10 Reasons to visit Central Park New Zealand
By: Patricia

By: Linda de Klerk

For action, adventure and scenery, Central Park New Zealand has it all. Located in the heart of the North Island, this beautiful region is one of New Zealand’s premier tourist destinations. Aside from the famous lakes, geothermal wonders, sparkling beaches and stunning mountains Central park ticks all the boxes if your into Mountain biking, Golf, Fishing, skiing, tramping , surfing plus so much more. As quoted in the Australian Mountain Bike magazine as "the best single trails in the world". If fishing is your passion – welcome to heaven.

The fishing on offer in Central Park is quite simply spectacular both fresh and sea offers the fisherman true serenity. Central Park NZ is also one of the southern hemispheres premier skiing destinations and enables skiers from around the world to ski during the northern hemisphere's summer. Central Park is one of the golfing meccas of New Zealand, with more than 50 outstanding golf clubs in just about every location around the region where you can take a swing at world famous clubs such as Wairakei, Kinlock and the stunning Cape Kidnappers. The region has a very diverse geography – in fact so diverse it has everything that New Zealand has to offer walkers and trampers.

Not only is it Central but its” Events Central” covering a plethora of codes. If you are not an adrenaline junkie Central Park New Zealand is still absolutely the place to be, even if it is to just admire the spectacular scenery while enjoying the many cafes, restaurants, and shops on offer come visit us- collectively it is heaven! Fly Direct from Sydney to Rotorua every Tuesday and Saturday with Air New Zealand - www.centralparknz.com

Mountain biking in the Whakarewarewa Forest – Rotorua

Photo By Graeme's Pixs

Just a short 10 minute drive from Rotorua International Airport, and a shorter 5 minute drive from Rotorua city will take you to what Australian Mountain Bike Magazine label the best tracks in the world. With a phenominal trail system geared up for any skill level it’s no wonder people from all over the globe are making their way over to this fantastic place to ride “sweet” flowing single trail through Pine and Native Forest. From extreme downhill to mild trail riding, this bike park has it all.

The Whakapapa ski field volcanoes provide a commanding presence at the heart of this astonishing landscape

Photo By Mouse

Whakapapa has the largest area of patrolled ski field in New Zealand. It is home to the “Screamer” which is a really nice ski slope because you can access the top and bottom from the knoll t bar, so you can do laps of a nice steep run while only having to ride one lift. It starts off fairly mellow and then gets steeper the further you go down, with plenty of options and space.

Turoa ski field boasts the highest lift in the southern hemisphere

Photo By Cliff Hanger

The Triangle ski area has 3 different aspects with a variety of terrain features. It is a good long run with easy access off the high noon. The limited skier numbers in this area also make for good untouched skiing.

The Kinloch Golf Club is New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus designed course, voted in the top 10 new golf courses in the world 2007

Photo By LEMONY2

A terrific test of golf surrounded by majestic views of Lake Taupo and surrounding countryside. This course will test every aspect of your game. Off the back tees the fairways won’t be easy to find, your approaches to the green can be brutal and the slopey greens will test the best putters amongst you.

The Cape Kidnappers Golf Course in Hawkes Bay

The Cape Kidnappers Golf Course in Hawkes Bay is currently ranked 41st best golf course in the world says it all, built on a spectacular piece of land this truly is a great modern marvel in golf. From the amazing drive into the property to the luxury locker rooms you will be wowed at every turn. If you died and went to heaven and this was the only course you had for eternity you would be happy. Just play it!!

The Craters of the Moon in Taupo

Photo By Tattooed JJ

The Craters of the Moon in Taupo has one of the most beautiful starting points for a mountain bike ride that you could ever imagine.With the backdrop of Huka Falls and it’s bright blue and clean waters, this riding park maintained by the local club is sure to entertain for the day. You can’t forget to check out the geothermal activity through this park too.

Fly fishing in the Rangitaiki River

Photo by Zoompick at Flickr

The venue of the World 1991 Fly Championships the upper reaches is predominately slow winding through close overhanging scrub edges. Along this course it is joined by other rivers, all very good fisheries.

The Whirinaki River

Central Park fly fishing offers some the finest quality brown and rainbow trout trophy fishing in the world. The Whirinaki River epitomizes everything an angler wishes for in a back country river, solitude, technical water, and abundant fish. The upper reaches are bush lined, winding through ravines, and rocky outcrops before slowing up to meander through old hawthorn bush lined edges and in places, unkempt farmland. This part of the river is easily accessed from adjacent gravel roads. The central mountainous reaches are more rugged, with deep pools, rapids, and long glides.

Tauranga’s clean waters are surging with a great variety of fish

From surf casting to deep sea fishing, the sport has a huge following from locals and visitors to the area. Half day trips and overnight stays are common, with experienced guides boasting extensive game fishing knowledge. Many trips take in waters near Mayor Island and White Island (protected marine reserves) and the region is regarded internationally as home to some of the finest game fishing waters in the world. World marlin, swordfish, kingfish and hapuka records have been set in these waters.

The Tongariro Alpine

Photo: Jimmy Johnson

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the Tongariro National Park has been declared as one of the top ten day walks in the world by the Lonely Planet! This walk should be on the list of every keen tramper. Its dramatic scenery and unique land forms will leave you breathless!

About the blogger:

Central Park NZ includes 7 diverse regions: Bay of Plenty, The Coromandel, Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua, Ruapehu, Lake Taupo and Waitomo. The region takes you from the rugged coast to boiling mud pools and underground caves, through to sparkling lakes, snow capped mountains, art deco buildings, fine wine, and quite literally, everything between.

Learn more here

Follow Central Park NZ on Twitter