Resting on the banks of Tongariro River, Turangi is part of the North Island Volcanic Plateau, offering outstanding mountain and forest scenery. The town is a base for hiking in Tongariro National Park, skiing on Mount Ruapehu and relaxing in natural thermal pools.

Things to do

Fishing takes centre stage with rainbow trout regularly caught in Tongariro River. The Tongariro River Trail beckons to cyclers and hikers, starting in town, curving past the National Trout Centre and over the Red Hut suspension bridge. You can take a guided bike ride along the trail and combine it with fishing or rafting on the river.

Explore the beautiful Tongariro Alpine Crossing inside the Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. While tromping the volcanic alpine landscape, you’ll come face to face with ancient lava flows, crystal-clear crater lakes and glacial valleys.

Drive five minutes from town to soak in the Tokaanu Thermal Pools, a family-friendly destination with a long boardwalk stretching past trout streams and mud pools. Kids will also enjoy a trip to the Volcanic Activity Centre to experience simulated earthquakes, tornadoes and geysers.

In the evening, snag a table at the Cadillac Café for a fun-filled throwback to the 50s and 60s. You can play retro games and pinball while being surrounded by vintage posters and toys.

Getting around

You can rent a car at Taupo Airport, about 45 kilometres away from Turangi. The town is pedestrian-friendly, but you can also hire a taxi, bicycle or shuttle for getting around.