The Central Plateau is full of amazing spots to explore - from barron volcanic landscapes, amazing rivers, ancient native forests, epic campsites - it has it all!
Join Daniel as he heads through Tukino Road, Waipakihi Road, State Forest 70, Link Road/The Centre of the North Island in the Pureora Forest Park and the Pokaka Mill Campsite, one of our favourites.
Driving up the side of an active volcano is something pretty special! The Tukino Access road is an amazing drive all year around - hit it up in winter to do some snow driving or head up in summer and see something completely unique
There is a gate that can be locked - called into the I-Site at Waiouru to see if you need a key or not.
Head out to the Waipakihi River on a road that gets rougher and rougher before heading into a open area.
Once you get past the river, things get pretty scratchy.
Graded medium as the river crossing can be tricky.
A short track down to the campsites at the Waikapihi River
This popular site makes a good base for hunting, tramping, walking and mountain biking with a variety of tracks close by.
This deep gorge has a complex history of formation. The river has eroded a narrow channel through ancient lava flows (350,000 years and older) of andesite and ignimbrite rock.
Short little drive into an awesome water cannon for the Rangipo dam. Few little sidetracks to explore on the way too, though they can be a bit scratchy
Head into the geographic centre of the North Island through the Pureora Forest Park - the short walk at the end is well worth the trip from the end of the track.
A basic campsite in the Ruapehu area.