Insider’s Guide: Experience Tūrangi
A little town with a ‘big fish’ reputation, Tūrangi—on the southern shores of Lake Taupō—serves as a super convenient base camp for anglers looking to cast out for those world-famous, wily trout on the Tongariro River. It’s also a great stay over for adventurous types setting out on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
But not everyone who stays over in Tūrangi has a fish or a famous one-day trek in their sights. Good news, for significant others, it’s also a handy stopover for plenty of other memorable adventures. But first, those big fish …
Fly-fishing capital of the world
Rising in the Tongariro National Park and flowing through Tūrangi, the legendary Tongariro River teems with rainbow and brown trout—quite simply, this is an angler's dream destination. Enjoy pristine backcountry angling, spring smelting action along the river mouths and beaches, dry fly fishing in summer, and annual migration runs up the lake tributaries. Hire an expert guide to take you to the best places or teach you how to fish.
Hiking & Biking: Tongariro River Trail
Easy walking and biking. The Tongariro River Trail is a 15km family-friendly loop of undulating track starting from Tūrangi. Follow the world-famous trout river across swing bridges, through rolling farmland, native beech forests and ferny glades, enjoying river and mountain views. Stop by the Tongariro National Trout Centre along the way.
Hiking: Lake Rotopounamu
Stunning. Explore luscious Lake Rotopounamu—a crater lake gem at the foot of Mount Pihanga, just south of Tūrangi. This easy 2-hour 5 km loop track winds through beautiful beech forest on the edges of Lake Rotopounamu. Keep an eye out for native forest birds like the North Island robin, kākā, kereru, and karearea or native falcon.
Horse riding: Korohe Horse Treks
Cool as. Climb in the saddle with Korohe Horse Treks and explore the outdoors on horse back. Suitable for everyone from small beginners and horse riding novices to experienced riders. Rides last for 20 minutes or up to 4 or 5 hours. Discover the enchanted forest, cross the Waimarino River and go for a swim with your new four-legged friend!
Kayaking & Stand Up Paddleboarding, Kuratau
Serene. Hire a kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) from Tongariro Adventures, carry it straight to the lake edge and paddle along the shores to the Kuratau River mouth. Listen to the serenade of the songbirds as you explore this shallow, quiet waterway flowing from the Tongariro Forest to the southern shores of Lake Taupō.
Mountain biking trails
Thrilling. Southern Lake Taupo has some of the best mountain bike country and most renowned trails in NZ—from scenic rides to downhill thrills and technical challenges. Tūrangi is a great launching pad for exploring diverse trails including the 42 Traverse, Tree Trunk Gorge in Kaimanawa Forest Park, the historic Timber Trail, Great Lake Trail and the Ohakune Old Coach Road Great Ride.
Hire a bike or take a guided tour with Tongariro Mountain Bikes—the experts who know where to find the most beautiful rides, relaxing or challenging trails.
Photo opportunities: The Lake Taupō Tree
Curious nature. Fast becoming an iconic Taupō feature, the Lake Taupō Tree deserves a stop. A bit north of Tūrangi, near the Tauranga Taupō river mouth, a lone willow rises from the shallows—this is the Lake Taupō Tree. You’ll see it on postcards and Instagram, but it’s even better in person, especially on still mornings when the lake is pure glass.
Pure relaxation: Tokaanu Hot Pools
Naturally immersive. Relax and soothe your body in the therapeutic waters of the hot thermal springs of Tokaanu, five minutes drive from Tūrangi. Nearby, explore the Tokaanu Thermal Walk where steaming hot mineral pools boil up to the surface and mud pools splutter beneath native bush—keep an eye out for rainbow trout.
Rafting: Tongariro River Rafting
Spell-binding adventures. Year-round guided true wilderness white water rafting trips for all ages and levels of experience: from family expeditions on a leisurely paddle through lush gorges and native bush to adrenaline thrills tackling multiple rapids. Experienced river guides deliver exceptional experiences with all safety gear, wetsuits and extra layers provided.
Tongariro National Trout Centre
The Tongariro National Trout Centre is nestled in forest near the Tongariro River. Learn about the freshwater habitat of trout and watch hatchlings and iridescent rainbow trout at the underwater viewing station. During school holidays, experienced older anglers are on hand to show school-aged children (3 to 18 years) how to fish. Their catch will be weighed, measured, filleted, and smoked, ready to enjoy.
Walking: Pukawa to Omori Track | Pukawa Bay
Discover the serene beauty of the bush along the southern shores of Lake Taupō at lovely Pukawa Bay. The lush rewarewa forest on the easy Pukawa Bush Walk is filled with the chorus of native song birds.
Wilderness: Kaimanawa Forest Park
Kaimanawa Forest Park sets the scene for spectacular outdoor experiences and some epic adventures: from scenic flights to heli hiking, luxury glamping, hunting and the newest wilderness adventure—the Kaimanawa Descent heli biking.
