Central North Island

Objectives of this module

• Explain the key selling points of the Thermal Explorer Highway.
• Build an itinerary including key highlights of the regions.
• Identify the key tourism centres in these regions.
• Link the Thermal Explorer Highway with other parts of New Zealand.

Key selling points

• Thermal Explorer Highway; a journey through New Zealand’s geothermal regions.
• Underground adventures in the Waitomo district.
• Geothermal activity; geysers, mud pools, steaming vents, hot pools, sulphur formations and geothermal flora.
• Natural Spas; thermal resorts and hot pool complexes.
• Maori Culture; performance art and hangi (earth oven) food.
• Remarkable landscapes; the North Island’s highest mountain and largest lake.
• Adventure; an abundance of thrill seeking activities.

Quick overview

• Main centres - Hamilton, Waitomo village, Rotorua, Taupo
• Auckland is starting point for the Thermal Explorer. In Napier it converges with the Pacific Coast Highway.
• Combine the Thermal Explorer with the Pacific Coast Highway to create the Great New Zealand Touring route a circular journey from Auckland.

Working through the Module

The module should take you approximately 3 hours. Suggested timings have been recommended for each of the sections.

Look out for important points, listed below, as you read through the module:

		Tasks that you can do as you work through the module to increase your knowledge. These are highly recommended, as they will help you successfully complete the module test.
		Information that will help you up-sell product and demonstrate to your client that you are an expert in selling New Zealand.
		Highlights within the regions

Suggested Task

The suggested task is designed to test your learning and reinforce your skills.

As you work through the module use the information you gather to build an itinerary using the following criteria.

Mode of transport: Rental Car
Time available - land: 5- 7 days
Starting point: Auckland
Ending point: Napier

Client Profile: A family with two teenage children in New Zealand for four weeks. They are starting their tour in the North Island following the Thermal Explorer. From Napier the family will connect with the Pacific Coast Highway and return to Auckland where they will fly to Christchurch to begin their tour of the South Island.

Take into consideration, travel times between centres and include suggested activities and attractions that fit your clients’ profiles. When you have completed the itinerary check Section Four to see how your itinerary compares or go onto the Tourism New Zealand website to look at suggested itineraries in their Driving Routes section.

Use this module, websites, and any other resources you have in your workplace to include as much pre-bookable product as you can.

Websites

There will be references to the Tourism New Zealand website in this document - newzealand.com and regional websites. Take time to get familiar with these websites, as they are a vital source of information:

Sections within the Module

There are five sections to this module:

Section 1:
Waikato and Rotorua

Section 2:
Taupo and Ruapehu

Section 3:
Annual Events: Events can be used to add value to a trip to New Zealand or alternatively a starting point for a holiday.

Section 4:
Suggested itineraries

Section 5:
Short Test

You must submit this to successfully complete the module.