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Central Park is located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island.

It encompasses a large and physically diverse region that stretches from the east coast of Coromandle and Bay of Plenty, to the lakes, rivers, caves and mountains of Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Waitomo and Mt. Ruapehu in the centre of the North Island, and back out to the vineyards and coastline of Hawke’s Bay.

The itinerary options for the area are endless including the well known Thermal Explorer Highway and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Featured: Rotorua International Airport

Rotorua International Airport, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, connects to every New Zealand centre on the Air New Zealand network and now services two direct flights each week to and from Sydney, Australia.

Situated on State Highway 30, Rotorua International Airport is only 8km from Rotorua’s CBD making it convenient and easily accessible for both arriving and departing visitors.

Only a 1 hour drive from the popular holiday destinations of Tauranga, Taupo and Whakatane, Rotorua International Airport is truly the gateway to New Zealand’s Central Park and the sole provider of international air travel in the central north, as well as catering for all domestic air travel.

Operating as a domestic airport for the past 40 years, Rotorua International Airport upgraded its services to accommodate Trans Tasman flights in December 2009, providing travelers with the convenience of direct air transport from Sydney to the Central North Island, eliminating the need to fly to Auckland before making the journey South.

Since becoming an international airport, two Duty Free stores have been made available to international travelers, one in each of the departure and arrival areas.

Numerous car rental companies operate from the airport along with shuttle services, taxis and buses providing transport to the CBD and surrounding areas.

The airport now provides conference facilities with full catering, making for an ideal meeting destination, whether guests are flying in or attending from within the local area.

Internet kiosks and Wi-Fi coverage are also available throughout the airport.

Back to Nature

A selection of natural attractions that showcase the regions of the Thermal Explorer Highway and the Pacific Coast Highway
Natural beauty at its best!
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 [...]

Mild to Wild

‘Nearly any high-end adventure activity you could possibly imagine’
Brings the adventure junky out in you!
The Coromandel / With a range of terrains, adventure enthusiasts are sure to find something they enjoy on the Peninsula. In the Coromandel, getting to the great outdoors is as easy as stepping off your front doorstep. Products available in The [...]

Lovers Lane

A selection of romantic destinations on the Pacific Coast Highway and the Thermal Explorer Highway.
A fantastic Honeymoon option
The Coromandel / Take time out from a hectic lifestyle and enjoy each others’ company in the relaxed environment of the Coromandel. Many accommodation operators offer weekend packages for couples. Otherwise, laze on the beach all day or [...]

Arts, History & Culture

Discover the sacred world of our ancestors, modern art and enjoy the magnificent scenery and a great range of activities.
The Coromandel / There is a rich and colourful array of art within the Coromandel region, with delightful characters to match. The history of the region is evident in many towns as many relics still stand [...]

A Taste Sensation

A chance to experience the regions of the Pacific Coast Highway and Thermal Explorer Highway food and wine highlights.
The Coromandel Peninsula / The Coromandel Peninsula is surrounded by water, so fresh seafood is a must-have when visiting. Be adventurous and ask locals where the best spots for collecting shellfish are, otherwise relax with a glass [...]

Pacific Coast Highway

Glittering white sand, crystal clear, rolling surf beaches, beautiful harbours
The Pacific Coast Highway traverses the spectacular east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
The Pacific Coast Highway is well signposted along the entire route, giving a safe and easy way to navigate through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery New Zealand has to offer. Be [...]

Thermal Explorer

The region is abundant with crystal clear lakes and streams, natural spas, skifields, geothermal activity, Maori culture and wineries
It’s an enticing combination of unusual, captivating landscapes.
The return journey to Auckland takes on the Thermal Explorer Highway from Hawke’s Bay through the centre of the North Island into areas Lake Taupo, Ruapehu, Rotorua and Waikato.
Sublime food [...]

Set course to wine country

Enjoy tasting, drinking, collecting or merely talking about wine? Then ensure the rental car you pick up at Rotorua Airport has a Navman, Tom Tom or some other GPS system on board so you can set a course to Hawke’s Bay wine country. We can guarantee you won’t be disappointed with what you discover, including [...]

Driving times and distances within the Central Park region

Rotorua to Waitomo Caves:
Driving distance: 156 km and approximate driving time 2:14 hours
Waitomo Caves to Tauranga:
Driving distance: 166km and approximate driving time 2:21 hours
Rotorua to Tauranga:
Driving distance: 86km and approximate driving time 1:14 hours
Rotorua to Taupo:
Driving distance: 76km and approximate driving time 1:05 hours
Rotorua to Whakapapa Village (Ruapehu):
Driving distance: 172km and approximate driving [...]