Discover the delights of nearby Whanganui. What’s 40 miles when you have your own rental car? The drive there is half the fun! Virginia Lake, Whanganui Museum and South Beach alone justify the drive. The locals are also likely to point you in the direction of Taupo, 60 miles away. If you can only find time for one thing here, make sure it’s Taupo Hot Springs. (But we’re also big fans of Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon.)