Central North Island

==Understand==
The southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone is in the central North Island. From there it extends northwards through Rotorua and out beyond White Island in the Bay 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.

Taupo Airport is 8 km south of Taupo town centre and has scheduled flights from Auckland and Wellington.
InterCity is a national coach company.
The Northern Explorer train passes through the central North Island on its way to Auckland (northbound train) and Wellington (southbound train).
==Get around==

The scenery is the main sight in this region, but there are a few indoor attractions:

• Ohakune Railway Museum

  address: Ohakune
  A small volunteer run exhibition, with a slightly random collection of railway equipment.

• National Army Museum

  phone: +64 6 387-6911
  address: Waiouru

• Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

  phone: +64 7 376 0414
  address: Taupo
  A small museum, containing exhibits on the Maori, volcanic and early European history of Taupo. The "Ora" garden which won the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show can be seen in a specially created outside area.

• Tramp (walk) the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a spectacular alpine day walk, or spend 3-4 days walking the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
• Taupo is a major centre for adventure activities including tramping, jetboating, sailing, bungy jumping and skydiving.
• Ohakune is a major centre for skiing and snowboarding.

==Eat==
==Drink==

• North to Bay of Plenty
• Northeast to East Coast
• East to Hawke's Bay
• South to Manawatu
• Southwest to Whanganui
• West to Waikato