Opotaka is the birthplace of the All Blacks haka. Ngati Toa chief Te Rauparaha once sheltered at Motuopuhi and he acknowledged Wharerangi and his people by composing his famous ngeri, or war chanti Ka Mate. There are informative plaques to explain the significance of the site for visitors.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT STAYING A WHILE IN TURANGI?
Perfect location to access Lake Taupo with Tongariro National Park a neighbour. The enormous trout ‘big thing’ makes it very hard to miss the place driving up or down State Highway one. Turangi understands budgets and not having a fortune to spend on paid entertainment. Turangi is a master at making do and having a great time.
Ka Mate Haka @thegosogo
1. Ka Mate Haka performed by the All Blacks chant origins are a stone’s throw away.
2. Walk Around Lake Rotopounamu
The name translates as Lake Greenstone, very apt for the deep crystal clear emerald lake waters. There are picnic tables and toilets for a day out and about absorbing the bird song. Location: SH47 The car park is opposite the signposted entrance. Take care crossing the road. Check our Coast to Coast Lower North Island itinerary for details.
Rotopounamu Lake walk
Lake Rotopounamu Loop @AllTrails
3. Tokaanu for a classic geothermal pool experience
Plus the flat 20 minute walk around the thermal park. There is no charge for the geothermal walk however the pool does have an entrance fee.
Tokaanu thermal hot pools
Tongariro River walks
4. Tongariro River walks numerous options depending on your fitness levels with swimming pools marked on trail maps.
Perhaps you want to try your hand at biking the route.
5. Fly fishing the river to catch a trout for your next meal.
A classic Tongariro hit and miss activity. No fish, perhaps no dinner.
Fly fishing Tongariro River
National Trout Centre
6. National Trout Centre especially school holidays with kids fishing programmes.
There are admission fees to the Centre. Remember to visit the Whio (native blue duck) creche for baby ducklings. There are no entrance fees to the walks and Trout Centre creche area.
7. Visit the Volcanic Activity Centre at the Turangi Visitor Information Centre for an interaction shaking in your boots experience.
At the same time pick up your brochures for the Tongariro River trails.
Volcanic Activity Centre @Chun-Wei Lu
White water rafting
8. Spoil yourself with a white water rafting adventure on the Tongariro River.
There are trips to match your experience and expectations. Exhilaration and sheer nail biting excitement for all age groups.
9. Visit the Kaimanawa Forest Park perhaps the Kaimanawa Forest Loop Walk – 1.1 km 20 minutes Starts and finishes beside the Urchin Camping Area, 3 km along Kaimanawa Road.
This is an easy loop walk through a beautiful forest dominated by red beech. Check travel pack information for park brochures. See if you can spot the iconic Kaimanawa wild horses.
Kaimanawa wild horses standing amongst tussocks
Classic meat pie Turangi Bakery
10. Eat a pie at Turangi Bakery and test whether the hype is worth the bite.
The Turangi Bakery and Cafe offers the best Turangi pie in town. They also serve coffee, sandwiches, and cakes.
Getting there
Turangi is worth the journey.
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