The 10 Best Things to Do in Turangi, New Zealand

August 7, 2017 Rebbecca Marino

Turangi is a small town on the west bank of the Tongariro River, 50 kilometres south-west of Taupo on the North Island Volcanic Plateau of New Zealand. It was built to accommodate the workers associated with the Tongariro hydro-electric power development project and their families. The town was designed to remain as a small servicing centre for the exotic forest plantations south of Lake Taupo and for tourists. It is well known for its trout fishing and calls itself "The trout fishing capital of the world". The major Māori hapu (tribe) of the Turangi area is Ngati Turangitukua.
Restaurants in Turangi

1. Tongariro River Rafting

95 Atirau Road | The Rafting Centre, Turangi 3353, New Zealand
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 734 reviews

Tongariro River Rafting

Tongariro River Rafting is the most experienced outdoor adventure company on the Tongariro River. We create journeys, share stories and bring people closer to nature through biking, fishing and rafting. We celebrate 25 years as a family owned and operated business in 2015. We're passionate about showing off our amazing region to visitors and are dedicated to preserving the natural environment of the Tongariro River for future generations – so much so, we founded the Blue Duck Project – with the goal of returning the rare native Blue Duck to its traditional habitat along the Tongariro River. Our adventures include Grade 3 white water rafting trips, family floats for the younger rafters or first timers, mountain biking and fishing. On your Grade 3 white water rafting trip, you will have an unforgettable 2.5 hours navigating over 60 heart-pounding rapids with an expert guide at the helm. All of our guides are highly trained professionals and our equipment is top quality. You'll even enjoy a deli style lunch after your trip (hot soup in winter). Prepare yourself for one of the most stunning white water rafting adventures in New Zealand – we know this river like the back of our paddle! “Oar-some!!”

Reviewed By tikiboss - taupo

Thank you all for an awesome afternoon on the Tongariro River - Great team both on and off the water :-) Loved the hot chocolate and of course the chocolate fish so definitely keep that going! Highly recommend Tongariro River Rafting on your New Zealand...MoreThank you for coming along today, happy to hear you loved the trip!! Enjoy the rest of your holiday. See you in the future, Sam TRR

2. Tokaanu Thermal Pools

Mangaroa Street | Tokaanu, Tokaanu, New Zealand +64 7-386 8575
Excellent
30%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 173 reviews

Tokaanu Thermal Pools

Reviewed By Nicole B - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Beautiful outside scenery hides a rather uninspired infrastructure for visiting the natural thermal baths. Once inside though, great experience - perfect temperature, cheap price. "Public" bath was nice and warm too and included in the price of getting a private hot bath.

3. Rafting New Zealand

41 Ngawaka Place | Southern Lake Taupo, Turangi 3334, New Zealand
Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 981 reviews

Rafting New Zealand

Kia Ora and Welcome to Rafting New Zealand. A family run business established in 1991. We raft the best rivers, providing family fun rafting for ages 3 years and up all the way through to extreme whitewater action. With professional, fun, Kiwi guides, premier gear and facilities, Maori culture and an excellent safety record, book with us to experience the thrill of rafting, Aotearoa styles. Rafting NZ is NZ's most awarded rafting company.

Reviewed By Roquen_Toron

Really nice ride which included transport back/forth to the river, nice equipment and service! Our guide was really good at both commanding us/stearing the raft as well as tell us about the urban stories and history. :)Kia Ora, Thanks for leaving a review. Stoked to hear your guide did a great job and you really enjoyed your time with us. Nga Mihi, luke

4. Mount Ngauruhoe

Tongariro National Park, Turangi, New Zealand
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Mount Ngauruhoe

Reviewed By LouisvanWyk - National Park

Mt Ngauruhoe is one of the most iconic Mountains in New Zealand with its classic conical volcano shape.
However, climbing to the summit is no longer advised. The summit is scared to local Maori, plus the hike up the slopes is not very safe with many loose rocks that can become dislodged easily.
Ngauruhoe is best experienced from a distance, or up close from one of the many walk in the Tongariro National Park.

5. Tongariro National Trout Centre

257 State Highway 1, Turangi 3334, New Zealand +64 7-386 8085
Excellent
50%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Tongariro National Trout Centre

Walk the banks of the world famous Tongariro River. Visit the Trout Hatchery with its own museum and fresh water aquarium. Learn the history of fishing in Taupo. Have a picnic by the pond, feed the trout with special food available for sale from our visitor centre. See wild trout in the streams and at the underwater viewing chamber. Small charge for adults, kids free!

Reviewed By Allgoodthyngs - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom

A great Nature reserve offering lots to do both fun and educational. An informative museum with facts about Trout fishing, trout breeding all synonymous with the area. Aquarium and outside streams, rivers, fish traps, walking trails, a children's 'learn to fly fish pond' Not only are they guaranteed to catch a fish, they can then hot smoke and eat it. Great education centre resource there too.
Whilst we were there the heavens opened by with our waterproofs we still had a great time.

6. Tongariro Guided Walks

Turangi, New Zealand
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 50 reviews

Tongariro Guided Walks

Tongariro Guided Walks - the Central North Island's leading hiking outfitter, offering guided walks in around Tongariro National Park. Find out why the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often referred to as the best one day walk in New Zealand, with a guide who will reveal some of the secrets of this stunning area. Knowledgeable, caring guides, who have your comfort and safety in mind.

Reviewed By Murlidhar S - Bengaluru, India

I did two day hikes with Terry. A wonderful leader and guide giving utmost importance to safety and comfort of the hikers . He provided me with comfortable , quality gear , for no fee. He made the interesting hike much more enjoyable with his wealth of information. He even volunteered information and transport help when we went on a short hike on our own. He has a deep knowledge of the terrain and trails and a pleasure to trek with.

7. Tongariro River Trail

State Highway 1, Turangi, New Zealand +64 7-384 7106
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Tongariro River Trail

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By AucklandWiz - Auckland

I have seen the signs off the main road many times on my way from Auckland to Wellington but have never stopped. We did this time and was pleasantly surprised. The river access was good, the walk pretty with Bridges etc and the views pleasant. It is very New Zealand and one day will spend some more time here discovering what it has to offer.

8. Whiskery Mike's Turangi Trout Connection

46 Paekiri Street, Turangi 3334, New Zealand +64 21 135 7838
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 79 reviews

Whiskery Mike's Turangi Trout Connection

Whiskery Mike's Turangi Trout Connection offers trout fishing charters on the southern end of world renowned trout fishery of lake taupo. We use a custom build fishing vessel with the highest safety standards in mind. We can cater for anywhere up to 4 anglers/people on board excluding the skipper. We offer an exciting experience for people of all skill level and ages.

Reviewed By V692UJsued - Palmerston North

My husband and I took our two friends from the UK out with Mike for their first ever experience fishing. They loved it, as did we, and it was mostly because Mike made sure we were comfortable, happy, successful and well occupied with his vast array of stories and information. I would certainly recommend Whiskery Mikes Trout fishing to anyone. Sue Davis-Lewis

9. Turangi i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

1 Ngawaka Place, Turangi 3334, New Zealand +64 7-386 8999
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 89 reviews

Turangi i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Reviewed By James K - Toronto, Canada

I have to say that my wife and I have been very impressed with the I-site centres during our trip around New Zealand. Rather than review each one, I have picked the one which we thought was the most helpful (they all were), especially related to possible visits / walks around the Tongariro area. They told us of a great viewpoint on the 47 (Te Ponanga - see review), plus accommodations, walks, possible closures (we visited in December), suggested places to take photos, etc. Excellent service from the staff of this location and all the I-sights visited.

10. Backyard Tours

Turangi, New Zealand +64 22 314 2656
Excellent
94%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 35 reviews

Backyard Tours

Nau mai Haere mai - Welcome to our backyard. Visitor's journey is ensured whilst enjoying being mesmerised with our panoramic views our natural environment has to offer in the Central North Island of Turangi, Lake Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. Sit back, buckle in & relax. We drive you. Our most popular demand is to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing where your safety is first; being prepared, being aware, and being equipped-includes FREE DRINK AT THE END! Check out our website for full details.

Reviewed By Bengt H - Stockholm, Sweden

Backyard provided safe transport with friendly drivers from our motel in Turangi to/from Tongariro. However, with short notice they changed our departure time by one hour and they only provide one return pickup time. Other operators offer multiple return options. Communication and information about the walk could also be better.

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