| Often overlooked by travelers attracted to the | | | | Tongariro since 1987 and knows the river like |
| winter delights of Tongariro National Park or the | | | | no-one else. From gentle river floats for first-time |
| tourist treasures of Taupo, Turangi has long been | | | | rafters and kids to wickedly wild and wet roller |
| the perennial bridesmaid, never the bride. But now | | | | coaster rides, this is an experience that you'll |
| the secret is out and travelers are discovering | | | | remember for years to come. |
| what the locals have always known; Turangi is a | | | | Turangi, Tongariro and Southern Lake Taupo have |
| natural paradise with hunting, fishing, mountain | | | | some of the best mountain biking in New Zealand. |
| biking, hiking, bush walks, white water rafting, | | | | With single track crisscrossing much of the region, |
| kayaking, golfing, horse riding and skiing right at its | | | | through ancient beech forests, around the lake, |
| doorstep. | | | | beside and through rivers, past volcanoes and |
| Just four hours drive from either Auckland or | | | | across mountainous terrain, there's something |
| Wellington and only 40 minutes from Taupo, | | | | here for the beginner, weekend warrior and |
| Turangi is located at the southern side of Lake | | | | trailblazing serious rider. Hire a bike from Tongariro |
| Taupo alongside the mighty Tongariro River and is | | | | River Rafting and freedom ride or take one of |
| known as 'The Trout Fishing Capital of the World'. | | | | their guided rides. They will also give you a shuttle |
| Anglers from all over the world come here to the | | | | ride to your choice of MTB trail and pick you up |
| 'Holy Grail' of fly fishing to do battle with the large | | | | when you're finished. |
| rainbow trout that run aplenty in the river and its | | | | Rated as the best one day trek in New Zealand |
| many pools. During fly fishing season, it's common | | | | and listed by many in the top 10 day treks in the |
| to see film stars, business leaders and world | | | | world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an 18.5 |
| politicians rubbing shoulders with locals and visitors | | | | kilometre, full day traverse of the spectacular |
| alike, in the search for that elusive 'big fish' or | | | | volcanic terrain of Mt Tongariro. Along the way, |
| regaling each other with stories about 'the one | | | | you'll see steaming vents and hot springs, old lava |
| that got away'. | | | | flows, craters and lakes and on a clear day, |
| You can learn the art of fly fishing at Riverway | | | | stunning views of Mt Taranaki, Mt Ngaruhoe and |
| General Store and Outfitters. This Tongariro River | | | | Lake Taupo. |
| landmark has been part of the local landscape for | | | | If a full day hike doesn't appeal, then don't worry |
| the past 50 years and is the place to head to for | | | | as the area is covered in beautiful walks. The |
| the inside knowledge on how the pools are fishing. | | | | Tongariro River Loop and Tongariro River |
| With a tackle shop, fishing guides, fishing school | | | | Walkway are two picturesque walks that take an |
| and some of the best expresso coffee in Turangi, | | | | hour and 3 hours respectively. A nice easy walk |
| Riverway exemplifies all that is wonderful about | | | | for all to enjoy is the Tokaanu thermal walk. This |
| fly fishing in this region. | | | | 20 - 30 minute walk takes you through a natural |
| The fishing doesn't stop there with Lake Taupo | | | | thermal area with steaming hot mineral pools and |
| offering some of the best experiences in lake | | | | spluttering mud pools surrounded by native bush. |
| fishing. There's a wonderful welcome for all from | | | | A visit to Tokaanu is not complete without a |
| Adam of AJ Charters aboard his 38 foot | | | | soak in the Tokaanu Thermal Pools. These pools |
| catamaran 'Daydream'. You'll visit some of the | | | | have been a very welcome way to rejuvenate |
| idyllic bays and fishing spots this side of Lake | | | | for centuries and still delight young and old with |
| Taupo; Tokaanu, Waihi, Pukawa, Omori, Kuratau | | | | their warm soothing, therapeutic water. |
| and Stump Bay. All forms of lake fishing are | | | | Spending time in the great outdoors is a sure way |
| catered for including harling, trolling and jigging and | | | | to work up an appetite and Turangi caters for |
| Adam will clean and bag your catch so all you | | | | everyone's taste buds. The great New Zealand |
| have to do is cook it. | | | | pie is a kiwi cuisine classic and Turangi Bakery has |
| You can also take the kids fishing at the | | | | some of the nicest pies you can ever have. Ask |
| Tongariro National Trout Centre. A wild trout | | | | for a steak and bacon pie, that's if they haven't |
| fishery experience and education facility, here you | | | | sold out, as these pies are so popular, they run |
| can learn about everything to do with trout, | | | | out the door. Red Crater Cafe and Mustard Seed |
| fishing and New Zealand's freshwater ecology. The | | | | Cafe are local haunts, popular for their laid back, |
| centre also holds special children's fishing days | | | | relaxed atmosphere and delicious meals. |
| where kids can catch a trout which is then | | | | The list of things to do in Turangi doesn't stop |
| weighed, measured and presented to them with a | | | | here. For those who enjoy the indoors, there's an |
| certificate to take home. They can also get their | | | | indoor climbing wall, indoor swimming pool and two |
| fish filleted and smoked on site. | | | | art galleries. Or you can enjoy a round or two of |
| Where there's a river, there are rapids and | | | | golf (or mini golf with the kids). So the secret is |
| Turangi is just about as famous for its white | | | | out. Turangi; no longer the bridesmaid but now |
| water rafting as its fishing. Garth of Tongariro | | | | centre stage as the blushing bride. |
| River Rafting has been a rafting guide on the | | | | |