Turangi accommodation from AU$77

History

A town of about 3500 people, Turangi was named after the Maori leader Turangitukua. The first Europeans began exploring the region in the 1830s. In the 1850s, a mission station was built at Pukewa. In the 1880s, trout began to be introduced to Lake Taupo. The town as we know it today was built to house the workers of the Tongariro Power Scheme in the 1960s.

Things to see and do

This town sure loves trout! It loves trout so much that it has its own National Trout Centre, where you can check out the aquarium and go walking by the Tongariro River. The Tongariro, Lake Taupo and the nearby Tauranga-Taupo River are among the best fishing spots in the region. Lake Taupo is roughly the size of Singapore, and the sight of its brilliant blue colour is matched by the magnificence of its mountain views. You can water ski or kayak around it, or really get an awesome view with a skydive from 15,000 feet.

The Tongariro River is no slacker in the adrenaline department either: Take a white-water river raft with the pros and get ready to attack the rapids.

If you’d rather stay dry, the Tongariro National Park is only 40 minutes away and has three mighty mountains: Mt Ruahepu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings). It’s full of activities: skiing the Whakapapa field, hiking the Tongariro Crossing to Crater Lake, a bright blue lake surrounded by rock and ice, and hike to lookouts and waterfalls. There are over 200 km of biking trails around Lake Taupo too, so on ya bike!

Getting here

Book a flight to Rotorua with us and you’ll be 90 minutes away from Turangi. At the airport you can hire a car or bus it to Turangi. Take your pick from our Turangi hotels and enjoy nature’s best features right on your doorstep.

Need insider tips on must-see attractions in Turangi? Check out our Turangi travel guide!