The Southern Half
The North Island's Southern Half Welcome To The Southern Half of the North Island
This region covers the southern part of the North Island from Rotorua and Taupo south. Thus it includes the volcanic plateau centred around Tongariro National Park, Eastland, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki Manawatu/Wanganui and Wellington.
It's region of huge contrasts - from the dramatic mountains of Tongariro and Egmont National Parks to the gentle beauty of the eastern vineyard country. Rolling hill country farmland to the bustling commercial and political capital, Wellington.
There are three broad routes from north to south: Through the centre down State Highway 1, down the eastern side of the island on State Highway 2, or the western route through Taranaki, New Plymouth and Wanganui.
Which to choose? Depends on what spins your dial. And that's what this guide is about. Have a look at the information on each of these roads and/or areas and decide for yourself the sights and experiences that appeal most to you.
As I have been at pains to point out this is not a complete work. It's a half-finished version of an incomplete manuscript, But it may nonetheless be useful.
| The Southern Half |