About Central Park
Variety
No other gateway in New Zealand offers such fascinating diversity, from snowy capped ski mountains and sun drenched coastlines to housing some of the world’s most renowned wines, all this wrapped up in a deep cultural and geothermal history, all within a short scenic drive of an international gateway.
The Holiday starts NOW!
A holiday maker’s dream, flying directly into the heart of paradise. Central Park comprises of seven regions including Rotorua, Ruapehu, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Waitomo.
“Each region offers unique experiences… collectively they are Heaven!“
Ruapehu
The Ruapehu region takes its name from the sacred Mt Ruapehu. Pronouced ‘Roo-a -pe-hoo”, the Maori translation of this name relates to its volcanic history. Rua = pit and pehu = to explode. At 2,797 metres, Mt Ruapehu is the highest mountain in the North Island and provides some of the best skiing in New Zealand.
Mt Ruapehu’s eight named glaciers are the only glaciers in the North Island and the sacred Crater Lake (on top of the mountain) is one of only three in the world surrounded by snow and ice.
Home to the Tongariro National Park and the Whanganui National Park, the Ruapehu region is one of the most visited areas in New Zealand and it is not hard to understand why thousands of visitors journey to this majestic region every year.
Boasting some of the most breathtaking and unique landscapes in the world, the Ruapehu region is a haven for adventure enthusiasts all year round. During the summer months there are numerous treks to enjoy throughout the area, particularly on the northern side of the mountain, in and around the Whakapapa Village.
Starting in Mangatepopo, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is regarded as one of the world’s greatest one day walks offering spectacular uninterrupted views and a striking volcanic landscape. Multi-day treks such as the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of the great walks of New Zealand which stretches over Mt Tongariro and around Mt Ngauruhoe, attract many keen trampers to the area.
Mountain biking is a popular activity with a number of trails catering to all ability levels from the leisure rider to the hard core downhill racers. The 42nd Traverse is one of the most challenging rides with a total distance of 46km and an overall descent of 570 meters. The Central North Island Rail Trail and the Mountains to the Sea trail, which are two of the seven trails making up the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project, are also found in the region.
The Whanganui River provides amazing canoe and kayak adventures with trips available from one to five days and these can either be self guided trips or done with a tour operator. If moving along at paddling speed is a little slow, a jet boat ride on the river may be just the thing.
Dominating the central North Island is Mt Ruapehu, home to New Zealand’s two largest ski areas of Whakapapa, located on the north-western slopes and spread across 1050 hectares, and Turoa, situated on the south-western slopes, boasting the country’s highest lift and the longest vertical descent in Australasia.
Mt Ruapehu provides an extra twist for enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders in the fact that it is the largest active volcano in New Zealand. The most memorable eruption in recent times was 1995 in which many skiers and boarders got a big surprise during their day on the snow.
In recent years Mt Ngauruhoe has also staked its claim to fame as it appeared as ‘Mount Doom’ in the Oscar winning trilogy “Lord of the Rings’ from acclaimed New Zealand Director, Sir Peter Jackson.
The village of Ohakune is well known for hosting events such as the Mardi Gras and other music festivals during the winter season which often sees the town at maximum capacity with thousands of revelers enjoying the carnival atmosphere.
Also within the Ruapehu region is the town of Waiouru, located on State Highway 1. Home to the New Zealand Army base, visitors have the chance to learn about the nation’s military history and view the extensive collection of medals at the Waiouru Army Museum.
A range of accommodation options are available throughout the Ruapehu region, from shared lodges to private luxury chalets and a variety of bars and restaurants will ensure that visitors to the region enjoy their time off the mountain.
Taupo
Created from one of the worlds largest volcanic eruption, Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake. The size of Singapore, Lake Taupo is famous for their year round trout fishing and other natural wonders. Swimming in pristine waters, relaxing in thermal hot pools, snow skiing on a volcano or trekking the Dual Heritage Tongariro Crossing are just a few things the area has to offer.
Visiting Taupo doesn’t have to be an expensive exercise as there are plenty of attractions on offer which visitors to not have to reach in to their pockets to enjoy.
Each year these natural attractions draw tens of thousands of visitors to the area and once you have seen them it is easy to understand why.
The Aratiatia Rapids are a spectacular sight as the hydro gates are opened releasing thousands of litres of water and quickly filling the awaiting rock pool. A short walk will get you to one of the two lookout points to see the release of the water and with spills occurring four times a day during the summer months there are plenty of opportunities to see it. Located just 10 km north of Taupo on State Highway 5, the Aratiatia Rapids are an incredible site to see.
The most visited natural attraction in New Zealand can also be found just a short distance from the town centre. Huka Falls, the major waterfall on the Waikato River, is formed as the river narrows from its usual width of 100 metres to only 15 metres and descends 20 metres. As around 220,000 litres of water per second burst over the 11 metre waterfall, the majestic falls are created.
The falls are accessible via an easy 5 minute drive or by a 30 minute riverside walk which leads you to several viewing platforms from which visitors are able to thoroughly appreciate this spectacular natural wonder in all of its glory.
With an abundance of other free attractions on offer in the Taupo area the whole family can experience and enjoy these natural wonders without breaking the bank.
Rotorua
The city is best known for its geothermal activity with geysers and bubbling mud pools apparent throughout the area.
While learning about and experiencing Maori Culture is one of the main attractions to the area there are many other activities which draw visitors to the city. Boasting 16 lakes throughout the area, Rotorua is a haven for anglers with its vast quantity of trout providing excellent year round fishing. Ideal for many other activities, the lakes see a large number of holiday makers utilizing the sparkling waters for kayaking, waterskiing and boating.
Water activities are not the only enticing feature of the region with many land based adventures available. Possibly the most popular of them is mountain biking with Rotorua offering some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. The Redwood Forest is home to some of New Zealand’s best trails and the tracks are referenced relative to the level of difficulty and signposted making it easily navigable.
For those feeling a little less adventurous, there are many walking trails through spectacular forestry and around the lakes. Some of the most popular trails are found in the Hamurana Springs, Lake Tikitapu, Rainbow Mountain and the Tarawera Falls.
Experiencing Rotorua’s geothermal landscape from the air is a unique and exhilarating adventure and is available through a number of operators in the area.
Renowned for its healing qualities, the thermal hot springs of Rotorua draw thousands of visitors to experience the natural therapies, from soaking in the hot waters, relieving aches with a mud wrap with mud sourced from local geothermal sites, to relaxing with a therapeutic massage.
No trip to Rotorua is complete without experiencing a bit of local culture. There are many places throughout the city to watch master carvers and weavers at work and sampling a ‘hangi’ – a traditional method of cooking food in the earth, is a must, along with cultural performances including the world famous ‘Haka’.
Coromandel
Home to some of Central Park’s most pristine golden and white sand beaches, the Coromandel is a favourite holiday destination for Kiwi’s and a spectacular region for International visitors to see the beauty of New Zealand’s land and seascapes.
Striking coastal scenery and magnificent rainforests give the Coromandel its unique appeal and it is easy to see why so many people visit this spectacular part of the country. The townships of Whitianga, Pauanui and Whangamata, have long been favourites for New Zealand families for a summer vacation.
With a host of adventure activities ranging from motor bike tours to kayaking, the Coromandel offers something for everyone, no matter what sort of experience you are looking for.
Kayaking is a great way to see the sights of the coast. Exploring off shore islands, paddling through sea caves and snorkeling through the Hahei Marine Reserve are just a part of the fun with a sea kayaking adventure.
The Coromandel region is a divers dream with an abundance of marine life on display. A number of tour operators offer diving and snorkeling trips with packages available for everyone from beginners to the highly experienced.
Aside from the many adventures on offer, the Coromandel has some very unique features for visitors to enjoy. Hot Water Beach is an experience for the whole family to enjoy. Located between Tairua and Whitianga, Hot Water Beach is the surfacing point of an underground river of hot water. Two hours either side of low tide, visitors can dig their own spa pool in the sand which fills with steamy hot water from the river. A truly unique experience.
Perhaps the best known and most spectacular part of the Coromandel region is Cathedral Cove. Accessible only by foot or boat, the 9 square kilometers that make up New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve, traditionally named Te Whanganui-A-Hei, showcases the volcanic coastline, crystal clear waters, intricate caves and underwater plants, crustaceans and fish. Several scenic walkways are located throughout the area and provide access to Gemstone Bay and Mares Leg.
Keen trampers will be enraptured by the stunning Kaueranga Valley, home to the Pinnacles. The walk to the peak of the Pinnacles is regarded as one of the most popular over night walks in Central Park, with a 3 hour trek crossing swing bridges and winding through nikau palm groves on the first day before reaching the Pinnacles Hut. The challenging and somewhat dizzying climb to the peak in the morning rewards visitors with a 360 degree view of the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and the Hauraki Plains and Gulf.
For an experience that involves expending a little less energy, checking out the talented local artists may be just the thing. Many artists call the Coromandel home, inspired by the natural surrounds and superb scenery. Visiting the exhibitions and studios of these artists is a must do for art lovers during a trip to the region.
Year round events mean there is something for everyone to enjoy, from the Coromandel Dive Festival, the Coro Music Festival or the Billabong Pro surf competition, whether a spectator or taking part, there is plenty on offer.
Bay of Plenty / Tauranga / Whakatane
The aptly named Bay of Plenty was given its title by Captain James Cook during his exploration of New Zealand and to this day it continues to be one of the country’s largest producers of fruit and one of the busiest ports.
An extremely popular holiday destination, the Bay of Plenty region encompasses several highly visited areas including Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, to name but a few. The region’s major city of Tauranga is one of the fastest growing cities in New Zealand and is home to the country’s biggest export port. As one of the largest natural harbours, Tauranga sees many cruise ships over the summer months and the two marinas play home to over 1000 boats.
Affectionately known as ‘The Mount’ – Mount Maunganui is the dominant feature of the area and every year the beaches attract thousands of surfers and sun lovers. Providing safe swimming spots for families, great surf, long golden sand beaches and of course the opportunity to walk to the summit of Mt Maunganui, this ever popular suburb is a great destination for both young and old and during the Christmas/New Year period it really comes alive with a massive influx of revelers.
A short way down the road from Mount Maunganui is the coastal Papamoa. A rapidly developing area, Papamoa offers a slightly more laid back environment and beaches less crowded than that of The Mount.
25km away sits the ‘kiwifruit capital of the world’ – the township of Te Puke – the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. Aside from producing the green furry fruit, Te Puke also offers many walking tracks, swimming holes and camping areas, along with a selection of shops and cafes, making it an ideal spot for a family getaway.
As the main access point for the active marine volcano White Island, Whakatane is home to operators of tours to this unique natural feature. Boasting a range of restaurants, bars, cafes and a vibrant retail sector, Whakatane is an ideal spot for those who enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle as well as the laid back beach scene. Nearby Ohope Beach provides safe swimming waters along 11km of golden sand shore.
Throughout the region there is a plethora of activities to partake in from wildlife encounters to adrenalin charged adventures. Experience a freefall from 12,000 feet or enjoy a scenic flight taking in the views stretching from Mt Ruapehu to the East Cape. If aerial activities aren’t your thing, the region also offers a variety of land and sea based experiences, such as swimming with the dolphins or enjoying a relaxing horse trek alongside the Pacific Ocean and over undulating farmland.
Hawkes Bay
Home to a variety of attractions and favorable weather in all seasons, the Hawke’s Bay is a year round destination. Known for being one of the premier wine producing areas in New Zealand and the country’s oldest wine region, the Hawke’s Bay boasts over 70 vineyards and is well regarded for its excellent quality wine along with its fresh produce.
Mission Estate Winery is New Zealand’s oldest winery being established in 1851 by the French Marist order and is now one of the most iconic wineries in the country. Known for the stunning seminary building overlooking Napier, Mission Estate is a popular venue for weddings and conferences as well as hosting the annual Mission Concert which over the years has headlined guests such as Lionel Richie, Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Ray Charles.
Other top class wineries in the region include Esk Valley, Trinity Hill, Craggy Range and Church Road. The Black Barn Winery offers an amphitheatre which has been described by many performers as the best outdoor venue in New Zealand.
A number of operators run tours of the wineries and one of the most popular ways to see the region and visit the wineries is with one of the numerous bike tours in which visitors pedal their way to various wineries while taking in the sights.
The Hawke’s Bay is not only about wine with many other activities and attractions on offer. Gannet Beach Adventures offer visitors the chance to see the world’s largest mainland Gannet colony on the famous Cape Kidnappers coastline.
Known as the Art Deco City, Napier, located in the south of Hawke’s Bay, boasts the world’s largest collection of inner city art deco buildings in the world and every year thousands of enthusiast flock to the city for the Art Deco Weekend Summer Festival.
A short drive down the coast sits the city of Hastings, home to the Hawke’s Bay Opera House and numerous art galleries. Te Mata Peak and Cape Kidnappers are two of the stunning natural features that adorn this area and with activities such as hot air balloon rides, a visit to the Splash Planet water park, wandering the Art Trail or playing a round at ‘Cape Kidnappers Golf Course’ – one of the top 50 golf courses in the world designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, there are plenty of options for the whole family.
Stretching from Mahia in the north to Porangahau in the south, the Hawke’s Bay covers 1.42 Million hectares with the shoreline spanning 350km of the Pacific Ocean.
One simple yet deeply moving expression of Maori culture is the hongi. This traditional Maori greeting involves the ceremonial pressing of noses and the exchanging of the breath of life to create peace and harmony.
Attempting to get your tongue around some Maori words is another experience that will often result in some good natured laughs especially went asking directions (the vast majority of place names are of Maori origin). However learning and using some simple words like kia ora, hangi, haere mai, whanau and te reo will be appreciate.