Originally Posted by Expatriate
Is Ohakune on the S. Island? I think I got a shot of that too. Also a giant lobster and some clams or something. Are the trails around Rotorua as nice as I've read about? I meant to try the heli-biking on the South Island, but figured that wasn't the best idea as I was travelling alone in a caravan for the first 3 weeks.
What Mr Monkey said - Ohakune's in the North Island, about 1.5 hours south of Taupo, it's a ski town in winter, carrot growing market garden town the rest of the time.
Rotorua (aka Roto Vegas) is MTB mecca in NZ. The 2005 (or is it 2006?) Worlds are being held there which is quite a coup. Apart from regular tourism, I think mountain bikers provide a huge boost to the local economy keeping cafes and motels busy most weekends.