Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.troutcentre.com
;
SH1; adult/child $10/free; 10am-3pm)
The DOC-managed trout
hatchery has polished educational displays, a collection of rods and reels dating back to
the 1880s and freshwater aquariums displaying river life, both nasty and nice. A gentle
stroll along the landscaped walkway leads to the hatchery, keeping ponds, an underwater
viewing chamber, the Tongariro River and a picnic area.
Tongariro River Trail
WALKING, CYCLING
(
www.tongarirorivertrail.co.nz
)
Should you have at least half a day to spare around Turangi,
the must-do is the picturesque Tongariro River Trail, a 16km dual-use walking and cyc-
ling loop track starting from town and heading upriver to the Red Hut suspension bridge,
taking in the National Trout Centre along the way. It takes around four hours to walk the
entire loop, and around two hours to cycle on easy terrain; hire bikes from Tongariro
River Rafting who offer a $35 bike-hire and trout centre entry package. Shorten your out-
ing by crossing at Major Jones Bridge - a circuit known as the
Tongariro River Lookout
Track
which is a 1½-hour riverside amble passing lookout points to Mt Pihanga.
Tongariro River Rafting
RAFTING
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-386 6409, 0800 101 024;
www.trr.co.nz
; Atirau Rd)
Test the white waters with a
Gentle Family Float (adult/child $75/65), splash straight into the Grade III rapids (adult/
child $115/105), or try a more physical kayaking trip ($129). Raft fishing available in
summer (price on enquiry). Turangi's original rafting company also hires out mountain
bikes and runs guided trips around local rides including the 42 Traverse, Tongariro River
Trail, Tree Trunk Gorge and Fishers Track. Ask about multi-activity combos.
Rafting NZ
RAFTING
( 07-386 0352, 0800 865 226;
www.raftingnewzealand.com
; 41 Ngawaka Pl)
The main trips
offered by this slick outfit are a four-hour, Grade III trip on the Tongariro River with an
optional waterfall jump (adult/child $129/119) and a family fun run over more relaxed
rapids (Grade II, three hours, adult/child $85/75). Groups of four or more can tackle a
two-day trip overnighting at a riverside camp (Grade III-plus, $350 per person).
Motuoapa Hire Boats
BOATING
( 0275 303 333; Motuoapa Esplanade; kayak hire per hr $20-25)
Hires kayaks, paddle boards
and small motorboats from its launchpad 10km northeast of Turangi.
