Central North Island Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
mountain range
About Central North Island
The southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone is in the central North Island. From there it extends northwards throughRotoruaand out beyondWhite Islandin theBay of Plenty. About 26,000 years ago, Lake Taupo was a volcano that erupted in an enormous explosion that ejected about 800 cubic kilometres of material and spread it over the central North Island, forming the Volcanic Plateau. The resulting hole in the ground became Lake Taupo after it filled with water draining off the surrounding hills. It last erupted about 1,800 years ago. Today, Lake Taupo feeds the Waikato River with the water to run eight hydroelectric power stations.
Top Attractions in Central North Island
Explore the best things to see and do in Central North Island:
- ★Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery
- ★National Army Museum
- ★Ohakune Railway Museum
Central North Island Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: