2025 Desert Road Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #postandearn Location: Waikato Region, North Island, New Zealand Tags: #WaikatoGardens #HamiltonGardens #NZFlora #GardenEscape #WaikatoWonders #HiddenGemsNZ #BotanicalBeauty #NatureInDesign In the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the Waikato region unfolds into a landscape of rolling green hills, winding rivers—and some of the country’s most enchanting gardens. At its centre lies the Hamilton Gardens, a world-renowned attraction that takes visitors on a journey through history, culture, and botanical wonder. Unlike typical botanical gardens, Hamilton Gardens is designed as a collection of themed spaces—each telling a story through plants, architecture, and landscape. Wander from an elegant Italian Renaissance Garden to a mystical Māori Te Parapara Garden, or step into a vibrant Indian Char Bagh or tranquil Japanese Garden of Contemplation—all within a few short steps. Why Visit Waikato Gardens: Explore 20+ themed garden spaces at Hamilton Gardens A unique blend of design, storytelling, and horticulture Peaceful riverside walks along the Waikato River Great for families, photographers, and garden enthusiasts Year-round beauty with seasonal highlights Whether you're soaking in the calm of a Zen garden or marveling at Baroque symmetry, Waikato’s gardens are a lush and unforgettable escape into the art of nature.

This is an absolute must visit if you are doing a trip around the north island of New Zealand, the Tongariro national park is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. It was the setting for a lot of the Lord of The rings Teiloft so it’s a very popular place, the filming location for mount doom. It comprises of a walk through the mountains, lakes and passes that make up the area. We booked a trip but unfortunately due to the high winds the trip was cancelled, please check the weather carefully and take it seriously - we saw lots of unprepared people. We instead took the smaller walk to the Tama lakes which was also stunning. It’s roughly a 2.5 hour walk over the barren tundra to see two huge lakes formed by previous volcanic eruptions. There are also small streams and waterfalls along the way, so plenty to see and do! There are also various hikes that veer off the main routes but be careful as some are quite long and have no toilets. The main routes are well maintained with toilets every 45 minutes or so. There’s a welcome center and cafes at the entrance but everything them is very expensive! We stopped off at small shops before hand and stocked up to save money! ‼️ Make sure you use suncream and top up often, we walked for four hours and it was very hot with absolutely NO SHADE. Please be careful, we saw lots of burnt people. Even if it’s cold and windy you can burn ‼️ 📍Address: Tongariro National Park, half an hour drive from Turangi 🕰️Business Hours: Depends on the weather please check daily! 💰Average Price per Person: £30-100 depending on your group size and guide. 🗓️Itinerary Scheduling: Get there early and start early, try and be done by lunch to avoid the heat and lack of shade #naturalwonders #explore #travel #hiking #thingstodo #mountain #outdoor #nature #lordoftherings #filmsite #newzealand #northisland

Mount Ruapehu, located in the central North Island of New Zealand, is the largest active volcano in the country and one of its most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Standing at 2,797 meters (9,177 feet), it’s the highest peak in the North Island and is part of the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, skiing resorts, and scenic hiking trails, Mount Ruapehu is a hub for year-round adventure. Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 2007. Its summit houses a crater lake known as Te Wai ā-moe, which periodically warms up due to volcanic activity. When not in a state of eruption, the lake is accessible for guided tours and provides a stunning, otherworldly view with its milky, turquoise waters surrounded by volcanic rock. In the summer, Mount Ruapehu is a popular destination for climbers. Its rugged terrain and volcanic features provide an exciting challenge for mountaineers. Several routes lead to the summit, offering views of the North Island and, on a clear day, the chance to see the surrounding volcanoes, Mount Taranaki, and even the distant Lake Taupo. Mount Ruapehu’s combination of volcanic activity, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation makes it one of New Zealand’s most exciting and diverse natural attractions. Whether you’re there for skiing, hiking, or simply soaking in the stunning views, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

One of the Lord of the Rings filming locations Located in New Zealand's North Island Tongariro National Park But it is too difficult to reach the top if you choose the wrong route😰

🌋When I reached this summit I was very moved! After a long walk, we finally got here! ! ! ! There are several small lakes on the volcano that are emerald green! So beautiful! Oh my god~ ‼ ️The first thing I want to share is that this is a long walk! Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4KM and takes 7 single trips ranging from 6-8 hours, which is frankly super tiring! Maybe I don't train on weekdays 🤣 The trail starts at Mangatepopo Road, the trail ends at Ketetahi Road, reverse trekking is not recommended maybe. We should all do our best! Always have a reverence for nature💛 📃 Essentials: 💦 Drinking water: per person! 1 liter and more of mineral water or energy water 🍫 Food: Chocolate food, bread country, energy bars 🦯Hiking poles! ! It is essential for the weak in physical fitness to stabilize the body's center of gravity and also speed up the hiking speed. I just halfway saw others thinking very need, picked up the roadside wooden stick instead. 👟 Climbing shoes: Most of the road is either full of large and small rocks or rugged and uneven, especially the extremely steep after climbing to the top! Downhill! It can protect the ankle from being sprained. I directly wear sneakers a little regret, from experience is that climbing shoes grip better. ⚠️Since October 2023, those who want to conduct Tongariro Alpine Crossing will need to book in advance through the DOC's reservation system. 📍Tongariro Alpine Crossing #globaltravel #overseastravel #New Zealand

Finally achieved a big dream: Complete Tongariro Alpine Crossing! The total length is 19.4km, about 22km in total, completed in 7.5h! I have seen too many azure seas and lush mountains in Auckland, it's time to see the famous Tongariro National Park to see the volcanoes. Actually, for me who usually do physical work and occasionally exercise, the overall difficulty is not particularly large, but it tests patience. After climbing to the top and seeing the emerald lake, there is nearly two hours of mountain road looking at the winding downhill road of Lake Taupo, which is very torturous to the knee, so you can consider running downhill appropriately.

Went tramping to Tama Lakes. It was so spectacular views. Definitely will be back here. 100 recommended.#newzealand

Mount Ruapehu is located on the North Island of New Zealand, not far from Wellington. The top of the volcano is covered in snow all year round, and the driving conditions are good. There is a tourist center and convenient parking, making it easy for visitors to learn about relevant information. There are multiple hiking trails to choose from based on time and personal condition. Necessary equipment and precautions for hiking can be learned at the tourist center, where there are also videos and tour maps available for viewing and understanding before setting off. It is strongly recommended to hike here and enjoy the scenery along the way! Set off with your loved ones and let loose in the wilderness of the southern hemisphere!