Treetops Activities - Locations

Mayor and White Islands

Named by Captain Cook in 1769, “Mayor” because he saw it on Lord Mayor’s Day (November 3), “White” because “so it always appeared to us”, these two volcanic islands form the northern margin of the Bay of Plenty. Mayor Island is a collapsed volcanic cone, the rugged skyline being simply a rim of hills around a wide “caldera” in the centre.  Once a popular big game fishing resort, since 1993 the island has been the hub of the Tuhua Reserve, providing protection for both the wildlife on the island and the fish in the surrounding sea. “Tuhua”, the Maori name for the island is also the name for obsidian, the so-called volcanic glass, which is common on the island and was highly prized by the Maori in pre-European times.

Mayor Island has been dormant for over 6,000 years, in marked contrast to its close neighbour White Island, the most active volcano in New Zealand. White Island (actually just the crater rim of a 700 metre high volcano) is in an almost constant state of mild eruption, and many believe (wrongly) that its name refers to the steam cloud that usually towers above it. In fact it seems Cook saw it during a quiescent phase, and the “white” moniker refers, perhaps, to the gannet colonies nesting on the island. With more violent eruptions every few years, the island is continuously monitored by vulcanologists.

The waters around both islands are renowned fishing and scuba diving localities. White Island is 35 minutes by helicopter from Treetops, or about 1 ½ hours by boat from Whakatane.

Bay of Plenty

Well named by Captain Cook, although he was referring to the coast rather than the sea, the waters of this huge bay afford some of the best game fishing in New Zealand. Game fishing boats can be chartered from either Tauranga or Whakatane, for an unforgettable day’s fishing. Surf casting from one of the endless white sand beaches that gird the bay is also popular, while for the non-fisherman there is surfing, sunbathing, or day trips from Whakatane to White Island and the opportunity to spot dolphins or even large whales.

East Coast

From East Cape to Hawke Bay (or “Hawke’s Bay”, the name still used for the surrounding land given in 1769 by Captain Cook in honour of Edward Hawke, first Lord of the Admiralty) is a game fisherman’s paradise. Fishing boats can be chartered from either Gisborne or Napier.

Te Urewera

The Urewera mountain range, thickly carpeted in primeval forest, is one of the great wilderness areas of New Zealand. Much of it is protected in Te Urewera National Park, including beautiful Lake Waikaremoana (= “sparkling waters”), site of some of the best bush hiking in New Zealand. Hunting for deer and pigs is popular throughout the area, even within the boundaries of the national park since, as introduced animals, they do not attract the protection extended to native species. The fishing in rivers and lakes is superb. From Treetops the area is best accessed by helicopter, a trip of about one hour.

Cape Kidnappers

The cape was named by Captain Cook when his Tahitian cabin boy was kidnapped by local Maori who thought him (wrongly as it turned out) to be in need of liberating. The cabin boy in turn liberated himself, and swam back to Cook’s ship! Cape Kidnappers is the site not only of the largest gannet colony in New Zealand, but also of one of the best golf courses in the world. The Cape Kidnappers Golf Course runs along the cliff tops, affording panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and the bay. The golf and the gannets can be accessed by helicopter or car from Treetops, and a visit can be combined with one to the Hawke’s Bay vineyards.

Hawke’s Bay and Napier

One of the premiere wine-growing regions of New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay boasts almost forty of the country’s best wineries. Many of these are open to the public for wine tasting and meals. Napier itself is a magnet for Art Deco enthusiasts from throughout the world. The original town was almost completely destroyed in 1931 by a massive earthquake and subsequent fire. Rebuilt in only a few years at the height of the Art Deco craze, the town today is a living showcase of the style, and hosts an annual Art Deco weekend every summer.

Gisborne

New Zealand’s third largest wine-growing region is also its most remote. More than a dozen vineyards produce some of the country’s best wine, and the area is also home to award-winning cider.

Ruapehu

Towering to 2797 metres, Ruapehu is the highest mountain in the North Island. It is an active volcano that erupted in the mid 1900s (leading to the deaths of over 150 people) and again in the 1990s. Contrasting with this violent heritage, Ruapehu is also the North Island’s winter playground, boasting the biggest skifield in New Zealand, and numerous walking tracks on the lower slopes.

Tongariro

Tongariro is the name of a mountain, a National Park, and one of the best trout rivers in the country. Tongariro National Park encompasses not only this mountain but also the neighbouring volcanoes of Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. It can claim the distinction of being the fourth oldest National Park in the world, coming into being in 1887, only a few years after Yellowstone in the USA. Ngauruhoe is the most active mainland volcano in New Zealand, having erupted over 60 times since 1839, although it has been dormant since 1975.

Tongariro is the location of the famous Tongariro Crossing track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Hikers start in the foothills of Mt Ngauruhoe, then, over the course of an energetic day, climb to the summit craters of Mt Tongariro, passing steaming vents and volcanic lakes, before descending down the far side. The views are incomparable but be warned: the weather can be fickle and temperatures can fall rapidly; if planning on making the crossing, check weather forecasts and be prepared.

The Tongariro River, like several other smaller rivers flowing into Lake Taupo, is a fly fisherman’s paradise! Trout are not native to New Zealand, and a trout hatchery ensures the rivers and the lake remain well-stocked. Turangi township, at the mouth of the river, styles itself, with some justification, the trout capital of the world.

Lake Taupo

Approximately 30 km across, Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake, and one of its deepest. Like most of the geographic features of this part of New Zealand, it is the result of volcanic activity, being composed of a number of vast overlapping craters (or, more accurately, ‘calderas’). Its crystal-clear waters provide excellent trout fishing, and the lake is also popular for swimming, and boating.

Rotorua

Officially the name of a lake (Roto = lake, rua = basin, a reference to the approximately circular valley in which the lake lies. This lake, like most of the others in the area was named about 700 years ago by the first Maori chief to penetrate to the centre of the North Island), Rotorua is also the name of the major town in the area, and of the entire “lake district” region.

Lake Rotorua boasts the highest catch rate for rainbow trout in the world. Lakes Rotoiti, Okataina and Tarawera are not far behind. Several of the larger lakes are popular for boating, while some of the smaller ones, such as Blue Lake, are used chiefly for swimming and water sports.

The Rotorua region is New Zealand’s Maori cultural centre, with many opportunities to experience the unique culture and buy authentic souvenirs. It is also the hub of the Volcanic Plateau, and as such is surrounded by a number of extraordinary geothermal features, including geysers, mud pools, crystal clear geothermal springs, and geothermal baths ranging from public pools to secret hot streams meandering through the forest.

Last but not least, the immediate vicinity of Rotorua Township boasts a quite extraordinary number of golf courses!

Tarawera

Lake Tarawera is one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, a Mecca for fishermen and boaties alike, its crystal-clear waters overshadowed by the imposing bulk of Mount Tarawera. Fishing Lake Tarawera is a must for any serious fisherman, and the lake also offers boat cruises, water skiing, and kayaking. A special feature is Hot Water Beach (reachable only by boat or helicopter) in the shadow of the mountain, where a series of geothermal springs behind the beach and even beneath the sand ensure you can bathe in warm water, even in the depth of winter. For the energetic the Vanishing River Walk is fascinating. Follow the crystal clear waters of the Tarawera River (be sure to take swimming costumes and towels if the weather is hot: the swimming holes of the river can be very tempting!) but slowly, over the 1 ½ hour walk, the river vanishes, only to emerge from a cavern in a cliff at the spectacular Tarawera Falls.

Mount Tarawera was the source of the most violent eruption in New Zealand in historical times when it erupted in 1886. Today it is dormant once more and guided 4-wheel vehicle drives to the summit can be arranged.

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