Turangi on Rainy Days

Turangi is a considered a hidden gem at the southern end of Great Lake Taupo. It is renowned for its trout fishing and being a base for those tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or skiing at Ruapehu. But what do you do in Turangi if the weather turns?

Go Mountain Biking

So many trails, so little time. Cruise the lake path, ride the forest tracks or race the Cycle Challenge. Hire a mountain bike for the day and try out one of the local tracks including:

Tongariro River Track
Tree Trunk Gorge
Fischers Track
Moerangi Station
42 Traverse – an all day climb through native bush combining heart-stopping downhills with tough climbs

For more information on these tracks and to find out where to hire bikes visit the Turangi iSITE

Visit the hot pools

Relax in the soothing and therapeutic waters of Tokaanu Thermal Pools, situated just a few kilometres west of Turangi, in the tiny township of Tokaanu (look out for the steam!). A visit to the pools is the perfect way to enjoy the day with family and friends, and learn more about the historic and fascinating thermal area.

You can enjoy the large public pool which is heated with fresh chlorinated water to around 36oC- 37oC or choose from one of the family sized private natural mineral pools which range from 39oC- 41oC. For the kids, there is a special pool heated to 36oC with fresh chlorinated water situated right beside the main pool.

Entry prices start from $6.00 (adult) and $4.00 (child) – preschoolers are FREE

Genesis Energy Turangi Aquatic Centre

Situated in the centre of Turangi, the centre provides a great family outing to the hot pools. It is Poolsafe accredited and fully enclosed with an air temperature of 24degrees - no hot sun or cold wind!

Facilities include 4 heated pools: 1 x 25m Lane pool 1.1m deep, bombing\aquarobics pool 1.8 m deep, learners pool 0.9m deep with disability hoist chair, and a toddlers pool. Lane swimming is available all year. Two family/disability changing rooms with hot showers are available. The facility also has an eating area, which is perfect for birthdays or lunch for the kids. Great cafe's and shops are within easy walking distance.

A carved pou, which has been within Turangi township for a number of years, stands in the foyer. The pou, “Waiora”, was restored to its former glory by local resident Guy Smallman and his family and will act as a kaitiaki (guardian) for all who enter the aquatic centre.

Entry prices $3.00 (adult) and $2.00 (child)

Go to Tongariro National Trout Centre

Nestled in a peaceful bush setting, the Tongariro National Trout Centre provides a peek into the world of trout in Great Lake Taupo.

Situated beside the famous Tongariro River, you can see and feed wild trout in their natural environment, wander through the hatchery facility, look through an underwater trout viewing chamber or take a stroll along the Tongariro River. The River Walk Visitor Centre is open to the public, full of interesting displays about the Taupo Trout Fishery.

The Tongariro National Trout Centre is situated four kilometres south of Turangi on State Highway 1.
Entry price is $10 (adult) with children free

Hit the Indoor Rock Wall

Head along to Vertical Assault Turangi (at Extreme Backpackers) to use the competition-rated indoor climbing wall and experience some indoor rock climbing adventure. They have a large range of climbs to suit all ages and abilities and the kids (and adults) will love the challenge.

Get quad biking

Tongariro Quads offer unique quad biking rides through the Tongariro Forest Park. Half day, full day and multi-day tours are available. Riding is all through scenic native bush in one of the most spectacular areas of New Zealand.

Or visit one of our cosy Turangi cafes and enjoy a good coffee and the newspaper...