CENTRAL PLATEAU
The Central Plateau Region is in the center of the North Island and includes the two districts of Ruapehu and Lake Taupo. A distinctive and scenic region, the Central Plateau is the pre-eminent volcanic area in the country - the source of Rotorua’s geothermal activity. Ruapehu District includes Mount Ruapehu (an active volcano with eight glaciers), the Raurimu Spiral railway, Tongariro National Park (the first national park established in the country), and a protected World Heritage site. The most popular tourist villages for the Ruapehu District are National Park, Ohakune, and Whakapapa. The population of the district is 13,500.
The other district in the Central Plateau is Lake Taupo, a popular holiday destination for sports and motor-sports, cycling, tourism, and trout fishing. Taupo is the largest city in the district.
The dominant industries in the region include: forestry production and research, earthquake and volcanic research, hydrothermal generation of electricity, and tourism. The climate is continental, with very hot summers, and cool winters. Temperatures range between 12°C and 25°C in summer, and 3°C and 14°C in winter.
www.discover-new-zealand.co.uk/cp/www.visitruapehu.com/
www.nationalpark.co.nz/
www.laketauponz.com/
www.ruapehudc.govt.nz/
