Our Top 10+

We can take you on our certified van to many of our local attractions throughout the Ruapehu and Taupo area. Being tangata whenua (people of the land) comes in handy as we have been taught the historic and local knowledge and are willing to share with you. Give Fiona a call to organise your journey with us and provide a quote to satisfy your budget and time restraints.

1 – Nga iwi – met the people

Everyone at Taumarunui Holiday Park are of Ngati Haua and/or Ngati Manunui decent. We are the people of the land, river, mountains and the lake. We welcome you to come to our park and share and enjoy all that our homelands has to offer.

Nau mai, haere mai.

2 – Whanganui & Whakapapa Rivers

Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au – I am the river and the river is me

The Whanganui National Park is the gorgeous backdrop for the Whanganui River to flow through. This river is the longest continuous navigable river in New Zealand. Its gentle gradient and 234 kilometres stretch provides individuals and groups a wonderful scenic canoeing or boating experience on the most canoed river in this country.

3 – Tongariro National Park

Ko Tongariro te maunga. Ko Taupo-nui-atea te Moana. Ko Ngati Tuwharetoa te iwi. Ko Te Heuheu te tangata. (Tongariro is my mountain. Taupo is my lake.Tuwharetoa is my tribe. Te Heuheu is my chief.

Also very special to Maori are the mountains and as such our paramount chief of the time Te Heuheu Tukino IV gave the mountains to the people of Aotearoa.

The National Park is a treasure for all of us to enjoy and look after.

4 – Forgotten World Highway

One of the AA’s “101 Must do’s for Kiwis” The Forgotten World Highway – State Highway 43 – is a heritage trail exploring one of New Zealand’s most secluded roads between Taumarunui and Stratford.

The highway winds its way over four mountain saddles, and past 20 odd highlights such as the 180 metre one-way Moki tunnel, spectacular Tangarakau Gorge, Mount Damper Falls and the tiny settlement of Whangamomona, a small village declared a ‘republic’ by its residents back in 1988. This back-country township celebrates its independence every second January when around 6,000 people flock to the village to participate in some sheep racing, gumboot throwing, whip cracking and possum skinning! This celebration is a local favourite.

5 – The Tongariro Crossing

Described as one of the best one-day treks in New Zealand. From alpine meadow to mountain summit with stunning volcanic features along the way. You will walk across a lunar landscape of craters, scattered pumice, active volcanoes, mountain springs, lava flows, emerald lakes, piles of scoria and statue-like mounds of volcanic rock – all testaments to the forces that were unleashed to create this volcanic desert. It will takes about 8-9hours to allow time for photos and any sidetracks, lunch and breaks.

6 – Trout Fishing

Ruapehu and surrounding areas boast world class wilderness fishing. Offering angling of all types, from trophy-lake fishing to the ever challenging wilderness backcountry head waters, Taumarunui has it all.

Whakapapa River is the largest tributary of the Whanganui River and one of ‘New Zealand’s finest trout fisheries. The Whakapapa flows through native forest alternating between turbulent rapids, deep pools and long boulder runs. Licenses can be purchased locally and at The Department of Conservation Offices.

7 – Taranaki & Tama Falls

Shorter walks (about 1 hour each way) but still with fantastic views. Tarakai Fall are on the side of Mount Ngaruahoe which was Mount Doom in LOTRs.

8 – The Bridge to Nowhere

The ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ is the unofficial flagship of Whanganui National Park, an iconic symbol for New Zealand adventure tourism and a major visitor destination on the Whanganui Journey.

The bridge was left to the ravages of nature when the Mangaparua farming settlement was abandoned in the early 1900s.

Arrangements with a river jet can be made for the return trip to Whakahoro or to transfer to the Matemateaonga Walkway.

9 – The Raurimu Spiral

The village of Raurimu is named after the world famous railway spiral, an engineering masterpiece that made access up the steep inclines of the volcanic plateau possible and can be found 50kms South of Taumarunui.

Completed in 1908, the spiral enabled the Main Trunk Railway to be completed thereby opening up the central north island to valuable trading and employment opportunities. The dense native forest and steep climb up to the volcanic plateau presented major challenges that were overcome with the ingenuous construction of the spiral consisting of a complete circle, three horseshoe curves and two short tunnels.

10 – Tokaanu Hot Pools and mud scenic walk

Only40 minute drive are natural thermal hot pools at Tokaanu village. Which is a miniature geothermal wonderland and has a free short walk around its mud and hot pools. Or hire a private hot pool for a small fee compared to Rotorua prices!!

11 – Snow Skiing – Whakapapa and Ruapehu Ski Fields

In just 35 minutes from you can drive from Taumarunui Holiday Park and find yourself on the chairlifts of New Zealand’s largest and most developed Ski field – Whakapapa and Turoa on the slopes of magnificent Mt Ruapehu.

Experience Mt Ruapehu and ski with world-class facilities catering for all levels from the beginner to the advanced or the more extreme adventurer! Nowhere else in New Zealand can you ski on an active volcano! The ski season usually runs from late June to mid November, sometimes lasting until December.

Scenic chairlift rides operate on Whakapapa throughout most of the year offering unsurpassed and spectacular views over the central North Island. The Gondola will be up and running soon and we can take you there too!

Other things to do:

Bushline Quads

With Bushline Quads you can experience pure adrenaline pumping fun! Bushline Quads specialise in 4×4 quad rides with a real wilderness adventure into the Tongariro Forest Park. Rivers, streams, awesome scenery, clean mountain air with great photo opportunities all in one stunning area.

One, two and three hour tours from just $60. Refreshments are provided. No licence or experience necessary. Gloves and helmets are provided. Wet weather gear is available for hire.

Para St, Taumaranui.
Phone: +64 7 895 9489
Fax :+64 7 895 9488
E-mail: one.stop@xtra.co.nz

Golf

The adoption of the Scottish word ‘Tarrangower’ gives Taumarunui’s Tarrangower Golf Club a link to where the game first started.

Those who visit to play on this scenic 18-hole course seem to find themselves returning again to enjoy the serene beauty of this course. Its reputation has given this golf course the recognition of being amongst the finest in New Zealand.

Swimming

Being right by the river gives our guests great access to swimming and there are many other swimming holes in the area that are safe and fun for the family. Taumarunui has an outdoor pool in the centre of town and a covered heated swimming pool located adjacent to Taumarunui’s 18-hole golf course. This 25 metre six lane swimming pool provides an oasis of refreshing enjoyment.

Taumarunui’s central location offers visitors many exciting attractions of the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks including the Whakapapa and Whanganui rivers, majestic mountain peaks, forest parks, sights, bike ways, tram ways, glow worms, rock carvings and spectacular scenery.

Advice and information on all activities in and around Taumarunui and National Park are available at our Reception. Please ask us here at Taumarunui Holiday Park for more information and suggestions of how to get the most out of your stay in the King Country.