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Lake Taupo
In a country rich with picture-postcard
scenery, the Lake Taupo region is particularly renowned for its beauty, created by
the violent action of volcanoes that carved a landscape of mountains and
lakes (the volcanoes are still active). The surrounding town communities
have varied activities for the traveller, from outdoor sports with the
stunning scenery for a backdrop, to excellent dining spots for the less
athletically inclined.
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Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Located 27 kms
away from Rotorua, some claim this area is New Zealand’s most diverse
and popular volcanic area, with a vast array of natural attractions such
as boiling mud pools, active geysers, hot springs and other geothermal
delights.
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Visitors are introduced to a
shimmering fairy world of light when they travel through this networks
of limestone caves and enter the Glowworm grotto, where a myriad of
lights dance on surface of the waterways, reflections of the soft glows
originating from the insects clinging to the ceiling. Many of the staff
employed at the caves today are direct descendants of one of the first
known explorers of these caves, local Maori chief Tane Tinorau.
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Waimangu Volcanic Valley
This geologically young
valley is blessed with a number of distinctive natural features: Flying
Pan Lake, the world's largest hot water spring; Inferno Crater with its
mysterious geyser spouts; and Cathedral Rocks which vent billowing
clouds of steam and more. This protected award-winning area can be
explored either by cruise or walking.
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Hobbiton
For an adventure a little further than an
hour’s drive away, visitors can head to Matamata, a small farming
community and recently portrayed as Hobbiton, the shire village of the
hobbits made famous in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Remnants of the
film set can still be seen on private property throughout the area, and
scenic tours of these sets and scenes can be arranged in the town of
Matamata. |
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