Royal Tour Itinerary

Day 4: Taupo to Wellington

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Taupo - Turangi 0.75 hr  47/29 Turangi - Wellington 4 hrs  322/201   Totals for Day 4.75 hrs  369/231

Taupo - Turangi - Wellington

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 - Wellington

The town of Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. There are famous fishing spots in almost every direction. Rafting on the Tongariro River is another way to enjoy the region.

On the long, straight Desert Road you’ll enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s volcanoes. In Waiouru, the QE2 Memorial Museum is worth a look. As you drive south towards Taihape (the Gumboot Throwing capital of the world), the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. The Mangaweka Gorge is a scenic masterpiece.

Find time to browse the antique shops of Bulls, or spy on wading birds in the estuary near Foxton. Two beautiful dune lakes are an easy detour from Levin. Offshore from Waikanae Beach is Kapiti Island Nature Reserve. A car museum and gourmet cheese factory are other attractions in this area.

Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums, theatre and all kinds of shops.

Scenic Highlights

Archives New Zealand
At Archives New Zealand, you can view fascinating displays based on historic documents, maps, paintings, photos and films.

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Enjoy sweeping views from hiking and riding trails in this historic forest park. Learn about Maori history while you relish the farm-fresh air.

Wellington Walkways
Views, forests, parks and gardens keep things interesting along these signposted Wellington walkways.

Wrights Hill Fortress and Recreation Reserve
Wrights Hill offers 360 degree views of Wellington and the surrounding area, as well as walking tracks and picnic areas.

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.

Zealandia - The Karori Sanctuary Experience
This significant conservation attraction is located in a secluded suburban valley - just 2.5 kilometres from Wellington's central business district.

Makara Track
Makara Walking Track combines spectacular long-range views with a walk along a wild, west coast beach.

Matiu/Somes Island
Maori history, early European history, war stories and wildlife - this island, in the middle of Wellington Harbour, has it all.

National War Memorial and Carillon
In a beautiful art deco setting, learn about defining times in New Zealand's history and discover a huge musical bell instrument.

Mount Victoria
Breathtaking views and great walking tracks reward those who venture to the top of Mount Victoria.

Wellington Central Waterfront
Explore Wellington's waterfront on foot and visit Queens Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina and Oriental Bay.

Old Government Buildings
Feel the grace and elegance of the 1800s at Government Buildings, the largest wooden building in the southern hemisphere.

Wellington Botanic Garden
From ancient forests to colourful flower beds, the Wellington Botanic Garden is a delightful experience, completed by great views of the city and harbour.

Red Rocks Reserve
Put half a day aside for this easy coastal walk to Red Rocks and a fur seal colony on the south side of Wellington.

Activities

Lake Taupo
Fishing – Fresh Water (19), Rafting (3), Walking/Trekking (1)

Wellington
Gardens (5), Heritage Attractions (7)

Tour and Sightseeing

Lake Taupo
Fishing – Fresh Water (3), Walking/Trekking (1)