With thermal activity that resembles bubbling cauldrons of shooting mud

With thermal activity that resembles bubbling cauldrons of shooting mud, Rotorua is definitely the "hot seat" of the North Island of New Zealand. There are various attractions with all things Maori - meeting houses, tikis, war canoes, hangis, carvings, history, artefacts and more - if it's Maori, it's here! Hangis (cooking done in natural steam ovens in the backyard) are a great eating experience and a Maori concert is the perfect icing on your holiday cake. If you think I'm excited about this place, you're certainly right!

Maori carving

Does the thought of catching rainbow trout appeal to your senses? Yes? Well, lucky for you that an enormous explosion occurred in 186 AD and formed a volcanic crater now called Lake Taupo. It is New Zealand's largest lake and caters for the adventurous (with numerous water activities) as well as the more conservative sightseers like me. Not too far by car from here are the Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids.