Guide to Luxury Holidays in Rotorua, Taupo & Central Region
The Rotorua, Taupo & Central Region of New Zealand's North Island is a spectacular area with vast lakes, untouched national parks, snow-capped volcanic mountains, idyllic lakeside beaches and bubbling geothermal hot springs. It's a land of opportunity - perfect for hiking, skiing, golfing and more. Luxury Rotorua, Taupo & Central Region holidays offer a natural paradise coupled with cosmopolitan comforts.
In Rotorua, nestled by a shimmering lake of the same name, you'll find the magical Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and the volcanic Kuirau Park. The town is famed for its wealth of hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools earning it the nickname of Sulphur City. Visit the Pohutu Geyser, which shoots water up to 100 feet, immerse yourself in Maori cultural performances, try the geothermal spas, and hike Mount Tarawera.
Taupo shares similar features to Rotorua, but with a much larger lake offering even more beaches and water based activities, like the superfast Hukafalls Jet Boat ride. Visit the giant Maori stone carvings at Mine Bay and journey to Huka Falls, a bright blue, thunderous waterfall. On the other side of the lake, the snow-capped mountain peaks of Tongariro National Park await, providing spectacular hiking and skiing opportunities.
At Hawkes Bay, discover one of New Zealand's major wine producing areas famed for creating some of the country's finest award-winning wines. Tour the stunning vineyards here, and sample the local produce. It's not just wine the region's famous for, there's also breathtaking sandy bays, rolling green hills, an award-winning par 71 golf course, and the fantastic city of Hastings with its distinctive Art Deco architecture.
The Rotorua, Taupo & Central Region is a top destination to visit throughout the year. From December to February, the summer brings warm weather with highs of 25 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the winter months of June to August hover around 9 to 16 degrees - perfect weather for relaxing in a geothermal pool.
In the spring, from September to November, and autumn, March to May, daytime temperatures range between 15 to 21 degrees Celsius. These months are great for hiking with the landscape coloured by the seasons.
As with any holiday, it's a good idea to carry some identification with you and to keep a photocopy of your passport. British passport holders don't need a visa to enter New Zealand for stays up to 6 months - although rules do apply. Visit GOV.UK for more travel advice.
Expect the finest dining at your luxury hotel with award winning restaurants and celebrity chefs, like the culinary legend Gareth Stewart. Start your morning with a hot and cold buffet breakfast and in the evening sample a la carte menus and 5-course dinners.
Try contemporary Pacific fusion cuisine with European influences, such as seared Atlantic scallops, spinach risotto, confit duck and a trio of lamb. Enjoy traditional Maori feasts with cultural performances and unwind in the evening with a glass of wine from famous local vineyards.
