1  Trout fishing the Tongariro – a world class trout river open all year round.  It should be on everyones bucket list.

2  Biking/walking Tongariro River Trail – from 3 km to 13 km loop up the Tongariro River.

3  Taranaki Falls – a 2 hour walk from Whakapapa.  Better than the Tongariro Crossing and no crowding or parking hassles!

4  Trout Centre –  the only place you can buy smoked trout but you need a kid to catch it.

5  Climbing Mt. Ruapehu – Summer only in a guided party from TRM – see images below.  This is better and easier and less hassle and more memorable than the Tongariro Crossing.

6  Rafting with Rafting NZ – adrenaline pumping 14 km with 50 rapids.

7  Walking around a hidden lake – voted by NZ Herald readers as our best kept secret..

8  Tramping Mt. Tihia –  views north over Lake Taupo, south over Tongariro National Park.

9  Tongariro Alpine Crossing – NZ’s most popular (& congested & crowded?) one day walk.  If you don’t like crowds then better alternative options are 2, 3, 5 & 7 above. 

10  Visit the only underground power station in the North Island.  (? You can’t in Turangi yet, but we are working on that…)  Meanwhile you can admire their closed door, email your complaint to your MP and visit the Pillars of Hercules nearby which still make the trip worthwhile.