Central North Island journey
geothermal explorer,
lakes and waterfalls road trip

Lake Taup @Found The World

On your return to Tokaanu there is a scenic lookout with views of Lake Taupo. Not a great view of the lake however it is an official layby for visitors. You will not miss anything if you simply keep on driving.

VISIT DURATION: fifteen minutes

Tokaanu Wharf, Lake Taupo

Lake Rotopounamu sounds exquisite yet the thought of tramping through the bush doesn’t appeal. Tokaanua offers geothermal bliss with a chance to meet the locals while soaking in the local natural hot water pools.

You can take a wander down to the Tokaanu old wharf.

Tokaanu was a transport hub now the wharf is a decaying relic of early 20th century transport links.

For jetty and wharf fans, with aging timbers gracefully rotting in the elements this wharf has got it all. Plus it reaches into the infinity of Lake Taupo giving a perspective to a photo moment.

Tokaanu geothermal walk

Tokaanu geothermal pools, although in need of a spruce up, a family friendly greeting makes you feel welcome. There is a sense of connection with the thermal activity in the vicinity. Ice cream and snacks are available at the onsite cafe. Remember to bring your own towels and swimming gear. TIP Look up at the nearby cliffs and you will see Hipaua steaming cliffs. The cliff face is part of the Tokaanu-Waihi-Hipaa thermal area. The cliffs are not safe to climb. A great cliff viewing spot is the old wharf or the bridge to the thermal pools. Do not forget to peer over the Tokaanu geothermal pools bridge to observe trout in the warm stream waters.

Safety notice: Take heed of notices about not immersing your head in the geothermal water and no fishing from the bridge.

Picturesque Tongariro River

Fishing options summary (with licence):

• Fish from Tokaanu wharf
• Fishing charter (either private or group) Lake Taupo
• On shore flying Lake Taupo
• Fly fishing Tongariro River

All day fishing on Lake Taupo is bliss for some visitors or perhaps fly fishing Tongariro River is a highlight. Tongariro River is a stone’s throw away with the challenges of fly fishing. Then again, perhaps a full day on the Lake doesn’t appeal yet the idea of fresh water fishing sounds good. There is the option of trying your hand at fishing from Tokaanu old wharf. For fishing charters and guides, visitors based in either Tokaanu or Turangi have a quick 25 minute drive to the numerous charter options in Taupo. You can join a group of first time holiday makers for a Taupo fishing cruise.

Fishing licences are compulsory. For visitors without a fishing licence or gear to fish this will need to be a pre-booked activity. Fishing gear can be rented for the day, and if you have booked a guide they will manage transport or a meeting point.

TIP: Visitors with a current licence, check with your accommodation provider for tips on the best spots locally to fish.

Lake Taupo & Turangi Fishing Guides. When you check out the professional fishing guides you will be entranced by their wide, I’ve got this fish grin. NOTE: for fly fishing waders will need to be hired as well. More pesky details to get excited about. Lifeajackets.

TIP: Remember to wear lifejackets while on the water and supervise children around water.

And we look forward to the selfie with the catch of the day.

Braxmere Tokaanu @Tripadvisor

Lakeland House Restaurant Braxmere Tokaanu – accommodation for little adventures on the shores of Lake Taupo. On the southern side of the lake, approximately 10 minutes drive from Tokaanu / Turangi  is the location of your treat for the day. Perhaps it is dinner by the lakeside after a vigorous walk to Lake Rotopounamu or time to unwind after learning the intricacies of fly fishing. Check the menu beforehand and savour the moment. Your accommodation could arrange child minders for your evening out if discussed beforehand.

TIP: Discuss child minding when you book your accommodation.

Mounds walk, tundra and mountains

All of the walks are on State Highway 48, in the vicinity of Whakapapa Village. The walks offer a variety of scenery, from waterfalls, high altitude vegetation to avalanche debris. They are well signposted, with information panels and easy to moderate gradients. A gem of water, sky, rocks in an alpine setting.

Whakapapa Nature Walk

The first walk is closest to the Visitor Centre, Whakapapa Nature Walk introduces the walker to the flora and fauna with on site information panels.  This walk can be completed by all fitness levels. Wheelchair accessible on a sealed loop track.

• Length: 300 metres
• Duration: 15 minutes

The Mounds Walk

The Mounds walk is a short easy walk for children with a history of human occupation and volcanic activity. Detailed information panels engage the walker to reassess the landscape for telltale signs of avalanche debris. There is a great photo moment of Mount Ngauruhoe at the commencement of this walk. The best position for a photo is at the top of the steps as you are elevated with soaring Mountain backdropping the tundra. Not wheelchair accessible.

Tawhai Falls

Tawhai Falls Walk

Tawhai Falls walk packs a punch with mountain toatoa, beech forest, bird song and then a pretty waterfall at the end of the walk. To access the waterfalls there is a short climb over rocks slippery when wet. There are steps to the Tawhai Falls with handrails. It is a favourite spot for instagrammers due to the Gollom scene in the film Lord of the Rings.

• Length: 800 metres
• Duration: 25 minutes
• Grade: medium (steps)

Ridge Track Walk

Ridge Track starts with the dappled light of beech forest then the horizon widens to alpine shrubs and the reward of a panoramic view of  Mt Ngauruhoe. As the walk is aptly described you have climbed a ridge with a truely great moment to soak into the view of the mountain poised against the sky. If it is cloudy, as happens, return for another day in the mountains.

• Length: 1.2 km
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Grade: easy / medium

Chateau Tongariro High Tea @Visit Ruapehu

Indulge in afternoon tea at the  Chateau Tongariro afternoon tea. Make sure to sit  under enormous picture windows overlooking the mountains. Bookings are essential. A perfect indulgence after vigorous morning walks. Bookings are essential. Then highlight could be a gondola ride to the Knoll Ridge Chalet. There is the option of your afternoon tea at the top of a mountain. No bookings required for afternoon tea at Knoll Ridge.

Forward booking for afternoon tea is essential High Tea Mt. Ruapehu Hotel. To mark a truly special occasion, upgrade to enjoy a glass of bubbles with your fresh scones, savouries and macarons. Choose between a traditional, vegetarian, gluten free or vegan menu. Pamper yourself and your friends with High Tea at The Chateau Tongariro Hotel, available daily from 11 AM – 5 PM.

Sky Waka Gondola @Tongariro Crossing Lodge

RETURN SIGHTSEEING GONDOLA RIDE

Journey through the clouds on a return trip (one ride up, one ride down) on the Sky Waka to the Knoll Ridge Chalet. Sightseeing passengers are not permitted to carry ski & ride equipment onto the gondola. Check the travel pack information for details about walks from the Knoll Ridge Chalet. Watch the sky watchvideo as it provides a clear view of the terrain and ease of the walking track. The gondola is spectacular, you are effortlessly whisked up the side of a massive mountain with 360-degree views through a glass gondola.

Floor to ceiling windows float visitors to a height of 2021 metres above sea level. This is a must do for all age groups.

Gondola highlights:

• Look out for Tongariro National Park’s other impressive volcanoes, Tongariro and Ngaruahoe
• Views include scenic shooting locations from the Lord of the Rings movies
• No set boarding times: take the gondola up the mountain and back any time

Take the kids to the top: cut-price tickets for children aged 18 and under

Cycling the Old Coach Road, Ohakune @Hyundai NZ

Consider an afternoon saunter in a small vibrant town exploring local artisan stores, restaurants and enjoying the vibe of a town that supports a vigorous agricultural sector as well as tourism. There are cafes, boutique shops, short walks and spectacular mountain views. Ohakune is an experienced host welcoming visitors year round.

Cycling the Old Coach Road, Ohakune

Forgot a day in the mountains and afternoon tea at the Chateau, it’s all about the great outdoors. Hop onto either a rented bike or your own trusty mountain bike and explore the Ohakune Old Coach Road. This is an all day cycle option.

• Time: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 15km
• Grade: 2.

This is one of those “something-for-everyone” kind of rides. You’ll have your dose of impressive mountain views, forest and history. The Old Coach Road was used for horse-drawn coaches, which now connects Horopito and Ohakune. There are equal uphill and downhill sections in the pretty native forest of the Tongariro National Park.Two highlights include the 45 metre-high Hapuwhenu Viaduct and the Old Train Tunnel, both looking out-of-place amongst native bush. There are plenty of information panels to read should you need an excuse to rest. Check Ohakune Old Coach Road for details.

Turangi River Walk swing bridge

Your afternoon is an exploration of the Tongariro River Walk. The River Walk is an excellent choice for all fitness levels, it is relatively flat, there is a wide firm path, there is opportunity to vigorously cycle. The walk meanders on both sides of the Tongariro River past people’s backyards, rolling farmland and through native bush. The River is always present with glimpses and vistas opening up to people fly fishing or swimming in sheltered areas. The Tongario National Trout Centre is on the route and a great place to break your journey.

The 15 km loop track is undulating and has numerous well signposted exit and entrance points giving visitors the choice of how far and where to go. The track allows dogs on a lease and is suitable for families with children in a buggy.

Tongariro River Trail: Turangi area, Central North Island region.

Check out New Zealand country notes for bike hire options.

VISIT DURATION 1- 3 hours

Tongariro River Trail @Love Taupo

Opepe abandoned logs

Opepe Reserve is an original and regenerating native bush reserve embracing the original Taupo to Napier road.

The original road followed the traditional Maori tracks over the ranges and into the Lake Taupo region.

The bush reserve has the remains of the logging industry with a pit saw, partly cut Totara trees and plaques describing the nineteenth century logging industry and its impact on the environment.

It is a special moment when you are retracing the footsteps of people on the overgrown highway, imaging all of those who went before.

There is public car parking on both sides of the road.

The reserve is surprisingly quiet, as it abuts a major highway.

Within a few paces of entering the reserve the sight and sound of a highway disappears into bird sound and forest whispers.

Opepe trail

The walk is relatively flat although in wet weather it could be slippery with the vegetation.

Public toilets: has a compostable toilet on site

TIP: Safety – The reserve is split in two by a major highway which you need to cross over to explore both sides of the reserve.

The highway has a speed limit of 100km.

Exercise caution with children crossing the road.

For more information abou the reserve click here for Opepe walks: Taupō area.

VISIT DURATION   1 – 1 ½ hours

Where is it?

Free afternoon, perhaps shopping in Taupo, bungy jumping or an afternoon cruising Lake Taupo. Lake Taupo is a major tourist destination with the lake as the centrepiece for visitors and locals alike. Lake Taupo attractions include cruises to rock carvings and hidden coves, fishing trips and beaches for swimming and picnics. The town has developed a range of themed entertainments from bungee jumping, water based sports activities to boutique stores, cafes and restaurants catering for visitors.

Taupo lake cruise

@nzriverjet

You’ve got numerous jet boat operators throughout New Zealand to choose from, there is a combination of jet boat thrills to a geothermal treasure. Visitors jet boat down the Waikato River through the spectacular Tutukau Gorge. The scenery is pine forests, regenerating bush, farmland, steaming volcanic river banks and trout feeding areas on your way down to Orakei Korako; one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal attractions.

New Zealand RiverJet | Jet Boat Taupo and Rotorua is not just about a quick spin and a swirl against large river boulders. While there is definitely speed involved, its a jet boat after all, there is time to absorb the scenery you are passing. The jet boat is a great transport option, leave the car at Taupo DeBretts and enjoy the day with someelse organising getting to and from Orakei Korako. River Jet offers a pick up and drop off service. This is only available when you book our Ultimate Squeeze or Ultimate Thermal Safari. The Ultimate part is essentially just a shuttle service to and from our base with a couple of added bonus stops! When you book this tour, it will ask for your accommodation so we know where to pick you up from (must be central Town). Pick up time is between 8:50am and 9:20am. Ensure you wait out front for your pick up collection. Check here for FAQ.

VISIT DURATION: All day

Waikite Valley Hot Pools @Nz Frenzy North

Take a stroll on the Te Manaroa Spring Walkway and Eco-Trail to the largest single source of boiling water in New Zealand. Experience the ‘Living Waters’ of Waikite Valley and see the violently magnificent Te Manaroa Spring as it discharges thousands of litres of geothermal energy into the Otamakokore Stream that winds its way downstream leaving a trail of calcite formations in its wake.

Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool.  Waiotapu Track is located 27 km (20 minutes drive) south of Rotorua off SH5, turn left on Loop Rd opposite Waikite Rd for 2 km until you reach Waiotapu Track. Waiotapu Boardwalk: Rainbow Mountain & Waiotapu Scenic Reserves is free to visit. A well maintained flat, wheelchair accessible path. Geothermal bubbling mud pools, boiling alkes and bright green steaming ponds.

• Length: 250m
• Duration: 10 mins
• Wheelchair: accessible
• VISIT DURATION:  ½ hour