Wellington - Napier - Wellington

Day 4: Taupo to Palmerston North

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Taupo - Turangi 0.75 hr  47/29 Turangi - Palmerston North 2.5 hrs  195/122   Totals for Day 3.25 hrs  242/151

Taupo - Turangi - Palmerston North

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 - Palmerston North

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.

The Desert Road is the first lap of your journey – it’s long and straight, with amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s volcanoes. In Waiouru, an army town, you should check out the QE2 Memorial Museum. As you drive south towards the town of Taihape (the Gumboot Throwing capital of the world), the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. The Mangaweka Gorge is a scenic masterpiece. By the time you get to Bulls, where you can browse antique shops, you’re surrounded by tranquil farmland.

One of New Zealand’s largest provincial cities, Palmerston North has an attractive historic heart. Many of the original stores built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and now function as boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Rose gardens and museums should also be on your agenda of things to see.

Scenic Highlights

Manawatu gardens
While in Manawatu, make time to stop and smell the roses. In terms of popularity, gardening is up there with rugby in this part of New Zealand.

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.

Activities

Manawatu
Gardens (3), Heritage Attractions (4), Museums (3)

Ruapehu
Cycling/Mountain Biking (2), Kayaking – Fresh Water (8)