Turangi walking tracks

Track category

Walking track

Description

Tongariro River Loop Track

Time: 1 hr loop track

The walk begins northern end at SH 1 bridge, or at southern end from Major Jones footbridge, Koura Street, Turangi. This loop track can be walked in either direction. It is described here from the northern access point on the true right bank of the Tongariro River. Note: the true left or right is the side taken when looking downstream.

View looking up the Tongariro River
from the Tongariro River Walkway
lookout

From the first lookout point, the track climbs steeply to a viewpoint over the Tongariro River, a trout fishery of international renown. Mt Pihanga, and the eroded volcanoes of the northern range of Tongariro National Park form a backdrop to the town of Turangi. The track wanders through bush to the Major Jones footbridge at the southernmost point of the track.

Cross the bridge and continue the walk downstream along the true left river bank. This side of the river is an easy flat walk in a more urban setting. It passes through a narrow stretch of public land alongside the river. This is a popular spot for dog walking, so be sure to carry a lead.

Tongariro River Walkway

Time: 3 hr

Begins at Major Jones footbridge, Koura Street, Turangi; or Red Hut footbridge, 5 km south of Turangi, off SH 1. This popular walk follows the Tongariro River south of Turangi. There are good views of the river's calm pools and rippling rapids as you walk along the high banks above the river. The walk passes through native bush on the river edge and along the edge of private farmland. Keep an eye out for trout in the river pools. Popular for dog walking as well.

The use of mountain bikes is permitted on this track. Bikers should be considerate of walkers.

Return via same track.

Tongariro National Trout Centre

Time: 30 min

4 km south of Turangi off SH 1. Open 10.00 am - 3.00 pm. A pleasant half-hour walk passes through the Tongariro National Trout Centre facilities beside the Tongariro River. Display panels explain the management of the Taupo Fishery while a viewing chamber provides great underwater views of rainbow trout. A ranger is present during open hours for guidance and answering questions. Picnic and barbecue areas are available. No dogs are permitted during open hours.

Motuoapa Cliff Lookout

Time: 15-20 min

Begins beside northern end of Motuoapa Lodge in Motuoapa village, 10 km north of Turangi on SH 1. The track heads up to the volcanic cliffs behind Motuoapa to a wooden viewing platform. The lookout offers excellent views of Stump Bay, Motuoapa Peninsula, the wetlands and Lake Taupo. Please treat the area with respect as it is of cultural importance to the Ngati Tuwharetoa people.

Return via the same track, or, for a slight variation during the descent, continue along a path which leads to the north end of the settlement and return alongside the state highway to the track entrance.

Motutere/Waipehi Track

Time: 1 hr

Drive 16 km north of Turangi on SH 1 to Motutere. Park opposite the northern end of the Motutere motorcamp. The track climbs through regenerating bush to above SH 1. There are great views along the track from Motutere Bay in the south, Motutaiko Island, and Jellicoe Point to the north. After the lookout the track descends gently through kanuka and broad-leaf forest. It passes beside cliffs of volcanic ignimbrite erupted by the Taupo volcano following the old main road for a short time before crossing the Waipehi Stream.

There are picnic areas and toilets across the road at the lakeshore reserve of Jellicoe Point. Return via the track to Motutere as this is a narrow and busy section of SH 1.

Walkers are advised to return via the track to Motutere or arrange to be picked up at your finishing point. This section of the main road is too busy and narrow to safely walk along.

Te Hapua

Time: 45 min

Access by boat; or from Karangahape Road off SH 32, across a poled easement through farmland into the scenic reserve. Allow 45 minutes to walk down to the bay

Te Hapua (or 'Scenic Bay') on the western shore of Lake Taupo is ideally reached by boat. From the lake edge it takes 15 minutes to walk up to a viewpoint just below the farmland, or 10 minutes to reach a bay to the south. Te Hapua Reserve is intended for day visitors. Camping, dogs or fires are prohibited.

Pukawa to Omori Track

Time: 1 hr 20 min, return via same track

Begins at end of Kaiuru Avenue in Pukawa village (15 minutes drive west of Turangi - signposted to the right off SH 41). The track wanders through the bush along the edge of Lake Taupo on an easy gradient. Bellbird and tui are often seen in the trees above and from time to time glimpses of nearby Lake Taupo. The track emerges at Omori Reserve on the edge of the lake where there is a picnic area, toilet and shingle beach.

The reserve is notable for the kowhai trees which create a splash of bright yellow when flowering. Aluminium bands have been placed around some kohuhu trees to prevent possums from climbing up to eat the palatable native mistletoe.

The track continues on over the Omori Stream where in winter spawning trout may be seen. Another 10 minutes walk sees the end of the track at the Omori Boat Ramp. Popular with dog owners, be sure to pay attention to the local signs regarding dogs on council land around the lake.

Pukawa Bush Walk

Time: 45 min, loop track

Begins on Hauraki Terrace (off Pukawa Road). The track entrance is just past Rereao Lane and is usually walked in an anti-clockwise direction.

The track climbs up through Pukawa Bush above the village on a well graded route. A short way up there is a lookout with views over the village and lake. The lush podocarp forest contains large rimu, matai and totara trees. Birdlife is a feature of this area and in particular bellbird and tui which frequent this part of the bush.

The bush gradually changes to a rewarewa/kamahi forest and near the top opens out to a magnificent view of Lake Taupo and the surrounding countryside. Descending again, the last part of the track follows the route of the old Pukawa Road. The track ends on Rereao Lane which you can follow back to your starting point.

Upper Pukawa Walk

This new track aims to provide a safe alternative for people walking the Pukawa to Omori loop and avoids having to walk down the main Pukawa Road. The track starts off at the top of Hauraki Terrace and onto Rereao Lane, follow Taupo District Council signs on to the water tank road. At the top veer to your left and follow the track through the bush to the top of the Pukawa road and SH41.

Note: People using the Pukawa Bush Walk and the Upper Pukawa Walk are advised that in relation to Rereao Lane this is private property and use by walkers is at the discretion of the owners. Walkers must follow direction signs back down to Hauraki Terrace, respect the privacy of the owners and keep dogs on a leash at all time.

Activities

Plan and prepare

Before starting out, you should check the weather forecast and track conditions - weather can be extremely changeable all year round. Be prepared for bad weather at all times.

Heavy rain will cause increased water flows in all streams and rivers.

Remember to let a reliable person know where you are going and to check in with them on your return.

Giardia may be present in some streams in the park. We recommend you treat all water before you drink it.

Take with you:

• windproof and waterproof clothing (raincoat and overtrousers)
• sturdy comfortable shoes or boots
• food, and plenty to drink
• sunglasses and sunscreen if you are venturing above the snowline
• first aid kit

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