Hamilton - Central Plateau

The Thermal Explorer Highway is a great way to explore the Waikato region and this popular road trip features everything from luscious rainforests and unspoiled beaches to geothermal gems. Visit cosmopolitan cities of Hamilton, whose energy is reflected in its iconic events and the 660 square-kilometres, water-based playground of Lake Taupo.

Three main ski fields to choose from, awesome facilities for beginners through to experts and consistent snow that's even thriving during spring – is it any wonder Mt Ruapehu attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year?

With more than 65 trails across roughly 1000 hectares, making it New Zealand's largest ski area, Whakapapa easily caters for all abilities. From wide runs to chutes, bowls and gullies, there really is something for everyone here. Located on the northwestern side of Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa can be accessed from Whakapapa Village.

Turoa Ski Area, on the southern side and easily reached from Ohakune, can claim Australasia's longest vertical descent; but it too has widespread appeal, whatever your experience level.

While it's a club ski field, Tukino is open to the public and skiers and snowboarders are, again, well catered for. It's located on the eastern side of the mountain, which means shelter from the prevailing westerly winds.

With ski hire available at Whakapapa and Turoa, and ski lessons conducted at all three ski fields, there's no excuse not to hit the slopes.

Go camping in Mangakino. 'Camping where?' you might say. The answer is a relatively undiscovered gem hidden in the Waikato region, a place that could just be our most underrated holiday destination: Mangakino. This quaint little town bordering the western shore of Lake Maraetai has a constant, year-round vacation vibe and is absolutely perfect for a off-the-beaten-track camping holiday.

Round up the family and friends and head to one of the campgrounds here. There's plenty to do, with this charming town catering for those seeking both tranquillity and adventure.

Mangakino is a great spot for fishing, boating and jet skiing, or just relaxing by the lake. The nearby Pureora Forest Park straddles the Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto ranges between Lake Taupo and Te Kuiti, and has a tracery of easy bush walks and mountain biking trails, plus it's home to New Zealand's largest totara tree.

If you're into wine in a big way, then you'll be into Scenic Cellars in Taupo, New Zealand's largest underground wine cellar. With over 3000 premium wine labels and more than 100,000 bottles of rare fine wines from all over the world, Scenic Cellars is nothing short of intoxicating!

Cellar tastings are a hit at Scenic Cellars, with the revolutionary Enomatic tasting available. The Enomatic machines are an Italian design that offers 32 wines for tasting at the push of a button – a simple, fast and fun way to try before you buy.

The Cellar, Bordeaux Room and Sugar Room are also available for private functions and events, combining YUM Food Company catering with fine wines selected from Scenic Cellar.

Go along to try the wines, find a special gift for the fellow wine lover in your life, or entertain guests at a dinner party with a difference. They even have wine quiz questions prepared for your team-building event, which are sure to reveal the wise wine-drinkers among you. Do you know your semillon from your riesling?

It is now more than 100 years since the first trout fry were released into Lake Taupo. Today it is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world.

The Taupo fishing district is loaded with potential for anglers with all levels of experience. Year-round trolling is possible on the lake, while many small streams provide profitable evening fishing during 'smelting' between November and February.

Mission Bay, Motutere Point, Bulli Point and Hallet's Bay offer spinning opportunities. The river mouths along this eastern shore are good for experienced fly fishers during the runs in the winter months (June-August).

Anglers require a Lake Taupo trout-fishing licence, which can be purchased for a day, week or season. These are available at numerous outlets in Taupo and Turangi, including sports goods stores, dairies, service stations, motels and hotels, and visitor centres.

There are many rules and regulations to consider and before you start it's advised that you check with local Department of Conservation officers, anglers or sports goods retailers to ensure you are fishing within the law.

There's no doubt the elegant Chateau Tongariro and its backdrop of Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro make for a divine photo opportunity.

But the building doesn't require gorgeous surroundings to earn a place in the spotlight. Established in 1929, Chateau Tongariro has been attracting visitors from across the globe for years, the purpose for which it was originally built.

Its neo-Georgian design and remarkable décor and furnishings, international-standard accommodation and first-class facilities have ensured Chateau Tongariro has long enjoyed an enviable reputation. It also possesses New Zealand's highest golf course.

This Category One Historic Building has picked up a host of awards along the way and celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2009.

Have you seen our native kiwi with your own eyes? If you haven't, well it's about time you did! Visit Maungatautari Ecological Island, just one of the Waipa District's ecological attractions. In this 3,400ha area, you are able to get up close to some of New Zealand's threatened bird species, including the kiwi, takahe, hihi and kaka.

Maungatautari is in the process of being developed as an ecological 'mainland island', surrounded by a pest-proof fence. Once all the pests and predators are removed, the island will be a large sanctuary for relocated native species. Maungatautari contains three enclosures, two of which are open to the public. There are various walking tracks available, which offer you the chance to see some of our most endangered species thriving in a natural environment, safe from any predators.

Kiwi, kaka, hihi, whiteheads and the highly endangered takahe have already been returned to the mountain with plans for more reintroductions as funds allow. You'll also see various reptiles, fish and amphibians, as well as beautiful flora and fauna.