo region. See how a tiny little worm can transform a dark cave into a ceiling of stars.  Products available in Waitomo: Waitomo Glowworm, Ruakuri Cave, Spellbound Glowworm, St Benedict’s Caverns, Lost World.  

Rotorua / With 16 lakes, stately forests and forbidding mountains, Rotorua is the perfect place to revel in the best nature can offer. Fish, hike, kayak, water-ski, swim, or relax on a secluded beach –you name it. The lakes stand guard over a network of walking tracks; take a short stroll or a long hike and enjoy the stunning scenery. Products available in Rotorua: Rotorua Duck Tours Ltd, Paradise Valley Ventures Horse Treks, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs and Kiwi Encounter, NZ Riverjet.

Lake Taupo / The greater Taupo region has some amazing areas of significant natural features.  Thermal wonderlands, contours carved by volcanic activity and natural hot springs sprawl throughout the central plateau. Beautiful mountain running waters feed into Lake Taupo which give this stunning lake its clean unpolluted water. Products available in Lake Taupo: PureOra Walks, Orakei Korako, Rapid Sensations, Tongariro River Rafting, Wairakei Terraces, Hilton Lake Taupo, Helipro Taupo, The Kai Waho Experience, Taupo’s Floatplane, Tongariro Expeditions.  

Ruapehu / Ruapehu is blessed with natural gifts. From the Tongariro National Park to the Whanganui River and Whanganui National Park as well as a number of other conservation areas including the Pureora Forest Park, Erua Conservation Area, Rangataua Conservation Area and the Tongariro Forest Park. Numerous other rivers and small lakes abound. Deserts, mountains, lakes, pristine rivers, active volcanoes, rich farmland and native flora and fauna are all part of this unique region. Products available in the Ruapehu region, Edge to Edge, Yeti Tours, Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 

Hawke’s Bay / With its dramatic landscape and fabulous climate, Hawke’s Bay provides the perfect environment for a wide variety of birds, animals and plant life. From Lake Waikaremoana and Te Urewera National Park in the North, to the Te Angi Angi Marine reserve in the South, Hawke’s Bay offers plenty to be explored. Enjoy the many bush trails and rivers in the area, discover stunning wildlife such as the world’s largest most accessible gannet colony and the kiwi breeding sanctuary or simply sit back and relax and watch the changing colours of the seasons. Products available in Hawke’s Bay: Gannet Safaris Overland, Mohaka Rafting, Mountain Valley Adventure Lodge, The National Aquarium of New Zealand, Prinsy’s Rural Experience & Wine Tours, Waimarama Maori Tours at Hakakino, Wilderness Safari’s Hawke’s Bay Ltd.  

Bay of Plenty / The coastal Bay of Plenty is blessed with a stunning, diverse environment from sandy beaches to vibrant green forest parks. The best ways to enjoy the scenery is to get immersed in the region’s gardens, parks and walking tracks. Unique wildlife can also be seen in its native environment throughout the region. Don’t miss swimming with dolphins - view them up close or hop in for a swim with them on a guided excursion. Products available in the Bay of Plenty: Dolphin Blue, Kiwi360, Spring Loaded, Waimarino Glow-Worm Tour, Whales and Dolphin Watch Whakatane White Island Tours..

The Coromandel / There is an abundance of nature and wildlife to be seen in the Coromandel, from water-dwelling creatures to giant Kauri trees in the ranges. Getting close to nature has never been easier in the Coromandel. Products available in The Coromandel: Cathedral Cove Kayaking.

Duration recommended 7-10 days.

For a extensive list of accommodation and activity options please follow the below links.

Accommodation Options

Sights and Activities

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