Turangi Blue Duck Treasure Trail

Where to start

The Blue Duck Treasure Trail begins and ends at the Turangi i-SITE, 1 Ngawaka Pl. There is plenty of all-day parking adjacent to the Visitor Centre.

The trail

The Tongariro River Trail is an easy grade 2 mountain bike ride which winds its way along the banks of the beautiful Tongariro River, suitable for beginner riders and families. The trail includes two exciting swing bridges to cross and is surrounded by native bush and birdsong.

We recommend starting the Blue Duck Treasure Trail at the Turangi i-SITE (although there are many access points along the trail).

Keep an eye out for the blue ducks hidden along the trail and collect the code letters as you ride! You will need to ride the whole trail (12km) in order to get all 12 code letters. 

The riding on this trail is relatively flat, grade 2 riding, and the trail surface is mostly firm.

The Tongariro River is world renowned for its trout fishing and the river trail is a window to this world. You’ll pass fisherman wading in famous fishing pools with names like Major Jones and Duchess Pool, named after the Queen Mother who once fly-fished there.

Pack a picnic and make a day of it with a visit to the Tongariro National Trout Centre along the way.

Learn more about the Blue Duck Project at www.blueduckproject.co.nz and www.whioforever.co.nz or better still, see the whio in their natural habitat on the Tongariro River with a Blue Duck Eco-Experience with Tongariro River Rafting.