Tongrariro Region

Natural Beauty & Adventure Activities

T he Tongariro Region is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and offers a great range of outdoor activities for all abilities and levels of fitness. The Tongariro National ParkTongariro Alpine Crossing – NZ’s greatest one day walk, trekking and walking options, and trout & fly fishing are world class. The National Park has a rich history and culture, is a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Park and home to many scenes from the Lord of the Rings Films.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Turangi: Gateway to the Tongariro Region & National Park Riverstone Recommendation

Riverstone Lodge & Backpackers is located in the small town of Turangi, at the southern end of Great Lake Taupo and 400m from the picturesque Tongariro River, which offers some great white water rafting experiences with quality operators. Turangi and the Tongariro region are also world famous for quality trout and fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout.

Best Outdoor Activity Deals Here!

Walking, Cycling & Swimming

Lake Rotopounamu is a stunning example of north island native forest, and the Tongariro River Trail – which can also be mountain biked, are recommended. For an alpine environment more similar to the Crossing and good alternatives in poor weather, there are the walks at Whakapapa Village or the Tongariro Traverse. Other walks and mountain biking tracks closer to Ohakune and National Park village could be explored as part of a round the mountain trip.

To the west consider visiting the historic and picturesque settlement of Tokaanu and the Tokaanu Thermal Pools. Further around the lake is Pukawa – where in summer there is good swimming beach – and the on the western bays road to Taupo, the walking or mountain biking track at Waihaha. For those traveling to and from the area be sure to check our suggested travel routes and for those heading north, our information on the journey between Turangi & Rotorua via Taupo.

Explore the Tongariro...


Tongariro Crossing Shuttle Tongariro Alpine Crossing NZ's Greatest One Day Walk  6-8 hours, 20 km One Way Grade: Moderate-Difficult Begins: Mangatepopo (35 minutes drive) Ends: Ketetahi (...
Tongariro Fishing Locations Tongariro Fishing Locations Trout & Fly Fishing There are many exceptional Tongariro fishing locations within 5 minutes – 1hr drive from Riverstone Lodge &...
Tongariro River Rafting & Kayaking Tongariro River Rafting & Kayaking Spectacular Gorges, River Journeys & Flat Water Tongariro River rafting in Turangi is good option on days when the Tonga...
Kaimanawa Forest Park Kaimanawa Forest Park Mountain Biking & Walking Trails The Kaimanawa Forest Park features dense North Island podocarp forest, spectacular river gorges and some...
Taupo Skydive, Jet Boating & Bungy Jumping Taupo Skydive, Jet Boating & Bungy Jumping Speed, Spills & Thrills If you are traveling between Rotorua & Turangi via Taupo it is a good chance to take...