Taumarunui
In winter, Taumarunui is a hub for skiing. Situated not far north of Ruapehu,
it is conveniently located for reaching the Whakapapa ski fields. At other
times of the year it is extremely popular for fishing, canoeing and hiking
adventures. There are many trout fishing guides who can point out the best
spots and techniques for fishing in the region.
Canoe
trips into the Whanganui National Park leave from Taumarunui. The Raurimu
Spiral, 28 kilometres south of Taumarunui, is an incredible feat of railway
engineering.
Taupo
Lake Taupo was created by a series of cataclysmic volcanic eruptions around
27,000 years ago. With a surface area of 616 square kilometres, the lake
is roughly the size of Singapore.
The
Huka Falls area is great for picnics and nature walks. Take a walk around
the Craters of the Moon for a close encounter with billowing steam vents
and bubbling mud.
Turangi
Turangi, on the banks of the Tongariro River, is one of the best places
to go for adventure tourism. There's hunting, fishing, mountain biking,
hiking, white water-rafting, kayaking, sight seeing and much more.
An
ideal base for excursions into the Tongariro National Park, Kaimanawa Forest
Park, Pureora Forest Park. Only 40 minutes by road to the Whakapapa ski
area on Mt Ruapehu.