Location: Turangi
Top Things to do in Turangi
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Turangi That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Rafting New Zealand
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,535 reviews
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.
2. Tongariro River Rafting
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,207 reviews
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!!”
3. Whiskery Mike's Turangi Trout Connection
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 141 reviews
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.
4. Mount Ngauruhoe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By iVeracity - Magenta, Australia
The first time we drove and Mount Ngauruhoe came into view it did not disappoint. In July it was snow covered and although we could not walk the Tongariro alpine crossing without a guide we walked as far as possible to the mountain. The walk is beautiful and accessible but you must be well prepared and have gear for all weather conditions. We started in beautiful sunshine with outstanding views of the mountain and returned in snow.
5. Tongariro Guided Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
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.
6. Backyard Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 123 reviews
Nau mai Hāere mai Welcome to the heartbeat of Turangi Tongariro amongst our sacred Volcanic Mountains Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu like nowhere else in the World. Aotearoa New Zealand’s known best one day adventure hike to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with experienced local transport services. On Journey enjoy our learnings about Manaakitanga – caring & safety of visitors that's enjoyable and Kaitiakitanga – guardianship to preserving life. Shuttles & transfers are hiking self-guided with our recommendations to being aware & prepared. BOOK NOW.
Reviewed By NcAtTrip - Portland, United States
Great shuttle service. We used their private parking and transfer from their compound close to the trailhead. My only complaint is that the entrance/turnoff was not well marked with their tour name (maybe it was just us, but the sign had other things on it too, so we drove right past). :-) However... they provide a 'free' cold beer or soda upon pickup at the completion of the crossing. Man, that alone was worth the price! :-)
7. Korohe Horse Treks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
Our Native Bush, Rive and Forest treks are one of a kind! Not only will you be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery but hear a mix of local Maori knowledge, myths and legends of Ngati Tuwharetoa that have been past down from generation to generation.
Reviewed By Kiwi-Tripper-1
The 6 year old loved it and was not scared at all, in great hands with John’s horse leading hers, and even the 13yo smiled once or twice! Great surroundings, combination of open countryside, enchanted forest, young and mature pine forests, stony riverbed, and actual river wading. Don’t often get that variety! Great, well-behaved horses expertly suited to each rider by the fantastic friendly staff who clearly care about the horses and customers. Excellent health and safety and Covid protocols followed, nice new helmets, impressive iPad registration system. Easily the best trek we’ve done. As Sammii said - worth the drive from Taupo!
8. Tongariro National Trout Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
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 aliheydari781
Fantastic place to visit. You can see lovely trouts from a close distance, get familiar with their reproduction process. A great place for kids too.
9. Southern Lake Taupo Adventure Mini Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Southern Lake Taupo Adventure Mini Golf is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. This is quite a challenging 18 hole course based on the terrain of the Central Plateau! Volcanoes, canyons, rivers - all have to be overcome before you reach the last hole.
Reviewed By EnglishDan22
Possibly one of the best mini golf courses we’ve been to within NZ (big statement we know). Our joyful cheers echoed around Turangi this morning, as we swiftly moved from hole to hole, each containing new obscure obstacles for us to battle our way through. We cannot recommend it enough, bring your children, friends, housemates, lovers or anyone in between! Guaranteed fun to be had for ALL! Don’t drive past, pull the car in, get into the competitive zone and enjoy the 8th lesser known wonder of the world.
10. Tongariro River Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By MarkR7064 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Fantastic walk, you can choose different length walks, I have previously done the 13km loop, on our last trip we were short on time so only did the SH1 to Major Jones bridge loop. Track is mostly flat walking (after the short climb to the lookout). worth taking the short tracks off the main track that lead down to the river for a look. Great leg stretch if only passing through Turangi, our dog loved it (please note dogs must be on a lead).
