The BIG DADDY of all the other local hiking trails.

“If the Kaimanawa tracks were in the South Island they would qualify for funding as another Great NZ Walk – but here in Turangi, they are just another track.”

Recently the TRM blog suggested there are other alternatives to the Tongariro Crossing – some even better! Especially after school holidays, these should be explored as most are relatively neglected… The only loop track that attracts a fair share of tourist traffic would be the 2 hour circuit of Lake Rotopounamu.

View to the north west towards Lake Taupo in the distance.

Other Turangi hiking tracks

Recent TRM’s blogs showed a brief view of the Kaimanawa views from the Umukarikari Track. This generated more interest with two distinctly different points of view. Most wanted more info but quite a few asked us not to post these tracks on social media as there are already too many tourists spoiling the tranquility and the hunting… TRM do not recommend them during “the roar” around Easter. The original post read:

We repeat: “If the Kaimanawa tracks were in the South Island they would qualify for funding as another Great NZ Walk – but here in Turangi, they are just another track.”

As TRM is supposed to be in the tourist accommodation business, SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed manages everything at TRM) can only apologise to local hunters. There are plenty of other tracks which offer good hunting closer to Turangi – which tourists will never find. But what is suggested by readers is true. These tracks should be part of a multi-day experience.

Now a new bike trail is being developed in the Kaimanawas, offering a 25 km downhill experience to the Desert Road. To access that by helicopter bikers need to budget on somewhere between $700 and $1,000 depending on numbers and preferred flight option, but ALL THESE OTHERS ARE FREE! Hopefully it is inevitable this new downhill bike trail will be extended to link up with existing trails to lead back to Turangi. Such combined hiking/biking trails in this region are long overdue.

During Covid restrictions on travel overseas, all these tracks were rediscovered and the feedback has been amazing. There is no need to travel overseas to the South Island or foothills of Everest! We have it all here. Now we are into the warmer summer months there is a lot more interest in these remote tracks in locations beyond the usual popular crowded Tongariro Crossing or the popular Northern Circuit-type tracks. For many years TRM has been quietly promoting an extraordinary bike track in this area.

Have a squiz over the edge of the bridge for giant trout.

For bikers wanting more scenic variety and a real challenge – TRM’s Big Day Out knocks the socks off anything else in the North Island. We cannot report too much without spoiling the surprises. Generally, it follows some of the trails and roads developed for the Tongariro Hydro Power Scheme over sixty years ago. To protect its exclusive charm, SWMBO’s route notes are for TRM inmates only.

First drink stop on BIG DAY OUT – the shelter is very welcome on a wet day.

Happiness is a dry rest stop on the BIG DAY OUT.

It extends up to fifty km. depending on the selected route options and covers everything with a huge variety including two DOC-managed tracks, linking remote scenic backcountry unsealed roads, a mix of mature native bush and forestry, upper Tongariro river dams, overall mainly downhill, even a speed section, with possibly the most unique unexpected lunch break (which we dare not reveal!). Long after bikers have forgotten where the track went, we promise they will remember the drink stop. We know from their photos… (I know we reported on this last week but now we are close to summer it deserves more promotion and another mention.)

But I must not get side-tracked as this blog is supposed to tell you about some of the other little-known scenic hiking tracks available. These are listed in no particular order with the only pre-requisite needed for tourists to bring with them, is fine weather and possibly, to be extra safe, a PLB! (Personal Locator Beacon). TRM cannot afford to lose inmates.

1 Umukarikari Track above, 4.7 km, climb to 1593 m., 2-3 hours each way, return track through bush track up above the exposed snow line to great distance views over Lake Taupo and the National Park.

2 Urchin Track, 6.6km, climb to 1391m., 3-4 hours each way, advanced fitness rating!

3 Tree Trunk Gorge, 12 km return, 2-3 hours, advanced fitness crossing three streams so make sure weather is dry. There are other options for the return tramp.

4 Tama Lakes (extension to the popular Taranaki Falls walk,) 17km., 5-6 hours, exposed upper lake altitude 1440 m located in a wind funnel so pick a fine day.

SWMBO leading Her happy team on the easy 2 hour stroll on Taranaki Falls loop track.

5 Mt. Tihia, 4.6km., 3-4 hours up 437m, down 550m if you can find the overgrown loop track, good views. Ask for directions at DOC office or TRM reception.

6 Lake Rotopounamu, 5 km, a warm-up 2 hours level loop around a hidden lake may be too easy and too popular for many?

7 Then, again, there is the “Daddy of them all” – TRM’s top pick for a really adventurous rewarding challenging Big Day Out restricted to fine summer conditions. See the following brief video:

Note the various T Shirts from “The Great NZ Trek”