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turangi
 To experience the
North Island’s ‘Alpine Country’ on the seismically
sensitive Central Volcanic Plateau, there’s no better place
to go than Turangi.
Turangi has the pulse of this volcanic heartland, with New
Zealand’s largest lake (Lake Taupo) on its front doorstep
and the vast Tongariro National Park (a World Heritage site) just
minutes away to the south. The town is the halfway point between
Auckland and Wellington on State Highway One.
The Maori translation of Turangi is ‘To stand in the
sky’ which alludes to the three snow-capped mountains that
dominate the skyline; Ruapehu, which has the North Island’s
finest ski fields, Ngauruhoe, a perfectly symmetrical volcanic
cone, which is continually active and Tongariro, a multi-cratered
mountain with emerald and blue lakes and a lunar landscape.
To learn about the Tongariro National Park you can visit the
Turangi visitor centre where a detailed relief model gives an
insight into the topography on the main tramping routes. The most
popular day trip is the renowned Tongariro Crossing considered to
be the best one day walk in New Zealand. The four day Northern
Circuit tramp goes around the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe.
Turangi has been called 'The Trout Fishing Capital' with some justification as the Lake Taupo/Tongariro River trout fishery is the finest in the world. The fishery is self-sustaining because of excellent spawning grounds, ample food supply and superb quality wild fish stocks. The National Trout Centre on S.H.1 at Turangi has a fascinating self-guided walking tour, which includes underwater viewing areas and a children's fishing pond.
Guided tours are also run in the Tongariro Delta area, one of New
Zealand’s largest wetlands, home to swan, dabchicks,
white-faced heron and Canada geese.
For adventure seekers Turangi is a good base for tramping,
rafting, mountain biking and kayaking. The tramping options are
legion, starting with a local ramble through a scenic gorge
called the River Walk. The Lake Rotopounamu Circuit 10 km south,
gives you the chance to encircle a pristine bush-fringed lake.
The Kaimanawa Forest Park has numerous tracks starting near the
Turangi township.
The Turangi area is brim full of opportunities to see the great
New Zealand outdoors at its very best.
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