The Taupō volcanic zone runs from Tongariro to the Bay of Plenty, and offers all the steaming cliffs, bubbling mud, and sleeping calderas a tourist could desire. But it's the natural hot springs that do it for me - there's nothing nicer, in my opinion, than slowly stewing in water that's slowly turning your skin pink. There are hydro slides, racing slides, water playgrounds for little kids and private pools and a treatment spa for adults. taupodebretts.co.nzBathe in Otumuheke Stream as it flows into the Waikato River at Spa Thermal Park, a 25-minute walk from Taupō. bakedwithlove.co.nzFor more New Zealand travel ideas and inspiration, go to newfinder.co.nz and newzealand.com

Source: New Zealand Herald May 23, 2021 03:00 UTC