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Covering Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro National Park, the Thermal Plateau is both geologically fascinating and culturally exciting.
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New Zealand and the South Pacific
Discover the steamy mineral lakes, bursting geysers and bubbling mud pools of Roturua.
Amongst its tranquil lakes and bush-clad hills, New Zealand’s Thermal Plateau hides a Dante-esque world of bubbling mud pools and gushing geysers; this is a region rich with the geothermal energy of the earth’s molten core.
A rift valley 250 kilometres long runs from Mount Ruapehu in the south, through Rotorua and north to the country’s most active volcano, White Island, in the Bay of Plenty.
This geothermal activity not only shaped the landscape but also the culture of the region, with many geographical features delineating tribal boundaries and perceived as areas of great sacredness.
The region is rich in natural wonders, including cave formations where glow-worms scatter like constellations among the stalactites, crystal-clear rivers that spill into dramatic waterfalls and pristine trout-filled lakes, and snow-capped peaks that rise above dense native forests, making it is easy to understand its spiritual importance.
The region is one of the best to experience Maori culture and the ideal place to sample a traditional hangi (feast) or attend an energetic kapa haka (song and dance display).
One of the country’s greatest touring routes, the Thermal Discovery Highway, links the geothermal and cultural highlights of a fascinating, ever-changing landscape and offers something enticing around every corner.