The Kaimanawa Range of mountains (often known as the Kaimanawas) is located in the central North Island of New Zealand. They extend for 50 kilometres in a northeast/southwest direction through largely uninhabited country to the south of Lake Taupō, east of the "Desert Road". Their slopes form part of the North Island Volcanic Plateau. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "breath for food" for Kaimanawa.