Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the street's eastern end is
Hauaroa Whare
, a beautifully carved house. At the western end
Te Rohe Potae
memorialises King Tawhiao's assertion of his
mana
(authority) over the King
Country in a sculpture of a top hat on a large rock.
RAILWAY
Raurimu Spiral
The Raurimu Spiral, 30km south of town, is a unique feat of railway engineering that was
completed in 1908 after 10 years' work. Rail buffs can experience the spiral by catching
the
Northern Explorer
train linking Auckland and Wellington to National Park township
(around $96 return from Otorohonga). Unfortunately this train ceased stopping in Taumar-
unui in 2012.
Forgotten World Adventures
( 0800 7245 2278;
www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz
; 1 Hakiaha St; 1/2 days $285/495; booking office
9am-2pm)
Ride the rails on quirky converted former golf carts on the railway line linking
Taumarunui to the tiny hamlet of Whangamomona in the Taranaki region. The spectacular
trip takes in 20 tunnels, and other options include a rail and jetboat combo, and longer
two-day excursions covering the full 140km from Taumarunui to Stratford (including an
overnight stay in Whangamomona). For more information,
Click here
.
TOUR
Taumarunui Jet Tours
( 0800 853 886, 07-896 6055;
www.taumarunuijettours.co.nz
;
Cherry Grove Domain; 30/60min tour from $60/100)
High-octane jetboat trips on the Whanganui River.
JETBOATING
Sleeping & Eating
HOLIDAY PARK
$
Taumarunui Holiday Park
( 07-895 9345;
www.taumarunuiholidaypark.co.nz
;
SH4; campsites from $16, d cabin & cottage $65-85; )
On the banks of the Whanganui River, 4km east of town, this shady camping ground of-
fers safe river swimming and clean facilities. The friendly owners have lots of ideas on
what to see and do.
Twin Rivers Motel
(
MOTEL
$$
)
The 12 units at Twin Rivers are
07-895 8063;
www.twinrivers.co.nz
;
23 Marae St; units $90-215;
spick and span, and bigger units sleep up to seven.
