Turangi/Tongariro
"trout fishing capital"
Four hours drive from either Auckland or Wellington and 40 minutes from Taupo, is Turangi.
Located at the southern end of the lake, on the banks of the wonderful Tongariro River, Turangi and its surrounding countryside offers some of the world’s best trout fishing, challenging hunting, hiking the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing or taking a leisurely bush walk on the many surrounding trails.
Turangi was once a little boom town in the 60's, increasing dramatically in population as a result of hydro electricity work, with the Tongariro Power Development. Today it is a busy centre on the banks of the river and a tourist gateway to the Tongariro World Heritage Park, Kaimanawa Forest Park, Pureroa Forest Park, and the Mt Ruapehu ski fields of Turoa and Whakapapa.
A fisherman's mecca for nearly 100 years. But there's far more to Turangi than fishing. White water rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, bushwalking, indoor and outdoor climbing, culturally guided walks; mini golf and golf are all choices you have in this vibrant rural destination. When you're at the Southern End of the lake don't miss the historic village of Tokaanu, famous for its mineral hot pools and geothermal area.
The small picturesque settlements of Kuratau, Omori, Pukawa and Whareroa, are lakeside spots a short drive off the Western Bays Highway. There are several tiny villages on the lake edge from Motuoapa to Hatepe, on State Highway 1 driving north to Taupo.
Turangi is also a gateway to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest National Park created by the gift of the sacred mountain peaks by Tuwharetoa’s paramount chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV (Horonuku) in 1887. Turangi is handily located to the Kaimanawa Forest Park, popular with hunters and outdoor enthusiasts searching for a more remote experience. Yet these attractions are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you’re looking for sightseeing or mountain-climbing Turangi is your perfect base to explore the spectacular Central Plateau. There really is something for everyone.
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