Ruapehu Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter © Ruapehu Tourism
Land of ice & fire Ruapehu
Make a stop at Tūrangi
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he region is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world and you can’t buy trout so you must fish for your dinner. Find a fishing guide or ask for advice at Tūrangi’s Visitor Centre, but make sure you get a fishing licence first. The Department of Conservation runs the Tongariro National Trout Centre, just 4km south of Tūrangi. Walk through the museum and learn all about trout, feed some in the aquarium and learn to fish. Find out about the endangered whio ducks and see them on site.
in peace through beautiful native bush. Tūrangi is an ideal base for excursions into Tongariro National Park and is just 40 minutes from Whakapapa ski area on Mt Ruapehu. Nearby Kaimanawa Forest Park offers hunting and tramping, or take a walk around Lake Rotopounamu to see stunning scenery and tuneful birdlife.
There are lovely walks from the centre along the banks of the Tongariro River. Watch out for trout and listen for birdlife as you wander
PSST! HALFWAY BETWEEN TŪRANGI AND TAUPŌ, ON THE LAKE’S EAST SIDE, BULLI PT IS THE PERFECT ROCKJUMPING SPOT, WITH DEEP WATER AND SEVERAL LEDGES OF VARYING HEIGHTS TO LEAP FROM. 58
TWO NATIONAL PARKS, ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FINEST WALKS, THREE SKI AREAS AND AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF REASONS TO VISIT. WELCOME TO RUAPEHU.
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ome of the purest natural beauty in New Zealand is found in Ruapehu’s two national parks – the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park. Summer is THE month for tackling the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the country’s best one-day walk. Allow eight hours to tick this 20km mixed terrain walk off your list, and yes, the Emerald Lakes are worth every bun-burning step of the ‘Devil’s Staircase’. In winter, ski or snowboard down a volcano. There are three ski areas to test your skills: Whakapapa, Tūroa and Tukino. In spring, cycle The Timber Trail or take the scenic chair lift up Mt Ruapehu. If it’s raining during your visit, stay dry at Waiouru’s National Army Museum.
Distinctly different, but just as impressive, the Whanganui National Park’s gorges, sheer papa (clay) cliffs and waterfalls are accessible on foot, mountain bike, kayak or jet boat. The Whanganui Journey is one of New Zealand’s great walks (even though it’s a kayak trip) and it’s well worth taking the trip to the famous Bridge to Nowhere, which can be reached by jet boat, a short hike or mountain bike. ‑ ABOVE: Skiing on Tūroa © Visit Ruapehu LEFT: Tongariro River © Getty Images
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