Central Volcanic Plateau

The Central Volcanic Plateau eco-region contains two districts, both defined by their volcanic landscapes of rhyolite domes and ignimbrite. The Atiamuri district, located in the upper Waikato River catchment, features a complex relief and remnant forests that are a transition zone for plant species. The Taupo district is centered on Lake Taupo, with a landscape of rolling hills and plains shaped by the Taupo eruption. While much of the original forest has been cleared, significant tracts remain on the Hauhungaroa Range, and the lake and its wetlands provide crucial habitats for native wildlife.