Spread across the middle of the North Island, the Taupo Volcanic Zone is a geologically exciting area of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, shooting geysers, strange rock forms and even volcanoes. Three active ones cluster together in Tongariro National Park – Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
Remarkable scenes unfold among their rugged territory, which contrasts dramatically with the blue jewel of Lake Taupo lying at their feet. This road trip around the Central Volcanic Plateau takes in these eye-popping extremes, and more.