Other walks

Tongariro River Walkway

3 hours,return via same track( or for the circuit refer to Turangi’s Big Day Out).

From Tongariro River Motel proceed across Taupahi Road towards the Tongariro River and turn right heading up-river following the riverside walk. The walkway begins at Major Jones footbridge,Koura Street,Turangi;or down-river from the Red Hut footbridge,5km south of Turangi,off SH 1.

This popular walk follows the Tongariro River south of Turangi. There are good views of the river’s calm pools and rippling rapids as you walk along the high banks above the river. The walk passes through native bush on the river edge and along the edge of private farmland.

Keep an eye out for trout in the river pools. The use of mountain bikes is permitted on this track.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) intend to complete the track south of the National Trout Centre (promises,promises?) so that a complete loop track may be in place by the time you read this –ask at the office.

Tongariro National Trout Centre

4 km south of Turangi off SH 1. Open 10am –3pm A pleasant half-hour walk passes through the Tongariro National Trout Centre facilities and hatchery beside the Tongariro River.

Display panels explain the fishing techniques with video casting lessons and fly fishing film of the Tongariro River,while a viewing chamber provides great underwater views of rainbow trout.
Fish pellets can be bought for feeding the juvenile trout in the kids fishing pool.

Trout Centre volunteers are present during open hours for guidance and answering questions.

Picnic and barbecue areas are available.

Tongariro River Motel recommend this facility as a must do for all tourists,families with kids,all anglers from novices to experienced fishermen.

Other Walks

There are a myriad of spectacular walks within a short distance of Turangi. The walks vary from short 1 hour,low impact and easy pace to longer more demanding mountain treks. There are many riverside tracks along the Tongariro river if you simply want a beautiful casual morning walk.

Some popular local treks include:Kaimanawa Forest Park –Pillars of Hercules to Urchin Camping Area [1 hour trek],Kaimanawa Road Forest Walk [20 minute trek],Tree Trunk Gorge Track [2 hours 30 minute trek];Pukawa Bush Walk [45 minute trek];Tokaanu Thermal Walk [20 minute trek];Lake Rotopounamu [20 minute trek to lake one way,or 2 hours to and around lake];Te Porere Redoubt [45 minute trek];Tongariro River Loop Track [1 hour trek]. i.e.Lake Rotopounamu

20 minutes walk to lake,one way or 2 hours around lake,5 km,loop track. 11 km from Turangi off SH 47,carpark signposted on the south side of Te Ponanga Saddle. Rotopounamu (‘greenstone lake’) nestles on the side of Mt Pihanga.

This beautiful lake is a special favorite of tree lovers,birdwatchers,walkers and swimmers. Beginning opposite the carpark the track winds gently uphill. At the junction the track to the left goes to Ten Minute Beach which is a pleasant picnic and swimming spot in summer.

To walk around the lake turn right at the junction and follow a short section of metalled track before dropping down towards Five Minute Beach. Here a broad tree stump provides a good spot to view the lake.
Rotopounamu was formed by a landslide about 10,000 years ago. It is nine metres deep and covers one square kilometre.

Long Beach sweeps along the eastern side of the lake and is an ideal spot for a picnic or rest stop. There is a toilet here. From here the track continues to the northern shore where three of Rotopounamu’s four tributary streams enter the lake. The lake has no visible outflow and possibly drains via an underground stream or seepage. Continuing on,you will pass Ten Minute Beach and soon return to the track junction. From here it is downhill to the carpark. Take care when crossing the road back to your vehicles.

Other Activities – World Heritage Exploration

In 1993 Tongariro became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised criteria describing cultural landscapes. The mountains at the heart of the park have cultural and religious significance for Maori people and symbolize the spiritual links between this community and its environment.

Background:
Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park [also the fourth in the world] and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the park’s important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. In 1887 Te Heuheu Tukino IV (Horonuku),then the paramount chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa [local Iwi],gifted the sacred peaks to the nation.

Tongariro World Heritage National Park is a place of extremes and surprises,a place to explore and remember. From herb fields to forests,from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes –Tongariro has them all.

Cultural Spirit:

To tangata whenua [people of the land] the mountains are a vital part of their history ,their whakapapa [genealogy] and legends are venerated accordingly. It is said that their ancestor,Ngatoroirangi [the navigator and tohunga of the waka Arawa] was close to death after exploring this mountainous region. He called out to his sisters from his pacific homeland,Hawaiiki,to send him fire. The fire came but its passage left a trail of volcanic vents,from Tongatapu,through Whakaari [White Island],Rotorua and Tokaanu,before reaching Ngatoroirangi on the slopes of Tongariro.

Geological:
The three andesitic volcanoes at the heart of the park –the mountains Tongariro,Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu form the southern limits of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Volcanic activity in the zone started about 2 million years ago and is on-going today. Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe are two of the most active composite volcanoes in the world. In 1995 and again in 1996 Ruapehu has erupted in spectacular fashion sending clouds of ash and steam skyward and mantling the surrounding snow fields and forest with a thick film of ash.

Natural:
Tongariro World Heritage National Park is a land of strong natural contrasts. Chaotic,barren lava flows,winter snowfields,hot springs and active craters can be seen side by side. Its plants too vary considerably,from alpine herbs to thick swathes of tussocks and flax,from the hardy,low-growing shrubs of the Rangipo gravel-field to dense beech forests.

Tongariro World Heritage National Park is home to many amazing native creatures including New Zealand’s only native mammals,the short and long tailed bats. Birds you might see during daylight include North Island robins,fantails,parakeets and even a kereru (native pigeon) or two. Smaller,but no less interesting are the numerous insects that live in the park.

Popular Exploration Activities:
Maori culture,trekking &walks,mountaineering &climbing,trout fishing,skiing &snowboarding,mountain biking,canoeing &kayaking.

Maori Cultural Experience

Go to link:www.hakatrails.co.nz

For an interactive Maori heritage experience TRM recommend Haka Trails – they provide personalised tours designed to give tourists an authentic insight to local Maori culture. Options include:

* Native Forest Eco-Cultural Walk

(Guided walk around lake Rotopounamu – gain knowledge of the ancient giant podocarps used for carving,medicine and food sources.- 3.5 hours)

* Geothermal Hangi &History(A “hangi” is described as a sumptuous geothermally cooked meal – traditionally cooked in natural steam pools. Locations include Te Porere Redoubt where one of the last battles between Maori freedom fighters and Government militia took place in 1869,plus Tokaanu geothermal area,mineral springs,mud pools,swamps,see wild trout in a nearby stream –3.5 hours)

* Tongariro Crossing(Transport and guiding – learn about the mountain from a scientific and indigeous perspective while traversing active volcanic landscapes and spectacular lunar scenery. Explore dramatic explosion craters,sparkling emerald and blue lakes and smoldering geothermal fumaroles. – Full day tour)

Minimum –2 adults. Half day tours can be combined to make up full day tours. Family rates available. All tours,where a significant amount of outdoor activity is involved,are weather dependent.

Local Exploration

Turangi lies at the base of beautiful Pihanga [1,325 m],and is the gateway to the Tongariro World Heritage National Park. The area is renowned for its diverse range of ecosystems,outdoor activities,and spectacular landscapes.

When the fish aren’t biting you might be interested in some local cultural history,involving only a 7 minute walk from the car park across the upper Wanganui River. This is the Te Porere Redoubt (1869) –a Tongariro Heritage site administered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust since 1959. Access is from Highway 47,26 km southwest of Turangi. Te Porere comprises the (original unrestored but well preserved) earthworks of a Maori fortification built by the prophet and famous warrior Te Kooti and is the site of the last major engagement of the New Zealand Wars in October 1869. It is fascinating to see how they built a “British military castle”conceptual design to defend against the colonial troops. A classic battle where everyone won? If this was the last site of any major fight against indigenous Indians any where else in the world,there would be a museum and exhibition hall and hot dog stands and escorted tours and tour buses. But this is Turangi so there is only a sign…One day someone (Hi Peter,Hi George) should do a feature film about this character –his life makes a fascinating story. Did you know Te Kooti was responsible for the town of Taupo being created and colonised as a military outpost. After 130 years he is still revered as a local hero. But if Maori history and cultural tours are of interest then go to Links –Haka Tours are the best local tour guides who have a better understanding of the importance of this region to Maori. See –there are other things in life and other reasons to stay at TRM,other than fly fishing…If you are interested in NZ’s military history there is the Waiouru Military museum –60 km south on SH1.

Other Activities –Mountain Biking

The Tongariro region offers some of the most exhilarating and stunning rides available in the North Island. Whether you choose a tour operator or simply explore on your own,you will discover a tremendous variety of scenery and biking adventures for almost any skill level.

42 Traverse

This is one of the most popular mountain bike rides in the North Island. It involves brilliant biking on old logging tracks,through remote native bush and an overall descent of 570 m! The 44 km ride,from Kapoors Road [near Whakapapa] to Owhango [30 km north of National Park] takes 3-6 hours.

Ask for a local map at the office.

Tree Trunk George

This popular ride starts out on the desert road and follows an old survey track along the side of the upper Tongariro River. The track comprises of some sealed road some gravel road and good single track. Old lava crags and pristine native bush are the outstanding features on this ride.

Trekking &Trails

Northern Circuit

Winding its way over Mt Tongariro and around Mt Ngauruhoe is the Tongariro Northern Circuit,one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. This walk passes through unique and stunning landforms which include volcanic craters and glacial valleys. A range of trips can be planned around the Tongariro Northern Circuit. Day trips,overnight trips,or a three to four day walk around the complete circuit. The safest and most popular time of year to walk the Tongariro Northern Circuit is during the summer months (December to March) when the tracks are normally clear of snow and the weather is less severe.

Essential info:

accessed from the following roadends:Whakapapa Village;Mangatepopo Road;Ketetahi Road;Desert Road;Round the Mountain Track. Several operators provide transport to some of the roadends in the park. We can arrange bookings for you.

Whakapapa Walks

These walks are either accessible on foot from Whakapapa Village or require a short drive to the start of the track. Tongariro is New Zealands oldest national park and a World Heritage Area. World Heritage status recognises the areas significant Maori cultural associations and outstanding volcanic features. Check weather forecasts and track conditions -Tongariro National Park weather is extremely changeable all year round. There are 18 different walks in the Whakapapa region. Some of the walks around Whakapapa village include:Whakapapa Nature Walk [15 minutes];Taranaki Falls [2 hours];Whakapapanui Walk [2 hours];Whakapapaiti Valley [4-5 hours];Tama Lakes [5-6 hours];Silica Rapids [2.5 hours].

Ruapehu Crater Trek

Tourists climbing to the crater should have a map and be well equipped. Boots,sunglasses and weatherproof clothing are essential items. This alpine environment is renowned for extremely changeable weather –not recommended in winter without mountaineering experience and equipment [such as ice axes and crampons.) During fine days,ski lifts operate to ease access up the first half of the climb.

5 Day Round The Mountain Circuit

"Round the Mountain" is the 4 to 6 day tramp around Mount Ruapehu. For those seeking solitude,magnificent mountain views and a backcountry experience;the Round the Mountain Circuit is ideal. It can be seen to be a more remote alternative to the popular "Tongaririo Northern Circuit".

The Round the Mountain Circuit traverses a myriad of landscapes,ranging from mountain beech forest,tussock-country and alpine herb fields;to desert lands and glacial river valleys. Although a greater part of the track is in an alpine environment,there are no major alpine passes. Difficult walking and/or navigation can be expected during winter months,as snow can cover the track. Full alpine gear should be carried during winter [ice axe,crampons,and adequate cold weather clothing].

Skiing

Mt Ruapehu –Whakapapa &Turoa provide:

1,800 hectares of ski area

2,322 metres lift access terrain

722 metres vertical drop

. . . just 40 minutes away from Tongariro River Motel.

Whakapapa:Whakapapa Ski Area is renowned for its world class beginner facilities in Happy Valley. Happy Valley has separate ski hire facilities and a 120-seat cafeteria if you need a break during your day. Whakapapa has a reputation as an adventure playground for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders looking for more of a challenge.

Turoa:Turoa Ski Area is on the south western side of Mt. Ruapehu and has spectacular views towards Mt Taranaki. Turoa is renowned for having New Zealand’s best Terrain Park. Turoa is the highest ski area in New Zealand with 9 lifts giving access to 500 hectares (about 12 00 acres) of patrolled terrain.