Luke’s guidebook
Beaches
Ani Miria Pl is our favourite beach with a big grass reserve. Driving towards Taupo it’s the 2nd turn left after the Caltex Garage.
Ani Miria Place
Ani Miria PlaceAni Miria Pl is our favourite beach with a big grass reserve. Driving towards Taupo it’s the 2nd turn left after the Caltex Garage.
Stump Bay is another nice beach, 5 km towards Turangi,. Turn right at Frethey Drive. It has toilet facilities too.
Stump Bay
Stump Bay is another nice beach, 5 km towards Turangi,. Turn right at Frethey Drive. It has toilet facilities too.
Kuratau beach is 25 mins drive around the south end of the lake (or 15 mins by boat from Motuapa marina) . It’s a beautiful beach and has a pontoon that kids love swimming off.
Kuratau
Kuratau beach is 25 mins drive around the south end of the lake (or 15 mins by boat from Motuapa marina) . It’s a beautiful beach and has a pontoon that kids love swimming off.
Te Heuheu Parade which is the first left turn after the Challenge station and runs along the Tauranga Taupo river. If the lake is a bit too choppy for kayaking or paddle boarding, this river is a good alternative option.
Te Heuheu Parade
Te Heuheu ParadeTe Heuheu Parade which is the first left turn after the Challenge station and runs along the Tauranga Taupo river. If the lake is a bit too choppy for kayaking or paddle boarding, this river is a good alternative option.
Bulli point, driving towards Taupo just past Motutere top 10 campground there is a famous swimming hole for dare devils that like to plunge 7m from a rock to pristine bluey green clear water.
Bulli Point
Bulli point, driving towards Taupo just past Motutere top 10 campground there is a famous swimming hole for dare devils that like to plunge 7m from a rock to pristine bluey green clear water.
Walks
Lake Rotopounamu (2-hour loop), lush forest and vibrant green lake with 3 beaches along the way. 18 mins away down state highway 47 (towards Mt Ruapehu) (Unfortunately no dogs allowed)
17 recommandé par les habitants
Lake Rotopounamu
Lake Rotopounamu (2-hour loop), lush forest and vibrant green lake with 3 beaches along the way. 18 mins away down state highway 47 (towards Mt Ruapehu) (Unfortunately no dogs allowed)
If you don’t fancy walking the whole 15km (9 miles) of the Tongariro River Trail (see above), a great alternative is a shorter loop from the State Highway 1 Tongariro River Bridge to the Major Jones Bridge, taking about 1 hour to complete. On the east side of the river, the trail ascends onto some high cliffs offering views across the Tongariro River and Turangi. Start from the Tongariro River Bridge on State Highway 1. You can start the loop from either side of the bridge. The walk from the east side of the bridge will take you up to the lookout first.
Tongariro River Trail
1 Tahawai StreetIf you don’t fancy walking the whole 15km (9 miles) of the Tongariro River Trail (see above), a great alternative is a shorter loop from the State Highway 1 Tongariro River Bridge to the Major Jones Bridge, taking about 1 hour to complete. On the east side of the river, the trail ascends onto some high cliffs offering views across the Tongariro River and Turangi. Start from the Tongariro River Bridge on State Highway 1. You can start the loop from either side of the bridge. The walk from the east side of the bridge will take you up to the lookout first.
It’s 20-25 mins drive from Turangi to the starting point of The crossing- Turangi has plenty of shuttle services but must book in advance. 19.4km (up to 8 hours) one- way track takes over dramatic volcanic landscapes with some of the most captivating mountain views of the country.
Tongariro Crossing Car Park
1310 Lake Rotoaira RoadIt’s 20-25 mins drive from Turangi to the starting point of The crossing- Turangi has plenty of shuttle services but must book in advance. 19.4km (up to 8 hours) one- way track takes over dramatic volcanic landscapes with some of the most captivating mountain views of the country.
This short loop track (4km) is a great way for walkers and mountain bikers to experience the variety of nature in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Highlights include stunning podocarp forest and impressive views of Lake Taupō.
The track begins 27 km northeast of Turangi (turn off SH1 onto Kiko Road). Follow this road for 17 km to the carpark. Dogs with DOC permit only.
Kiko Loop Track
Kiko Loop TrackThis short loop track (4km) is a great way for walkers and mountain bikers to experience the variety of nature in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Highlights include stunning podocarp forest and impressive views of Lake Taupō.
The track begins 27 km northeast of Turangi (turn off SH1 onto Kiko Road). Follow this road for 17 km to the carpark. Dogs with DOC permit only.
Start from Tangitu Street, take the track to the right to reach the lookout and you will be rewarded with fantastic views over Motuoapa and Lake Taupo.
Motuoapa lookout walk
Tangitu StreetStart from Tangitu Street, take the track to the right to reach the lookout and you will be rewarded with fantastic views over Motuoapa and Lake Taupo.
Tree Trunk Gorge track 5km 1.5 hr walk (one-way) or 1 hr bike ride. This track can be accessed from either the Urchin Campsite off Kaimanawa Road or from Tree Trunk Gorge Road. Good views out to Tongariro National Park.
Popular mountain bike option- Tree Trunk Gorge – SH1 Loop Track 17km (2-4 hr)
Tree Trunk Gorge tracks
Tree Trunk Gorge RoadTree Trunk Gorge track 5km 1.5 hr walk (one-way) or 1 hr bike ride. This track can be accessed from either the Urchin Campsite off Kaimanawa Road or from Tree Trunk Gorge Road. Good views out to Tongariro National Park.
Popular mountain bike option- Tree Trunk Gorge – SH1 Loop Track 17km (2-4 hr)
Motuoapa boasts a fantastic Marina so definitely worth a walk down there, walk back via the campground to check out their retro VW camper accommodation. Then stop for a coffee or snack at the Liquorice Cafe. Back at the subdivision there is plenty of reserve area to stroll around.
Motuoapa
Motuoapa boasts a fantastic Marina so definitely worth a walk down there, walk back via the campground to check out their retro VW camper accommodation. Then stop for a coffee or snack at the Liquorice Cafe. Back at the subdivision there is plenty of reserve area to stroll around.
Local activities
Turangi climbing wall- awesome for wet days with kids that have too much energy. Home of the tallest indoor rock-climbing facility in the Waikato. Guaranteed to wear out your kids! Located in 22 Ngawaka Pl in Turangi.
Turangi Climbing Gym
22 Ngawaka PlTurangi climbing wall- awesome for wet days with kids that have too much energy. Home of the tallest indoor rock-climbing facility in the Waikato. Guaranteed to wear out your kids! Located in 22 Ngawaka Pl in Turangi.
Golf- Turangi is a lovely quaint 18-hole course with lovely mountain views, well recommended if you fancy a swing.
Turangi Golf Club
1 Atirau RoadGolf- Turangi is a lovely quaint 18-hole course with lovely mountain views, well recommended if you fancy a swing.
Tongariro National Trout Centre – fun and educational for the family.
32 recommandé par les habitants
Tongariro National Trout Centre
257 State Hwy 1Tongariro National Trout Centre – fun and educational for the family.
White Water Rafting – for those adrenaline junkies, this is a fun fuelled day on the water.
45 recommandé par les habitants
Tongariro River Rafting
95 Atirau RdWhite Water Rafting – for those adrenaline junkies, this is a fun fuelled day on the water.
Tokaanu Thermal pools - the Tokaanu thermal pools have got private pools and a public pool and are open from eight till nine each day.
The other thing at the Tokaanu hot pools is that there’s a wonderful thermal walk that takes about half an hour and you’ll see boiling mud and crystal-clear hot pools.
54 recommandé par les habitants
Tokaanu Thermal Pools
Mangaroa StreetTokaanu Thermal pools - the Tokaanu thermal pools have got private pools and a public pool and are open from eight till nine each day.
The other thing at the Tokaanu hot pools is that there’s a wonderful thermal walk that takes about half an hour and you’ll see boiling mud and crystal-clear hot pools.
Tokaanu Historic Wharf is one of the hidden gems of the area. It’s a beautiful spot for fishing, a picnic or for a walk. The calm waters and stunning mountain background make for a great photos during the day or at night.
Tokaanu Wharf
Wharf RoadTokaanu Historic Wharf is one of the hidden gems of the area. It’s a beautiful spot for fishing, a picnic or for a walk. The calm waters and stunning mountain background make for a great photos during the day or at night.
Place to eat
Turangi Fish and Chips (07) 386 5344, surprisingly good fish and chip considering how far from the sea we are. They also do roasts, burgers and pizzas etc
Turangi Fish And Chips Chicken, Roast And Pizza
259 Te Rangitautahanga RoadTurangi Fish and Chips (07) 386 5344, surprisingly good fish and chip considering how far from the sea we are. They also do roasts, burgers and pizzas etc
Creel Tackle House & Café- 189 Taupahi rd, delicious food for lunch or a snack
17 recommandé par les habitants
Creel Tackle House & Cafe
189 Taupahi RdCreel Tackle House & Café- 189 Taupahi rd, delicious food for lunch or a snack
Hydro Eatery has a good reputation but have never eaten there.
20 recommandé par les habitants
Hydro Eatery
277 Ohuanga RdHydro Eatery has a good reputation but have never eaten there.
Burger King
1 Pīhanga RdBurger king is at the Z station in Turangi if you crave junk food.
For a special occasion, Oreti Restaurant, Oreti village, Pukawa (07) 386 7070. I highly recommend this restaurant. The views are mind blowing from its elevated position giving panoramic views over lake Taupo. Service and food are great. Only downside is that it’s a 22 min drive from her.
Oreti Restaurant
88 Pūkawa RdFor a special occasion, Oreti Restaurant, Oreti village, Pukawa (07) 386 7070. I highly recommend this restaurant. The views are mind blowing from its elevated position giving panoramic views over lake Taupo. Service and food are great. Only downside is that it’s a 22 min drive from her.
For a special treat, Lakeland House Restaurant , 88 Waihi rd, Little Waihi, Tokaanu (07) 386 6442. This restaurant is in a stunning location right on the lake but unfortunately very mixed reviews on the service. Up to you if you want to take a punt.
26 recommandé par les habitants
Lakeland House Restaurant
88 Waihi RdFor a special treat, Lakeland House Restaurant , 88 Waihi rd, Little Waihi, Tokaanu (07) 386 6442. This restaurant is in a stunning location right on the lake but unfortunately very mixed reviews on the service. Up to you if you want to take a punt.
Indian Restaurant: I haven't eaten takeaway from Monsoon Splash of Spice yet but the reviews are really good on trip advisor.
79 Ohuanga Road
79 Ohuanga RoadIndian Restaurant: I haven't eaten takeaway from Monsoon Splash of Spice yet but the reviews are really good on trip advisor.
Not cheap but lovely place to go for an afternoon drink or a meal.
Lovely outdoor area and kid friendly.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Hare & Copper
134 Grace RdNot cheap but lovely place to go for an afternoon drink or a meal.
Lovely outdoor area and kid friendly.