Getting Out and About
Living in Palmerston North means you've got the best of what's on offer in the central and lower North Island.
Tongariro National Park - Majestic Alpine Wilderness
Established in 1887, Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.
It is a place of extremes and surprises, a place to explore and remember. From herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes - Tongariro has them all.
Tongariro National Park is within 90 minutes drive from Palmerston North.
For detailed information about the walks available, you can download the publication Walks in and around Tongariro National Park.
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Mt. Ruapehu - Skiing and Snowboarding on an active volcano
Mount Ruapehu, or just Ruapehu, is an active stratovolcano at the southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand. It is 23 kilometres northeast of Ohakune and 40 kilometres southwest of the southern shore of Lake Taupo, within Tongariro National Park. The North Island's major skifields and only glaciers are on its slopes.
Ruapehu has two commercial ski fields, Whakapapa on the northern side and Turoa on the southern slope. They are the two largest ski fields in New Zealand, with Whakapapa the larger.
The private Tukino field is on the east of the mountain. The season is generally from July to October but depends on snow and weather conditions.
Both ski fields are accessible by car and chairlifts, with beginners' to advanced skiing slopes. Limited accommodation and refreshments are available at Top o' the Bruce (the car park at the top of Bruce Road) and at the entry to Whakapapa, and elsewhere on the mountain. Alpine huts are provided for trampers and climbers.
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Lake Taupo - Action Packed Centre of the North Island
From adrelenalin pumping pursuits like sky diving and bungy jumping to the more relaxed past-time of fly fishing, with everything in between.
Taupo is a busy holiday destination with bustling cafes and restaurants, dramatic mountain views and a beautiful clean fresh water lake.
This is a town vibrant in its culture, history and natural beauty. Taupo offers a range of sights and activities to suit all budgets and many interests.
If you haven't been to Lake Taupo lately or are yet to experience this fabulous destination, come and take a look at what is on offer.
Whether it's a quick break or an extended family vacation, you'll find plenty of great holiday ideas in Taupo.
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Hawkes Bay - Wine Country
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country is diverse landscape, bountiful produce, award winning wines, unique wildlife, stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Bursting with taste sensations, Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's leading food and wine destination, home to fabulous award-winning wines at over 70 wineries, as well as delightful fresh produce, epicurean delights and gourmet experiences.
Taste your way through the region and meet the local personalities behind their creations at the Farmers’ Markets, at the wineries or on the mouth-watering Food and Wine Trails, as well as at a great variety of restaurants, cafes and bars to suit all tastes.
When it comes to the outdoor adventure the Hawkes Bay has a lot to offer for the mild to wild adventurer.
Take a jet boat or cycle between wineries. Experience hot air ballooning at sunrise or surfing in Mahia. Paraglide off Te Mata Peak, hike or take a leisurely journey along one of the 17 heritage trails around the region.
You can hunt in the ranges, fish for brown and rainbow trout or play golf at one of the 20 local courses.
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Wellington - Positively Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand's capital city is set on the edge of a stunning harbour and surrounded by rolling hills, it's a city waiting to be explored.
There is so much to see and do in Wellington, from action-packed adventure activities to picturesque walks around the beautiful harbour and hills.
Te Papa, New Zealand's well loved national museum, is a must see attraction.
When it comes to shopping Wellington has wide selection of mainstream retailers’ as well as an abundance of designer and boutique offerings.
Wellingtonians love their coffee and have a vibrant café culture. Partake in Wellington’s café culture for lunch today.
Cuba Street has a great selection of good cafes.
Perhaps take a short drive to the top of Mount Victoria for a panoramic view of this gorgeous city.
Wellington has something for everyone!
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Taranaki - Like No Other
Surfing, outdoor recreation, mountaineering, international concerts Taranaki is a region that allows vistors to make the most of it's unique offerings. Situated on the beautiful West Coast of New Zealand's North Island the area geographically diverse, from the sheer beauty of Mt. Taranaki to the spectacular surfing beaches of the Taranaki coast line.
Taranaki boasts magnificent gardens of national significance, the iconic Mt Taranaki, a spectacular national park and two marine reserves, iron sand beaches and great surf, wonderful lakes, a vibrant arts and crafts scene, gourmet cafes and restaurants, museums and galleries and a range of activities for those with a sense of fun and adventure... Taranaki - like no other.
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