Taupo & the Central Plateau - New Zealand - page 473

Getting There & Around
Passing through are buses run by InterCity ( www.intercity.co.nz ) and Naked Bus
( www.nakedbus.com ) , as well as The Northerner train run by KiwiRail Scenic ( Click here ).
Matai Shuttles ( 06-385 8724; www.mataishuttles.co.nz ) is based in Ohakune, offering
services around the Central Plateau.
WORTH A TRIP
LAKE ROTOKURA
Rotokura Ecological Reserve ( www.doc.govt.nz ) is 14km southeast of Ohakune, at Kari-
oi, just off SH49 ( karioimeans 'places to linger'). There are two lakes here: the first
is Dry Lake, actually quite wet and perfect for picnicking; the furthest is Rotokura,
tapu(sacred) to Maori, so eating, fishing and swimming are prohibited. The round-
trip walk will take you 45 minutes; longer if you linger to admire the ancient beech
trees and waterfowl such as dabchicks and paradise ducks.
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Waiouru
POP 740
At the junction of SH1 and SH49, 27km east of Ohakune, Waiouru (altitude 792m) is
primarily an army base and a refuelling stop for the 56km-long Desert Rd leading to Tur-
angi. A barren landscape of reddish sand with small clumps of tussock, Rangipo Desert
isn't actually a desert. This unique landscape is in fact the result of two million years of
volcanic eruptions - especially the Taupo eruption about 2000 years ago which coated
the land with thick deposits of pumice and destroyed all vegetation. In winter, the road
occasionally closes due to snow.
Housed in a large, concrete bunker at the south end of the township, the National
Army Museum OFFLINE MAP ( www.armymuseum.co.nz ; adult/child $15/5; 9am-4.30pm)
preserves the history of the NZ army and its various campaigns, from colonial times
to the present. Moving stories are told through displays of arms, uniforms, medals and
memorabilia.
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