Family Fun
There are loads of great activities for families in and around Turangi; you’ll never be short of something to see or somewhere to go. The Tokaanu Thermal Pools are less than ten minutes away, with a full-sized public pool, a toddler pool and private natural mineral pools available. The fun-filled Turangi Adventure Mini Golf is just a five-minute walk down the road or if you’re looking to fill up an entire day, you can duck up to Taupō to take a swim in the crystal clear lake, check out Huka Falls and catch some prawns at the Huka Prawn Park.
Fly fishing
Turangi is known as the ‘trout fishing capital of the world’—and for good reason. Lake Taupō’s many tributaries are full of brown trout and rainbow trout, and from July to September many thousands of fish make their way upriver to spawn. There are dozens of rivers within half an hour of the Turangi township with enough great fishing spots to keep you busy for weeks on end. Experienced fishermen can explore on their own – as long as they’ve secured a special licence. For those who are novices or hoping to for the best chance to catch their trophy, the New Zealand Fly Fishing Company offers guided fly fishing on the Tongariro River. All the right gear and lunch is included along with transportation.
Adventure
Turangi and nearby Taupō are bursting with activities for adventure lovers. White water rafting on the Tongariro River is a must-do; there are family-friendly rafting options for those with young kids or more hair-raising options for those over the age of ten. With 60 rapids over 13 kilometres of river, it’s hours of fun! And if you head up to Taupō you’re spoilt for choice with bungy jumping, sky diving, jet boating and more. Scenic flights depart regularly from Taupō Airport too, taking you on a thrilling journey over the spectacular national park, native bush, winding rivers and glistening lakes.
Hiking
Many avid hikers come to stay with us at Turangi Leisure Lodge—we’re perfectly positioned to access some of New Zealand’s best hikes. The famous Tongariro Crossing is only a half hour drive away and we’re close to Kaimanawa Forest Park and Pureroa Forest Park for some amazing tramps through New Zealand native bush. You don’t need to be super fit or experienced to enjoy some of the best hikes in the Taupō region. There are great options ranging from just 10 minutes through to eight hours. The Great Lake Trail, Mt Tauhara and Lake Rotopounamu are all well worth a look.
Lake fishing
If lake fishing is more your cup of tea, you can’t go past a day of fishing on Lake Taupō. Like its tributaries, the lake is full of rainbow and brown trout. Lake fishing is best experienced over the summer months when the weather is mild; you can drop your lure to the bottom of the lake to the fish that are sheltering from the sunshine. There are several companies who offer Lake Taupo fishing charters: Whiskery Mikes, Te Kupenga Fishing Charters and Fish Lake Taupo Charters to name just a few. Whether you’re a group of keen fishermen hoping to fish the day away or a family just looking for a fun new experience on the water, there’s bound to be a charter company happy to take you out.
Skiing
No trip to Turangi is truly complete without spending the day on the mountain. Mt Ruapehu offers the best skiing in the North Island from the months of July to October and the Whakapapa ski field on the North Western side of the mountain is just a 40-minute drive away. Whakapapa is home to New Zealand’s best beginners ski facility, Happy Valley, so the whole family can enjoy a day in the snow. There’s plenty of varied terrain for skiing, snowboarding and sledding and when you’re all tuckered out, you can enjoy some great food and refreshing beverages at the highest café in the country.
Local dining
Guests are often surprised at the impressive local dining options here in Turangi. Hydro eatery is a crowd favourite for breakfast and brunch, serving up beautifully-presented dishes with friendly service to boot. For lunch or dinner, Lakeland House Restaurant offers a beautiful lakeside setting with all your favourite meals. There’s fresh seafood, a variety of pasta dishes and melt-in-your mouth beef, lamb and venison. And if you’re looking for a quick bite, grab a coffee and something from the cabinet from Creel Tackle House and Café. You can even pick up your fishing licence and bait while you’re there!
