Central Plateau

Located in the centre of the North Island around Lake Taupo, this region is shaped and dominated by volcanoes and is called in geographic circles the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Lake Taupo is the crater of the worlds biggest known volcanic eruption and this lake is watched over by its little siblings the huge volcanic mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Out to the west lies Taranaki. Maori legend says that Ruapehu and Taranaki used to be married but one day while Taranaki was out Tongariro seduced Ruapehu away from Taranaki. When Taranaki came home he had a big fight with Tongariro but he lost. He then packed himself up in shame and moved west to where he still lives today. It is said that Ruapehu still loves Taranaki because she occasionally lets out a sigh for him (the occasional volcanic rumbling, last seen in 1996). Tongariro who is scared of loosing Ruapehu back to Taranki still smoulders and fumes with anger. These days both the mountains of Ruapehu and Taranaki are in the film business- Ruapehu featuring often in Lord of the Rings and Taranaki staring in The Last Samurai. Thus this is possibly Hollywood’s longest running love story.

The whole region is upwards of 350 metres above sea level as a result of ash dispersed from the massive eruptions from Lake Taupo. The area has much to see and is rather fascinating for those who enjoy photography, walking or geography. The area is still active today with boiling mud, geysers, thermal pools and thermal energy all there for you to witness. It is also famous for adventure activities such as Bungee Jumping, rafting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Taupo is also famous, and rightly so, for one of the world's very finest lodges, Huka Lodge. Named after the nearby waterfalls, the lodge has hosted Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses, TV, movie and rock stars, authors, and some of our clients. Great New Zealand food, fine wines, calming cottages on the river, an ambience of considered luxury, service like no other. Huka Lodge has earned her reputation as one of the world's very best places to stay.

Ruapehu, which is 2797 metres tall, offers many walks and amazing vistas from the east to west coasts and to the volcanoes Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Taranaki. In summer the mountains are covered in moss, flowers, grasses, forest and rocks and is rather spectacular in an eerie, moonscape way. In the winter it is covered in snow and skiers and snowboarders.