Travel & Tourism

Sitting on the edge of a plane door, 5km in the air, with a guy called Gareth strapped to my back, I’m thinking ‘How the flying fox did I get myself into this situation?’

Another beautiful Monday, how fortunate we have been with the weather.

Tūroa Ski Area is opening the High Noon Express chairlift this Saturday, marking the first weekend of the 2025 ski season with top-to-bottom skiing on Mt Ruapehu.

Rainbow Crater, Sulphur Crystal Cliffs, the Lagoon, Sauron’s Eye, Miner’s Lament all names oozing drama and colour.

The Department of Conservation is reminding four-wheel drive owners that the 42 Traverse is off-limits over winter to protect the track.

Today we walked in New Zealand’s largest mainland ecological island, an area protected by 47 kilometers of pest proof fencing situated on Maungatautari.

Life is a series of changing seasons and Matariki and the winter solstice is a perfect time to remember those and what has passed, celebrate what we have and reflect on the future.

Purchasing fishing licences for the Taupō Trout Fishery is now under a new licence sales system managed by the Department of Conservation.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit as a multi-day Great Walk loop is out of action over the 2025-26 season to make way for construction of a new Oturere Hut.

Another blue-sky Monday. How fortunate we were especially with the huge downpour on Sunday night and meteorological winter only weeks away.

A pair of Taupō women could best be described as active relaxers when they head overseas on holiday.

Taupō Motorsport Park’s Winter Driving Experience instructor Andrew Waite has all the tips when it comes to winter driving.

Rāhina dawned, chilly, crisp and clear.

A Taupō family of six has walked the length of the country along the Te Araroa trail, homeschooling all the way, having never done an overnight hike before.

Whakapapa Holdings Ltd has plans to “regrow” the popularity of snow sports after finally obtaining a concession to operate the ski field on Mt Ruapehu.

Whakaipo Lodge has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025.

Most people are familiar with the dangers birds pose to aircraft but in rural airports like Taupō, ground-based wildlife can also be problematic.

Despite dire forecasts of rain an optimistic crowd of walkers set off for the Ohaaki Wetlands.

The Department of Conservation’s Director-General, Penny Nelson, has granted Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.

This Rāhina we walked a medley of short, easy trails in the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve.

He may bear the name of a famous explorer, but Peter Cook (55) is fairly laid back about his own expeditions.

The section of State Highway 1 between Ātiamuri and Wairakei will remain closed until April 9.

Taupō got a boost to its profile this week, appearing on top-rating Australian breakfast show Sunrise on Wednesday morning.

A pea soup fog had us creeping along Broadlands Road at snail’s pace before we broke free of the gloom on the Rotorua side of Rainbow Mountain.

Today’s medley of walks may have been short on distance but certainly not short on variety, history, information or fun.

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash on SH5 at Rangitaiki.

No sooner has one road opened, than another one closes.

Taupō travel consultant Melissa Duder couldn’t have picked a worse time to start her new career – just before a global pandemic – but it has all paid off with a major award in Sydney on the weekend.

The Tūrangi to Waiouru stretch of State Highway 1 will reopen on Friday.

What a Goldilocks’ day. Not too hot and not too cold, just perfect for our walk in the Kaimanawa Forest.