Fire and Forest
Volcanoes, surf and ancient forests
10 destinationsFrom the surf beaches of the Bay of Plenty and the geothermal mud pools of Rotorua to the smouldering volcanoes of the Central Plateau, this is a region of extremes and remarkable contrasts. Ancient forests drape the lower slopes of active cones, hot springs bubble beside cold mountain rivers, and the same landscape that hosted a Tolkien film shoot also earned its place as one of the world's great walking destinations. Whether you're swimming at The Mount or standing on the rim of a crater lake, the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau never lets you forget you're in one of the most geologically alive places on earth.
Mt Maunganui
The Mount rises 232 metres above one of New Zealand's most beloved beaches — a short, rewarding climb that delivers views across Tauranga Harbour and out to the Pacific horizon. The base track circles the rocky headland at sea level, passing tidal pools and kelp-draped boulders. Above and below, it's the perfect combination of beach town energy and genuine outdoor effort.
Whangamata Beach
A long sweep of golden sand on the Coromandel coast where summer in New Zealand looks exactly as it should — reliable surf breaks, pohutukawa trees leaning over the shore, and no particular hurry. The bar break draws surfers from across the North Island while the estuary behind the dunes is perfect for SUP and kayak. One of those places that gets under your skin after a single visit.
Redwoods Rotorua
Hundreds of towering Californian redwoods form a cathedral-like canopy above some of the world's best mountain bike trails — and at dusk, illuminated treehouse walkways weave through the upper canopy in a way that borders on magical. The forest floor holds a stillness that sits in sharp contrast to Rotorua's geothermal bustle just down the road. Equal parts adventure playground and genuine natural wonder.
Tongariro Crossing
New Zealand's most celebrated single-day walk crosses the flanks of an active volcano, passes vivid emerald crater lakes, and delivers relentless drama across 19.4 kilometres of raw volcanic landscape. The terrain shifts from steaming vents and lava rubble to brilliant blue-green pools in a way that feels genuinely other-worldly. Respect the conditions, start early, and earn one of the great walking days on earth.
Mt Ruapehu
The highest peak in the North Island wears its volcanic nature openly — an active crater lake sits beneath the summit, ski fields carve the upper slopes in winter, and summer hiking routes pass through lava fields and stunted alpine meadows. The mountain's scale is humbling, its weather notoriously changeable, and its presence visible from across the entire Central Plateau. Every approach demands preparation and rewards it fully.
Taranaki Falls
A 20-metre curtain of water drops from a basalt lava dyke into a dark pool ringed by native beech forest, just two hours' walk from Whakapapa Village. The loop track rolls through open tussock country before dropping into the bush-filled gorge where the falls thunder year-round. Short enough to be a morning warm-up, dramatic enough to feel like a proper destination.
Mt Taranaki
The near-perfect volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki rises 2,518 metres from the surrounding farmland — one of the most symmetrical mountains on earth and a place of deep spiritual significance in Māori tradition. The summit route is a serious alpine undertaking that demands experience and favourable weather, but the reward is a 360-degree view stretching from Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea. Few summits in New Zealand hit harder.
Huka Falls
The entire Waikato River is squeezed through a 15-metre canyon and hurled 11 metres into a pool of electric turquoise — one of the most powerful and photogenic waterfalls in the country, and it's just minutes from the car park. The sheer volume of white water and the surreal colour of the pool below make it look almost too dramatic to be real. Arrive early to beat the crowds and catch the falls in morning light.
Lake Taupo
New Zealand's largest lake fills the caldera of a supervolcano that erupted with world-altering force in 186 AD — the gleaming blue expanse looks serene but sits above one of the planet's most geologically active zones. The lake draws boaties, trout fishers, and swimmers, with the carved Māori rock drawings at Mine Bay best reached by kayak or cruise. Taupo town on the northern shore is the gateway to the entire Central Plateau.
Tawhai Falls
Tucked into a mossy grotto just off the main road through Tongariro National Park, Tawhai Falls drops 13 metres over dark volcanic rock into a pool of startling clarity — also known as Gollum's Pool from its Lord of the Rings filming days. A short walk through old-growth beech forest leads to the base, making it one of the easiest and most atmospheric detours in the park. Small by scale, big by atmosphere.
Know a hidden gem in this region? Tell us at hello@beyondthemap.co.nz