Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
A road trip between Tongariro and Te Urewera National Parks will most likely require
you to pass through Taupo and Rotorua, two lakeside tourist towns with some very
steamy attractions. We're talking about volcanic activity here - an eye-popping collec-
tion of bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and multicoloured silica pans, along with
a strong smell of sulphur in the air.
In Taupo, get an introduction at the Volcanic Activity Centre ( www.volcanoes.co.nz; Kare-
toto Rd; adult/child $10/6; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun) , which has displays on the
region's geothermal and volcanic activity, including a live seismograph and earth-
quake simulator. Nearby is the Craters of the Moon ( www.cratersofthemoon.co.nz; Karapiti Rd;
adult/child $8/4; 8.30am-5.30pm) , a geothermal area where you can get close to the ac-
tion along a 45-minute perimeter loop walk.
Between Taupo and Rotorua, Orakei Korako ( 07-378 3131; www.orakeikorako.co.nz; adult/
child $36/15; 8am-5pm) is arguably the best thermal area left in NZ, with a boardwalk
around colourful silica terraces, geysers, and a cave complete with deep green pool.
Rotorua is even steamier still, with numerous geothermal attractions including Te
Whakarewarewa , the town's main drawcard famous for Maori cultural performances
and displays, more than 500 springs, and a couple of very dramatic geysers.
DOC Offices
A DOC Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre ( 07-892 3729; www.doc.govt.nz; Whakapapa
Village; 8am-5pm)
A Turangi i-SITE ( 07-386 8999; www,greatlaketaupo.com ; Ngawaka Pl;
8.30am-5pm)
A DOC Te Urewera National Park Visitor Centre ( 06-837 3803; www.doc.govt.nz; Aniwani-
wa; 8am-4.45pm)
A DOC Murupara Visitor Centre ( 07-366 1080; www.doc.govt.nz; SH38;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
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