Rotorua - Christchurch - Invercargill

Day 2: Taupo to National Park

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Taupo - Turangi 0.75 hr  47/29 Turangi - National Park 0.75 hr  51/32   Totals for Day 1.5 hrs  98/61

Taupo - Turangi - National Park

The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout. You’ll find everything a traveller could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation.

You’ll follow the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to reach Turangi. The drive is very scenic and there are many picnic opportunities along the way. Where streams run into the lake, you’ll often see trout fisherman trying their luck.

The town of Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. There are famous fishing spots in almost every direction, including ‘The Delta’, ‘The Hole’, ‘Little Big O’ and ‘Tailrace’ (believed to contain the world’s fattest trout). The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River. The walks and skifields of the Tongariro National Park are also close by.

Scenic Highlights

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve
Pack a picnic and wander through the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve, a vast garden of rare alpine plants, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

Kaimanawa Forest Park
Explore native forests and rivers in a large forest park. Short walks pass through a variety of native trees and experienced hikers will enjoy the challenging overnight tracks.

Taupo Lakeside walks
Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Taupo by stretching your legs along one of many lakeside walking trails.

Mine Bay Rock Carving
Take a kayak or boat tour around the scenic Western Bays of Lake Taupo to see the huge Maori rock carving at Mine Bay.

Aratiatia Rapids
Witness an unusual display of raw river power at the Aratiatia rapids, just off State Highway 1 north of Taupo.

Craters of the Moon
Explore a cratered valley that's hissing with clouds of steam. Feel the heat of the earth at the edge of the track, and peer from viewing platforms into cauldrons of boiling mud.

Lake Taupo
Discover the amazing scenery around Lake Taupo. This area of New Zealand blends forests, geothermal activity and fascinating volcanic landscapes.

Huka Falls
At Huka Falls you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power - more than 220, 000 litres of water per second.

Activities

Lake Taupo
Boat Cruises (6), Fishing – Fresh Water (19), Rafting (3)

Tour and Sightseeing

Lake Taupo
Boat Cruises (1), Fishing – Fresh Water (3)

Taupo - Turangi - National Park

The town of Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. There are famous fishing spots in almost every direction, including ‘The Delta’, ‘The Hole’, ‘Little Big O’ and ‘Tailrace’ (believed to contain the world’s fattest trout). The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River.

Your drive to National Park Village follows the edge of the Tongariro National Park. The road to the historic Grand Chateau hotel and Whakapapa skifield turns off to the left. The chateau makes an excellent refreshment stop.

National Park Village is well positioned for those who want to explore the Tongariro National Park. The volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro can be seen from here. The park was gifted to the New Zealand people in 1887 by the Ngati Tuwaretoa tribe and is now a World Heritage area. The Tongariro Crossing is regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world.

Scenic Highlights

The 42 Traverse
If you're reasonably fit and enjoy mountain biking, you'll love this all-day ride through mountain wilderness.

Kaimanawa Forest Park
Explore native forests and rivers in a large forest park. Short walks pass through a variety of native trees and experienced hikers will enjoy the challenging overnight tracks.

Lake Rotoaira and Lake Otamangakau
Pause at these lakes to cast for trout, kayak for fun or capture images of distant volcanic mountains.

Tongariro Northern Circuit
If you're fascinated by volcanoes, both dormant and active, make this multi-day walk your next great hiking challenge.

Activities

Ruapehu
Skiing (1), Snowboarding (1), Walking/Trekking (5)

Lake Taupo
Heritage Attractions (2)