1 What is it? Turangi is the cute little village that could, but hasn’t? Why? It has never been effectively promoted… It lacks leadership. It is a precious little gem, so make the most of it!
2 Why it is there? Trout fishing! Historically, it originally developed as a trout fishing village, with a new town built in 1970′s for the Tongariro Hydro Power Project – NZ down-sized scale version of Snowy Mountain scheme.
(Photo above – a corporate box at the footy – very Turangi…)
3 Where is it Half-way to everywhere in the North Island midway Auckland-Wellington, midway Napier-New Plymouth. Somwhere between Paradise and Heaven.
4 Population? About 3,000 residents but steadily falling – by 14% over the last three census periods when the rest of NZ increased 11%. But during peak holiday periods it can grow to over 10000… so book early.
5 Short history? Targeted by fly fishos for Tongariro River trophy trout for the last 100 years.
6 Famous identities? American author Zane Grey fished here in 1920′s and wrote “A Fishermans Eldorado” so we adopted him. The Duchess of York (QE2 mother) fished here in 1927 and returned in 1966, Queen Elizabeth and Prince (now King) Charles followed her. President Carter fished here. Every famous fresh water fly fisherman/women have fished here.
7 Town Museum? Archaeologists found fabulous pre maori village artifacts for the museum which is now closed… The Trout Centre museum is of historic interest to more than just fishos.
8 Town image? Trout. Tongariro River. Trout. Travelling from south it is the “Gateway to Taupo”. Trout. Travelling from North it is the “Trout Fishing Capital of the World.”.
10 Major employer? Tourism businesses predominate visually but forestry is the major employer.
11 Source of pride? Trophy Trout. The Tongariro River is claimed by many as the best wild trout fishery in the world. More books have been written about the Tongariro trout fishing than any other river in NZ. This 7 pound fresh run wild Rainbow Trout was landed and released this week.
12 Best reason to stay? Trout fishing. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro River loop trail. Half way Auckland Wellington. Did we mention fly fising for wild trophy trout?
13 Nearby attractions? Tongariro River, Tongariro National Park – a world heritage area, Whakapapa ski fields.
14 Best place for kids? Tokaanu thermal pools, Trout Centre, Tongariro River Trails.
15 Best place for a drink? Turangi Tavern – meet genuine local retired anglers (instead of other tourists). .
16 Best coffee? Creel Cafe on Taupahi Road is part of an historic tackle shop. Foodies will love it. Very intimate fishy setting. Rafting NZ HQ opposite the climbing wall. Great atmosphere and friendly service.
17 Best restaurant
Hare & Copper is simply outstanding!
18 Best bakery? Turangi Bakery – try their famous pies.
19 Best recreation activity? Fly fishing, walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, biking the Tongariro River Trail. Skiing at Whakapapa.
21 Best bike trail? Tongariro River Trail, Waihaha loop trail.
22 Best tourist view? Watching anglers fly fishing in the Major Jones Pool. State Highway 47 lookout, Mt Ruapehu gondola.
23 Best playground? Taupahi Park, big park with dog exercise area, adjacent river walking tracks. Even has petanque courts and exercise complex..
24 Best swim? Tokaanu hot thermal pools, Breakfast Pool on Tongariro River.
25 Best kept secrets? Mud pools in Tokaanu, Tongariro River Motel. Pillars of Hercules.
26 Best value accommodation? Tongariro River Motel – but you knew we would say that, although we are not even biased
27 Best shop?
TRM Tourist guests voted the Hospice Op Shop as their favourite.
28 Best wildlife? Watch BIG wild trout from Tongariro road bridge. Look out for the endangered (?) Blue Ducks along the Tongariro River.
29 Best tourism trap? Tongariro Alpine Crossing (warning – over 80,000 trampers annually) is NZ’s most popular one day walk.
30 Best family day trips? Tongariro Alpine Crossing is NZ’s most popular one day walk – 6 hours (Summer only).
A better alternative is to climb Ruapehu – see brief video below. Alternatively shorter walks include Lake Rotopounamu circuit – 2 hours. Taranaki Falls (from behind the Chateau) Mt. Ruapehu – 2 hours. Tongariro River lookout loop walk – 1 hour.
