A must-see experience! A beautiful walk through nature’s wonders — from emerald green to sky-blue pools, steaming geysers, and bubbling hot water you can actually feel beside the path. The smell of sulfur is strong, but it’s all part of the incredible experience. Absolutely worth it!

Lucky for beautiful spring weather and early morning small crowd. Lovely moderate hike down to the boat dock with multiple documented view points of the steaming vents and springs in the valley along the way. Peaceful yet awesome views of what the 1883 eruptions did to the original valley and lakes and the vegetation that repopulated the valley. Ryan gave us a great commentary and boat viewing tour of the crater lake and its steaming vents - a must do to add to the hike. Bus options for those not up to the full hike.

It was an absolutely amazing experience. The walk with multiple viewing points and their relevance and history was brilliant to learn. The boat ride was so informative and a delightful experience. Staff were supportive, informative, and helpful.

Fascinating and beautiful. Well organised. Great staff. Do all 3 walks (only about a relatively easy 3.6k) and the boat trip to complete the experience with a close up view of a geyser in action. A fabulous half day. Don't miss it.

The lake cruise is so worth it! Absolutely stunning being out on the water. The walk to the lake was also amazing - stunning landscapes and scenery all throughout.

Really interesting site. Walking involved...but not strenuous. There are 3 trails to walk...choose one to your abilities.

Fascinating walk down the volcanic valley. The guide had a great overview of the area and the history and pointed out the different fauna and flora as well as the details of the volcano and its history. The return journey was by bus which was great as it would have been a steep climb back to the visitor centre.

I wouldn't put it on the "must do" list. The information inside the museum is good and thorough however outside is run down and lacking maintenance. Not worth the $25/30 per person. We arrived just before closing so didn't go into the coffee shop. The walk down to the waterfall was really good. Be careful as it is very steep but a well maintained path with hand rails. Give yourself around an hour to explore it all and to do the waterfall walk.

Just 20 minutes from Rotorua, the Buried Village of Te Wairoa is a moving and fascinating glimpse into the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. As a nurse and local, I found the history and personal stories especially powerful. The museum and excavated sites are well set up, and the short bush walk to the waterfall adds a peaceful touch—great if you’re bringing a toddler. It’s family-friendly, informative, and a nice mix of culture, nature, and history. Definitely worth a visit for locals and visitors alike.

Very interesting and educational. I loved reading all about the times leading up to the volcano eruptions. Learnt a lot that I didn't know prior to going. I went with 2 young children, but due to the treasure hunt they were immersed in the experience. The waterfall was the absolute highlight. Highly recommend. Loved traveling back in time, if for a moment.

Very nicely done small museum to tell the history and then walk around the area. We did waterfall loop too. Beautiful trees and great storyboards. Some a bit worn off so would need soon maintenance.

So much fun, what a beautiful walk. Definitely take the long waterfall route when doing the walking path, you feel fully immersed in this cool jungle like waterfall path, so beautiful.

Really great experience loved the museum and the te Wairoa waterfall showcased all about the people who were living in that area of the time of the volcano eruption in 1800's Was lucky to be offered a locals free visitor pass after we already had purchased our tickets for cheaper online which is a nice treat. The cafe on site also is lovely food was great and coffee nice and hot.

A once-prosperous village that is destroyed by natural disasters. It's amazing to see this place has turned into a natural primary forest today. Walking along the trail that winds through the remnants offers an informative glimpse into its past. It's difficult to fully grasp the emotions and experiences of those who lived through the catastrophe. The trail could last about an hour. There is a preferred detour nesr the end of the trial that takes you the waterfall. It is beautiful to see the water gashing down. Refreshing and rejuvenating. 😍

Well, it was nice to see but it was definitely nothing too special; it's a man-made phenomenon that requires the personnel to activate the geyser and the eruption only lasts for a minute or two. Whilst it's a decent place to visit if you happen to be there at 1015am, it's definitely not worth making an early trip to wait for it

It's about a half hour from Rotorua. It's free and quite a memorable experience. We were wondering how the geyser follows a perfect schedule of 10:15. If you see the video below you'll see it's because they add soap to the geyser. The whole thing lasts about 3 minutes. The staff are very entertaining. Their song is very beautiful. Worth watching if you're in Rotorua.

Our guide who presented the geyser was very interactive. Sang wonderfully and really added to the experience. Unfortunately as it was quite a cold day the geyser produced a lot of steam obscuring the view. I'd recommend visiting on a warm day if able!

Beautiful experience with plenty of seating and parking. We bought tickets but no one seemed to check them? The geyser goes off at 10:15am every day because they induce it with adding soap to the opening. A lady who is the granddaughter of the Maori chief sang a song whilst it erupted and provided a wealth of information on the history of the area. I highly recommend this for everyone if they come to Rotarua.

The geyser was a pretty good experience and the song was amazing from the wahine who sang while the geyser erupted. The best part was seeing all the volcanic lakes a pools, do not miss this.

The show starts at 10.15am and they advise to arrive by 9.45am, which we did. We were advised to drive back up the road to the Lady Knox Geyser for the show first then come back to the main entrance for Wai-O-Tapu and purchase tickets afterwards. The benches can be wet when it's cold. The show lasts around 10 mins.

A fun, quick show. Be sure to get there early, it got fairly crowded for us.

This place was a fun and unique experience! We did the 45-minute hike, which was manageable and enjoyable. Just be aware of the strong sulfur smell coming from the volcano—it’s quite pungent and smells like rotten eggs. I recommend bringing a mask or face covering to help with the odor. The volcanic smoke was fascinating to see, and the bright yellow color of the rocks from the sulfur made the landscape feel almost otherworldly. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something different!

A fantastic place you’ll never forget once you’ve been. I walked the longest path along geothermal fields, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls — and it was an absolutely breathtaking experience. The colors shift like in a fairy tale, warmth gives way to a cool breeze, and at some point you stop understanding whether this is real or a dream gifted to us by nature itself! ❤️

Nice thermal fields with good paths. The short loop shows you all the highlights and can be covered in an hour and a half. There are colorful pools and lots of steam craters. Price is a bit high at 50 NZD. Big tour groups come here but they pass by quick.

Amazing, beautiful place and if you go you should definitely try to time it so you can see the Lady Knox geyser at 10:15 each morning. The team working this venue were all very very friendly. I’m sure anyone who’s seen Yellowstone in the US may not be too impressed but I haven’t seen Yellowstone and I was very impressed by this place. Apparently the largest caldera in southern hemisphere.

An intriguing experience, was a little disappointed with our early walks, as there seemed to be limited water in some of the pools and the colours were very dull. As the sun came out later, and nearing the end, the colours were spectacular. Some of the walks were quite challenging but achievable and worth the effort to do them all.

We started our visit to the park with the Lady Knox Geyser experience. Although it was extremely crowded — to the point where it was difficult to walk — it was still wonderful to watch the geyser eruption accompanied by the Māori song performed by the local guide. We really enjoyed the rest of the park as well; discovering the geothermal history of this part of the planet was incredibly interesting. The staff were very kind and welcoming. We recommend visiting early in the morning, as it fills up quickly with tourists.

Very nice place with lots of color! I felt the colors were way more impressive on some hikes (eg tongariro alpine crossing), but it does represent a great option to see some geothermal colors and formations!

Beautiful spot. Amazing thermal pools with adjoining campground. Daily charge includes access to pools - multiple times if desired.

We visited several hot pools on our trek North and Waikite Valley was the hottest and the most "natural" in it's relationship to the environment. A very pleasant stay and a bargain at $79 for a powered site and all the hot soaks you could wish for

An absolute must place to visit, lovely hot pools and a variety of temperatures. Another must is to walk up the track, 10 minutes to see the source of the boiling water 98 degrees.

I’ve been here several times and usually had good experiences, but today was really disappointing. The water was really dirty and disgusting, and although the staff kept checking the temperature, they never seemed to notice or address the cleanliness. On top of that, a group of people were speaking loudly and being disruptive the whole time, yet no staff member stepped in to manage it. Compared to another famous hot pool, which often has even more travelers and even large tour groups, the water there is always ok, and staff will remind guests to keep noise down if needed. This pool itself is good, but the management has some serious issues to improve. Also, there are only two shower rooms in the ladies’ area, which means you often have to wait outside. That’s really inconvenient and wired design.

Breathtaking atmosphere and warm spring water, what more could you want.. event though It was a rainy day on a weekday, there were still quite a few people came 11am onwards. Lockers are easy to use, and the cafe seemed nice. Will be back for sure 😊

Our family had a wonderful experience at Waikite Valleh Hot Pools! The staff were nice and it was not crowded on a Tuesday in mid-March. There are 4 pools and 2 tubs along with a nice 5-10 min trail to the hot spring source. There is free parking at the car park too.

Absolutely loved it! Waikite Valley Hot Pools is way better than the ones in Rotorua city centre — more peaceful, surrounded by beautiful nature, and much more affordable. Highly recommended!

My friend and I had a wonderful time at the Birds of Prey show on September 19th! The team working here are very knowledgeable and passionate, and they let you see their birds up close! Supporting Wingspan supports birds of Prey native to NZ. I highly recommend coming by if you're in the area.

I visited wingspan upon referral by the Mountagatori (mountain sanctuary) staff. This was excellent, watching a falconry show, seeing the education, research, rehabilitation done there for birds of prey. They have a great aviary that housed endemic Morepork, and falcon, along with some non invasive self introduced birds. Some of which demonstrated there great hunting skills

Hands down the best experience I have had! As a Kiwi, this was an incredibly spiritual experience. To be in the presence of the karearea was an honour; to have such an up close, personal encounter is unheard off. My 8YO nephew proclaimed it was "better than the jet boat ride!" The team were incredible and I 10/10 recommend this experience!

We loved the opportunity to learn about the NZ Falcon. What an amazing job you all do and the meet and greet up close with the Falcon is not to be missed. All proceeds go to the conservation of the magical birds so please go. Arrive early to sit in the front middle for best spot!

Today, we visited Wingspan after someone working at Sanctuary Mountain (a beautiful ecological preserve and trust I will also review in a minute!) recommended it to us. The people who run this place LOVE the work they do and the creatures they do it for. It is hard to find if you aren't searching for it, and that's probably good for the birds, but not for business! They have a beautiful aviary where we were able to see an unreleasable morepork owl. We had only heard them at night. Two incredibly talented falconers showed off the skills of their birds for the audience while educating us about why conservation is so important and how their efforts help these animals. Highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in birds of prey and conservation.

If you are looking for an educational experience and to do some good for bird of prey conservation, I can't recommend Wingspan enough! The behind the scenes meet and greet is stunning and well worth it! The birds are gorgeous and the staff knowledgeable and sincere in their compassion for these awesome animals.

What an incredible experience this was. My partner and I booked the flight of the falcon show and behind the scenes experience with Star the falcon. I think anyone that comes here will love it, but I have to confess I am a bird fan and I was blown away by getting to be up close and personal with a beautiful falcon. The staff are incredible and do absolutely crucial work in conservation and advocacy. Wish I had booked a second visit!!! Thank you so much wingspan, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do.

What a wonderful place hidden away in a beautiful setting. Patting the lion cubs was truly memorable and watching the lions being feed was real entertainment for us all. This kids loved every minute and they really enjoyed getting to feed the kea and watching them so closely. Highly recommended for families.

Lovely place to take kids. They had a free wheelchair so I could also enjoy. Animals were lovely and great to be able to feed and pet. Definitely needs directions to get there. Plenty of parking. Not to busy when we went on Saturday

I’ve been to quite a few attractions like this and it’s the best one so far. The park is big and full of different kinds of animals. It’s also very clean and well planned out. Not gonna lie, I thought it was quite expensive. However, I found it worth it as I was exploring the place. You can tell the animals are all well taken care of. It’s a nice day activity for all different ages. It’s cool we get to feed the animals for $2! It was cool getting the chance to pet the lion cubs! Definitely worth queuing for. My favourite one is the donkey, he’s definitely a photogenic one.

A beautiful natural wildlife park with plenty of animals to keep you entertained, especially ducks! You can feed some of the animals and if you arrive at certain times you may get to pat the Lion cubs. We were in and out within the hour, but you could spend a whole day here, great for children and adults alike!

First time visiting here. Not too busy even on a school holiday. There was a long line to pat the lion cubs. Awesome experience for the kids. They also sell feeds for the ducks, trouts and other animals. Very interactive and not too complicated. We all enjoyed the experience.

Wow this place is truly special. We took our toddler and he had a blast running around after the ducks (which are everywhere). Personally I loved the treetops walk and the feeling of being amongst nature. A bit weird to see lions in NZ and I did not need the experience of patting their cubs. Doesn’t sound very ethical but I’m not a zookeeper

Kids will love it, suggest you to check lion feeding time and wait for it. Usually it is 2:30pm in afternoon not sure for morning.Easily accessible for wheelchair or strollers . Easily spend 2 hours there.

Amazing place! This is the only geothermal park where dogs are allowed (on a leash only). It is a self-guided walk that is approximately 2 km, accessible via a short 2-minute boat trip. The price is very fair.

A well structured board walk experience after a small boat ride to the geo-thermal area across a small water area. The majority of the walk is on formed timber walkways and has handrails in place. There are also a couple of areas on small sections of earth walkways. Total walk time is about 90 mins. All of our group (3 family members) were happy we attended. Staff on-site were very friendly and helpful.

This was such a cool stop. We had already been to some geothermal areas so I wasnt sure how different this would be. It was stunning! The trails were lovely and an easy walk. You can go at your own pace. The boat takes you to and from the island on demand. We left and were picked up within minutes. Bring water because it is warmer than youd think walking around the trails, even on a cooler day. I heard about this place on the radio and Im so glad we added it to our drive.

We loved this. It's a journey somewhat. Once you park you can buy a ticket and then immediately proceed to the boat landing. This will take you across a very small lake to the walkway. The paths are very well kept. The geological items consist of mud pits, geysers, boiling water, flows, and quite a bit of foliage. Highly recommend, a full loop will take something like 90 to 120 minutes if you go slow, it's not super huge.

There are a few natural sites in New Zealand that will totally amaze you and ask yourself why travel abroad when we have these at our doorstep! Totally amazing! 634 steps around one of the wonder's of New Zealand from hot water coming out of the ground to boiling mud pools elephant shaped rock to an impressive cave! I also loved the boat ride over the waikato river to get there!. Massive friendly guide to speak.

A truly stunning and unique place! Beautifully set up with wooden walkways that guide you through fascinating volcanic activity — bubbling mud pools, steaming sulphur baths, colorful mineral deposits, and even small glaciers. The whole area feels alive with color and energy. The experience starts with a short boat ride across the lake — the only way to reach the park. It’s such a special way to begin the visit, and we were the only ones on the boat, which made it feel even more peaceful and exclusive. Once you’ve bought your ticket, you can take the boat across at your own pace. When you’re done exploring, just ring the bell on the other side, and the boat comes to pick you up again. The walk itself takes about 1.5 hours and is easy to follow, but the best part is how quiet it is. We saw maybe 20 people in total and spent most of the time completely on our own. A magical and unforgettable experience — highly recommended!

Absolutely incredible place that simply begs to be visited in New Zealand. Here, geothermal fields and mountains feel like nature’s own spells — impossible to forget and impossible to resist. Bubbling mud pools wink at you playfully, warm rivers glide past like silky ribbons, and the quiet caves wrap you in an embrace so gentle and deep that a part of you happily stays there forever. ❤️

We filmed the rapid from both ends then spliced it together. It was a great sight to see the dam release. Hope you enjoy it.

These are an area of New Zealand river rapids downstream from the dam for the Aratiatia Power Station on the Waikato River. The rapids are extremely dangerous. With the station in operation, several times a day, the Aratiatia dam gates are opened, which restores the rapids to their normal operation. There are several lookout points to observe the rapids which is a popular tourist attraction. Advisable to go early to avoid crowds and the heat as well. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Toilets available. Cafe available. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Parking space is that easy to find in parking area.

A piece of advice: Show up early. The bridge and the view points can get very busy and, although it wasn't true during my visit, I can only assume parking can also be difficult during the peak tourist season. With that said, this is a great stop on the way to any number of other sites or activities in the area and it's pretty amazing to witness the landscape change once the doors are opened.

So this was pretty cool and interesting. It was also rated the number one thing to do in Taupo on a few websites which I'm not sure is really the case though! Regardless, a fun, free activity to do and worth checking out if you are in the area. But definitely not the number one thing to do in Taupo nor anything that I'd go out of your way to see if it doesn't work in with your itinerary! There had been pretty heavy rainfall so we were surprised to find that we got a double release. We initially headed for the mid viewing point and watched from there. On our way back to our car we heard the sirens again and were able to watch a second release from the bridge. We found this attraction a bit more difficult to find than expected. You need to park your car and walk ACROSS the road from where google maps takes you. Then you have the choice of various viewing points.

“Aratiatia Rapids... When the Dam Says Unleash the Beast!" This was next level.. After Huka Falls I pulled up here,and let me tell you,watching the dam open is like seeing Mother Nature flip the “Turbo Boost” button 🤯 Timing is everything,winter shows at 10am,12pm,2pm… summer flexes with an extra at 4pm.. Don’t be late or you’ll just be staring at a dry river like “huh?” 😂. Arrive 5–10 mins early to snag a park and a decent spot,cause once it’s full,you’ll be stuck at the back trying to see through someone’s uncle’s hat. Then BOOM 💥.... Three sirens,gate opens,and suddenly that empty river becomes a raging icy blue beast in seconds... It’s stunning,but also makes you think what if the dam broke? (me: 👀 “yep, I’m moving to higher ground real quick”). Upper deck,lower deck both views slap... Not heaps of parking tho,so plan smart... Definitely an experience every first timer should tick off... And best part? It’s close to Lake Taupo. Verdict: 10/10 Nature’s version of a YouTube “before & after” transformation. 💦🔥 “Logan was here… survived the sirens and the splash zone.” 🌊😅

A fantastic morning watching the release of the the gates to let some water out and down the rapids and rocks They release it 3 times a day. It’s such a sight to see and the water is so green.a car park and this is also where you can go jet boating and dam cruise. A must see. It’s free to watch the release and alarms go off.

It's not really a natural wonder it's actually the runout after a dam. We were lucky enough to catch them opening this. If you are on your way on a scenic drive, it's worth the 15 minute stop.

We ordered 500g of prawns. Please be aware it is not enough for 2 people, so please order other food as well. Food was good overall and staff were friendly and professional. It was not busy when we visited, but there are plenty of seats to house loads of people.

All the staff members were friendly and attentive, which made our visit even more enjoyable. The prawns were perfectly cooked and practically melted in our mouths. The pita garlic bread was definitely a standout for me, and the salad with its well-balanced dressing was absolutely spot on.

Parts under construction yet enough to keep ine busy. Family did the tour and spoke well of the experience. Did grab a coffee but no food. Coffee was good. Activities were plenty and a good variety. Take the togs with from the start 😀.

Prawns aren't fresh, garlic and butter Prawns has a weird taste. Hot chips really good. We didn't get water for our table, used to go here a faws time and service really good but not the same

Was skeptical about the prawns, oh how wrong I was.... They were cooked to perfection, half cooked with garlic butter OMG. Staff super friendly place is super clean and tidy. Clean toilets 👌

Ordered the 110, 1kg platter. Close to 40 percent of the prawns were soggy and not firm. A sign of not the freshest specimen. The prawn fishing were great years ago, now operating in their breeding pond shed. Handful of prawns in each pool. Hardly anyone caught any while we were there . Compare to before its now steps backwards. For the price they charge for the experience, Its a rip off.

Service is excellent. This restaurant is set by the river side and have a good view. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. There is a photo spot as well as a hot foot bath. The waiter had a bright smile and was friendly. Will come round to check on our dining experience and ask how he could make it better. The prawns were fresh and juicy. The garlic butter was great! The prawns here have a large head and small body so the meaty portion can be small. We love the garlic pita bread! The prawn bisque is rich, creamy and prawny. Fish and chips were fried crisp and light. The batter is not too thick so you can taste the sweetness of the fish. The brownie is very rich. The chocolate explosion cake is spongy and moist. It’s a pity that it lacks the chocolaty taste. Else the paring is great! Since the food, ambience and service are all great! I would highly recommend this place!

This one of the many geothermal features in around Taupo. The walk around the park should take less than an hour and you can see multiple fumeroles and bubbling mud puddles. The path is well marked and of course you should obey the signage because there is a real danger of scalding or worse if you go into a dangerous area. The smell of sulphur is at times pretty strong but by the end you should be used to it!

Misplaced name unless the Moon is full of green shrubs. But an interesting stop. Seeing a lanscape with steam vents coming out of the ground and gurgling mud-pools. An easy 1hr walk around the park. At $10 certainly value for money.

Very well maintained site with friendly staff and cute little souvenir store. The main loop takes about 45mins. You could do the look out loop which will take you another 15min - this part is quite steep though. Definitely worth the visit. Entry is just $10 per adult.

You get to witness beautiful scenery at budget friendly price. The walk it about 45 minutes take you through steaming vent and resilience biodiversity. Features catch your attention are bubbling crater, hissing fumaroles and steaming vent. Stroller friendly walk. Surely feels like you are on another planet.

Take a stroll in amazing landscape amongst the steam vents. 45 - 60 minutes. Have lunch on the picnic tables beside the car park.

Awesome craters. Loved the contrast? with green and the craters. Priceless scenery for 10$ ❤️

A long walk but great if you can take your time!! Don't get there an hour before closing if you want to take your time... Can be boring for young people, elderly and less mobile..

Small apartment just a short walk from the town centre and right across from the lake. Parking is included in the accommodation price, literally right in front of the door. Clean and comfortable. Equipped with air conditioning and heating, as well as a cooktop for preparing meals or breakfast. Quite expensive (NZD 288), but we happened to be there at the end of July, coinciding with some local events.

Great stay!! Loved our room and the location is right next to the lake and city center. The room was nice and warm and the jet spa was sooo relaxing. Check in and out was a breeze and the fresh towels and clean room to come back to was so nice after a long day. Highly recommend will be booking again in the future 😁

My Husband and I stayed here for two nights during Kings birthday weekend. This location is great if you want to be close to town, everything is within walking distance, and a stroll along the lake front is recommended. Our room was ready before the check-in time and check-in was superfast. We were on the second floor and the view from our balcony, of the lake and mountains in the background, was beautiful. Parking was ample for our large vehicle (Ford Ranger) and nice and close to our room. The room was spacious and clean, very comfortable for us. The weather was a bit cool but the heat pump in the room warmed us up nicely. The shower was lovely and hot with great pressure. The beds were nice and comfortable too. Even though the location is close to town we barely noticed the noise. The only downside was that one of the vehicles in the parking area was broken into. There was no sign of tampering on our vehicle though. This is a fantastic motel and excellent location, we will definitely book here in the future.

We stayed in room 5. Loved how clean and tidy units are and nice to have fresh milk. Loved having a spa bath, shower head is very low but great water pressure. Again nice to have hairdryer and toiletries. Parking on site and just can't short walk to town. Would we come back....hell yes.

We had a great experience at the Great Lake Motel Taupo, with a location that cannot be beat. Easy walkable access to restaurants around, as well as the lake itself. The room was very clean, with a lovely (bubble) bath as well. The service and staff was excellent. The motel has its own parking as well, which is convenient as the area can get busy with people parking to go to the lake.

We have stayed here many times. Found it met all our needs. Change of management, and we felt like we were staying in a place we did not recognize. On going to our room upstairs, and looking toward the end of the walkway instead of a view of the lake, we were faced with a drying rack with work clothes on it. Our family room ( the only room available) was very basic and un loved. It needed care. Ants were evident. Tho' someone came and attended to them. The shower with a dome smelt so moldy that it made us gag when we used it. It needed a good clean. Went out for dinner and on returning faced with bras and pants drying on a chair by the stairs. It's such a shame as it used to be our fav place to stay as it is so close to restaurants and town.

Stayed recently for 2 nights - one at the beginning and at the end of the week, so had 2 different rooms. The first room had a quite uncomfortable bed however on the second night in a different room the bed was much improved. Pretty basic motel but very clean and tidy. Not enough power points for chargers though. No mention of continental breakfast as in our booking confirmation. Check out time was 10am but wifi turned off at 9am surprisingly. Can’t fault location. Very short walk to town.

TauPo Lake is big and maganamious like a sea. Waters are emerald blue and carry waves. A cruise, from Mine Bay shores to feel the water expanse and to visit Maori carvings were enthralling activity at this location. Most pleasing experience.

Well to be honest, it was the trip out i really enjoyed. We chose to go with Sail Barbary which is on an electric yacht. Nice and quiet on the lake. Our captain was great. Told us about the boat, the lake, the surroundings and the carvings. We had plenty of time to enjoy the sailing.

Only accessible via boat! Don't try drive there - you'll reach a gated community and the walking trail near there doesn't goto the carvings. This should really be in the description of the place on google / maps!

Great nature and marvellous beauty. Land and earth both amazing. Sail in an open boat here. Take a swim and enjoy lovely weather in summer.

Gorgeous on a sale boat!

Great carvings worth the visit if you have access to a boat. Watch out for the lizards and other carvings at the base

Warm water, beautiful and clean. One of Taupo's gems. Out of reach to the average jet ski....

A great place to stop to break up a long rode trip. There are washrooms with parking just before. It is a short walk to the bridge. The bridge is very stable. I enjoyed looking at the power plant. The valley is gorgeous.

What a great little hidden gem. The walk is not too strenuous. The bridge itself was slightly tilting left and right but still stable enough to walk on. So if you are in the area go and have a look.

1925 swing bridge, only this detail is impressive. Safe, fun, a little bit thrilling, and a great view of the green shades of river. Worth a detour.

Fascinating story associated with this bridge. A great day trip. Just a bridge but is you enjoy the story behind it and walking across it is a gem.

Such an awesome spot to check out! The bridge has amazing views over the gorge and the Waikato River definitely worth the stop if you’re in the area. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and not too crowded, which makes it even better. The walk across can be a little wobbly but that just adds to the fun. There’s also a nice short track nearby and a café close by for a coffee after. Great place for photos and a bit of adventure!

Really nice bridge, interesting history on a board on the Arapuni side. Great view. Does wobble/bounce a little as you walk over, and the sign warns against running/cycling/horse riding/etc over it. So maybe not for those with a fear of heights. An enjoyable stop on our trip around New Zealand.

Easy access, definitely worth taking a look if in the area. The longest suspension bridge I have ever seen. over looks Arapuni power house and bush below. Beautiful views, lovely walk and free.

Nice place but doesn't open on time. We went there at 10 am but no one there.

Great place to visit learn about volcanic eruptions

Fantastic service, saved us over $500 in rental fares and found other transport options for us. Thank you very much for your help and can definitely recommend their service. :)

I called in for information on bike trails. Both ladies were helpful. I did the Marton Sash and door, which was recommended by 1 lady, and it was great. I would use again if I was down that way again.

Friendly helpful staff. Plenty of information available on local attractions. Some nice merchandise available. We did not do the Volcano Activity as it was a bit expensive for us.

I've been here asking information about shuttles to move within the area, and I may say the lady attending was not very nice. She seems to be annoyed because of my english accent (I'm not native speaker), no effort at all to understand. It seems more than 2 questions is too much for this lady, even if there was no other visitors around. Someone may speak with this lady to be more friendly with people who travel from thousands of kms away and don't know the area and how to move. Maybe she should learn any other language too, to understand why people have different accent when talking no native language.

Rude, patronising and unhelpful staff. Unsure whether it was our accent or young age that brought about her complete change in tone after pleasantly serving the two people before us.

We went on Sunday afternoon with a big group of 15. It was quiet which was nice, the museum and aquarium was cool. There is lots to see while you walk around

Set in lovely Native bush setting includes an easy bush walk with views of rainbow trout in their natural settings. Very helpful staff, although I didn't go into the centre ($22 an adult) due to time constraints. Car park is locked at 4.00

Did the kids fishing package-$60 which was good fun and they prepped and smoked the small fish the kids caught which was tasty. $22 entry fee per adult however which I find overpriced as there isn't a huge amount to do here unless your watching your kids fish. Friendly staff.

Tongariro National Trout Centre is a worthwhile stop, especially for families with kids. It is located 3 km from Turangi town centre along the Tongariro River. It could also be a refreshing stop for nature lovers and curious minds as well. It offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s freshwater ecology, with native fish displays and a well-curated aquarium featuring species like Giant Kokopu and Koaro. The hatchery tour and museum provide insight into the history of trout fishing in the region, making it both educational and engaging. Kids especially love the fishing pond, where they can catch and even smoke their own rainbow trout, an experience that’s both memorable and delicious. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the riverside walk adds a peaceful touch to the visit.

The trout are numerous (like thousands!!). It's fun watching the kids fish and actually catch them with the instructors, natural setting, and BUY the fish food on entry. $5 per bag but what happens when you feed the wild trout is a lot of fun. We should have bought at least 3 bags (1 each). For fantastic photography and video, have one person feed the trout from the platform whilst another watches through underwater viewing area. They are HUGE and go crazy .... brilliant!!

Great place to bring the kids for a bit of education in aquatic life. It's not very big but you could easily spend an hour or so here. Highly recommend getting some fish feed - the trouts seem to love them. The aquarium section is small but filled with native fish which is nice to see. Definitely pay it a visit if you're around the area.

Went there for the school holiday program - fishing: from providing all the tools to smoking the fish for you It was great and the advice on fishing was easy to understand for kids. There were a few places to explore at the center as well. Would recommend spending 1-2 hours there

I always come here when need a hot soak whether In the in the public pool (with family and friends) or in the private pools (when i want to get away from crowds) I always enjoy swimming in the Tokaanu hot pools, they have pools of varying heat 🥵 from warm to scalding hot 🔥 for everyone.

The private pool here is an amazing experience of natural hot springs — as if the earth itself is whispering warmth into your skin, wrapping you in a quiet, blissful embrace. ❤️

Great walk around the thermal area before a soak in a private pool. The infrastructure is a little dated, and the stoney pathway into the main pool was a bit sharp on bare feet.

The worst hot pools in New Zealand 💩 We bought 4 tickets to the private pool and paid 56$ for a room with a small pool and no shower. The place clearly needs a cleanup - there were hair and dirt in the water, and overall the place didn’t look clean. The staff didn’t tell us how much time we have, and there were no signs (including in the private pool room) how much time you can spend in the private pool. No clocks either - you MUST feel the time I guess. The announcement about the timing was absolutely unclear - we couldn’t understand a word. And when we are about to leave, a very rude lady knocked at the door and yelled at us that we are 20 mins over our time, and that people are waiting (why she didn’t come early or when our time was up??? - I have no idea). She was SO UNPROFESSIONAL! She requested me to leave the room now (I was almost naked and covered only with a towel) and change in my clothes in the toilet. I was almost kicked out of the room. That was the most terrible service I have ever had in New Zealand. I don’t recommend this place and never want to visit it again.

Arrived 4pm on a cold, overcast Friday, paid for a private pool. The staff are friendly  polite, and there were quite a few people coming for a swim/soak. Reception area looks inviting, well kept, tidy and modern. Would be good if they are able to freshen up the private pools as paint is peeling, and mirror tarnished so not visually appealing. Having said that, the price is relevant to condition of the private pool. We really enjoyed our soak. 25 minutes was perfect. Thanks

A beautiful spot beside the river, surrounded by mud pools and hot springs. Extremely friendly people and beautiful private pools filled with water heated naturally underground. Be sure to check out the easy little walk around the mud pools next door, and stretch out after a private soak in the main public pool. It's a little slice of Aotearoa's own heaven

Lovely staff, clean private pool, and beautiful walk nearby. 20 minutes was plenty, and the staff gave us a reminder over the loud speaker so it was easy to know when our time was up.

We recently enjoyed a 3-day riding camp at the stunning Stonehill farm, and it was an incredible experience. The owners were warm and generous, making us feel truly welcome. The scenery was stunning, and the trekking trails were well marked and with lots of variety, making it a great experience for both riders and horses. Plus, there were plenty of opportunities to choose a faster pace if desired. Our horses were well accommodated in spacious yards, while some of us stayed in the comfortable and characterful accommodation options and others camped. After long, hot days on horseback, the pool was an absolute lifesaver and a perfect way to unwind. Stonehill is a gem, and we can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone looking for a unique and memorable horseback adventure.

I enjoyed a multi 3 day ride at the Stonehill Farm on the 17th January. I was lucky to get the large bedroom which was comfortable and airy as 2 other ladies were staying as well and shared the smaller room with 2 single beds. The large swimming pool was a joy after a day in the saddle. The Property is so varied with magnificent boulders dotted everywhere and a beautiful secret garden. Even though it hadn't rained for a month, the scenery was dramatic. The horses are sure footed over the steep terrain and we got to enjoy some lovely canters. Nicole was a wonderful guide, attentive to our needs even giving me her stock saddle in preference to an equestrian saddle and her family and pets a delight. The meals were delicious, varied and plentiful, lunch being a simple packed one on the trail.

We had a wonderful Boost your Confidence Camp. “Obstacles” such as pigs, silage bales, nosey heifers, sheep, wooden bridges, water crossings, tractors and motorbikes (to name a few!). All were perfect for my young horse who has low mileage out and about. The small number of riders meant there was no rush and we could take our time accustoming horse and rider to the situation. Nicole has a great knowledge of riding and horses and was able to teach me how to communicate more effectively with my horse when riding 😊 From never having ridden her beyond the confines stock yards I trekked out on Stone Hill Farm for 3 hours yesterday! We had a blast and I feel enabled to do more at home and in other locations. I would thoroughly recommend this weekend. Wonderful place and wonderful people 😊 thank you Stone Hill.

We had a wonderful ride with Nicole, Ava and Huntly. Spoilt with just the 3 of us for a bespoke ride on the expansive farm. Nicola was warm, friendly and great to deal with from start to finish. We enjoyed the varied terrain and our mounts were perfect, responsive and gave us the best experience. We highly recommend this trek. Thanks so much Nicole. We will see you again!

I went on a 3h adventure trek and i managed to get a private tour as I was the only one who had booked this trek. It was an amazing experience and I am so thankful for my trek. It really made my holiday here in NZ! Thank you very much!

We had so much fun out there at the farm. Nicole and Shaan are so friendly and really care about there guests. On top of that the horse trek we did was absolutely amazing - even for a beginner like me :) Thanks so much for everything!!

We recently stayed at Stonehill with our horses for our annual riding club camp. Everything exceeded expectations! This was the absolutely perfect place for our camp with comfortable accomodation for both people and horses, varied trekking trails, and the refreshing pool to cool down, relax and socialise. I would highly recommend Stonehill to anyone looking for a comfortable and interesting adventure with their horse and friends.

A definite must do for all riding enthusiasts. Was our second time completing the trip over 2 days, and our party included first time riders. They loved it. With the ride being predominantly downhill it's possible for most fitness levels and beginner skills.

Great experience although I think you need to be clearer on the bike hire options. When I hired a 'Suspension Bike' it wasn't made clear that is just front suspension. I see now you reference the full suspension bike as 'FS'. For a first time user that needs to be clearer and I suffered on the bike ride because of it.

You couldn't ask for a better Kiwi experience. The mountain biking was at a good level that anyone with some experience could do it at their own pace. We used our E Bikes which made the up hills alot more fun. The first day was a little more technical but just take your time if unsure and the second day was easier riding with great long downhills and beautiful scenery. There is so much bird life we saw Kaka, Wood Pidgeon in big numbers. There are glow worms aplenty if you go exploring at night time in the Bush. The bridges are awe inspiring and there is even a small tunnel on the spiral. Prepare for all weather. Take a first aid kit just incase. But mostly it's just pure fun. Thanks to all the volunteers that keep the trails safe, if you could please fill in the Big dips on the second day haha almost had me over the handle bars and the blackberry on the last 4km needs cutting back. Xox

Another breathtaking part of New Zealand. Absolutely brilliant trail for running and cycling.

Wicked journey. So much to take in and enjoy. We had sunshine and rain and enjoyed both. The lodge in the middle is a welcome and restful place to enjoy time with others also. Shuttle drivers were awesome as well. Kia Ora to all involved.

Fantastic spot. Stayed at Piropiro Campsite and did the 6kms to Maramataha Suspension Bridge and back on an off-road electric scooter, about 1.5 hours return. The track runs along the road for a small way at the beginning. But it quickly enters bush and the safety and quietness of the forest. The track is a mix of smooth compact dirt and larger stones, with lots of ruts and bumps to navigate. Note - the best place to park is actually further along Piropiro Road at Maramataha Carpark. Head southwest at the intersection. Continue past Camp Epic for about 500 metres.

A must-do for trail enthusiasts. I'm definitely doing this one again! Beautiful sights, great trails. I did the trail over 2 days with mates, camping overnight. Highly recommend the experience.

We started off with a shuttle service from Camp Epic (apologies we were late who would of thought we would get fogged in, held up by road works heading into Ongarue, then on the final 1 way bridge we gave way to a huge truck with forestry machinery - then Paul rang to check on us) we met a great bunch of adventure seekers, stayed at Camp Epic which was fantastic, we also got to chat with Bill Holloway (No.1 track extraordinaire track maker) on his Kubota tractor on the 2nd day. This would have to be New Zealand's top mountain bike trail ride that caters to all fitness levels (we did it on ebikes - thankfully) the scenery is breath taking, the constant chatter of bird life was exceptional, the trails are maintained up to a high level and in top condition. To learn about the timber pioneers, their families & machinery through to the tramways that bought the timber out, the suspension bridges are a marvel to behold especially when you look down and see the remnants of the timber bridges that held trams with logs what clever clever people. The work that has gone into these trails is exceptional with a story to be told all through the ride which gives a deep appreciation of the hard yakka of the timber workers, what a tough life! We came away in awe of those that have created a visionary story that we could enjoy - a simple 'thankyou' does not seem to suffice but THANKYOU!

One of the most scenic cycle trails in the North Island. We done the first 20 km from Pureora.

**Mount Ruapehu and Sky Waka: A Journey Above the Clouds** Mount Ruapehu, located in Tongariro National Park, is one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. As the country’s largest active volcano, it offers visitors a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural significance. One of the best ways to experience this majestic peak is through the Sky Waka gondola, a world-class attraction that provides a breathtaking journey above the rugged alpine terrain. The Sky Waka, operating year-round, ascends high above the volcanic slopes, offering panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, ancient lava flows, and the sweeping expanse of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gondola’s large, comfortable cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty, no matter the season. In winter, the gondola transports visitors to Whakapapa Ski Area, New Zealand’s premier skiing destination, while in summer, it provides access to hiking trails and the chance to explore the mountain’s unique volcanic features. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a meal or hot drink at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, one of the highest cafes in the country, while taking in the dramatic alpine views. Adding to the experience, the staff at Mount Ruapehu and Sky Waka are known for their warmth and hospitality. They ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure, sharing insights about the mountain’s geology, Māori cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Mount Ruapehu and the Sky Waka gondola offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of New Zealand’s volcanic wonderland.

First climb Mt Ruapehu (2797 m) in winter, from the southern side (Toroa Ski Field). It was harder than I thought. The last 600 m is very steep, and the average slope angle is larger than 40 degrees. You must be fully equipped. When taking photos, you should be very careful as nowhere is flat (you must stick your ice axe deeply into snow and ice, use it as a post to stop your feet sliding). Unfortunately, I lost my phone near the peak somewhere.

The highest mountain on north island in NZ. Definitely a must visit as it is the spot for mort tourists. It's about 5 hours drive from Auckland. Make sure to travel on a sunny day to get the best views at the Peak. We visited the skiing section of the mountain. There are charges if you would like to go higher up the mountain for skiing or site seeing.

Always eager to see how much snow is on the mountain when we head past every month or so. The Desert Rd is straight in places & windy in others. Don't speed, you will more than likely get a ticket if you go over 100kph in a vehicle (90kph if you are towing something). First views of Ruapehu are when you head north from Taihape.

Even out of season it is worth going up the mountain for the views. I was in luck in that there had been an early snow storm the previous week, so even though it is May, and everything is shut up the mountain (Sky-Waka Gondola was shut on 26th April, to re-open Kings Birthday - maintenance etc - would have loved to of gone up), there was fresh snow up at the base, so my daughter who had not been to snow for 13 years could enjoy the experience. In season parking can be hard to find (have been up other times), and if conditions are bad it is 4x4 or with chains - or of course it can even be closed. Road conditions are posted on-line on the websites, and on Met Service - weather, when clicking on mountains, and Whakapapa Ski Field - it shows mountain conditions, road conditions etc. Useful to check, as the road had been closed just days before I went up. In season there is skiing of course, food and other services. Enjoy.

Worth the trip up to Whakapapa ski field for the views alone, some great walks along the way. Halfway between the village and ski field there is a large vehicle pull over area you ca get some great pics.

You will fall in love with this place...just amazing views 😍 ❤️ ♥️ ✨️

A conversation with the Super helpful staff helped us make the best use of our time here. Tons of information on the history of the area presented in a museum like setting complete with a video presentation room. Clean, indoor toilet facilities. There is a large selection of topographical maps and literature available for purchase.

Friendly, helpful staff helped us plan the best day hikes in the park for the shifting weather conditions. Informative displays on the local wildlife and plants. Clean toilet facilities.

The visit centre have so many historic stories and they can give you so much help 👍

Easy to find and very nice personnel who helped us plan our hike for the day.

Amazing journey through beautiful landscapes all around us, and the destination being above all of them… that’s Ruapehu !

What a beautiful location and amazing visitors center, tons of helpful info for hikes and trails and volcanic information

The Staff at the centre are amazing! They gave solid advice for the northern circuit treck, after a days hiking in torrential rain & cold gale winds from waihohonu hut they gave me warmth & a place to change from my soggy mess. It was needed and appreciated, please don’t underestimate the weather. Seek advice. The centre is awesome, super informative with a lovely shop to buy some bits you may have forgot. Bravo 🙌 😘

I am not a skier but members of my family are, Turoa can be a bit of a lottery according to them; sometimes there is snow, sometimes not and sometimes it can be quite icy. The general facilities are nothing special but not bad either with relatively simple cafeteria food at the base of the slopes. The slopes themselves, when the snowfall is decent allow for decent skiing.

We went here July 12 and they were close. We were still able to play with the snow! thank you for the free experience.❤️ We will definitely go back here

Not the best weather today but kids still had fun on the sleds, big thanks Herne (from Taranaki) for your excellent service at the sledding slope.

Amazing experience as a first timer! Cafes and facilities are great.

Beautiful place to visit with family especially during the winter snow season

A huge disappointment. We usually visit Whakapapa but decided to try Turoa this time, and the sledding was a letdown. The slope was too shallow, so you kept getting stuck, and there was no magic carpet (the conveyor belt lift) to take you back, so you had to walk the entire way, dragging the sled each time.

Had a lovely meal upstairs at Freddie’s cafe the other day. Took my young children skiing up the lifts and they’ve done a fantastic job pushing the snow to form tracks. A shame the weather isn’t playing ball but we had a great time regardless.

I’ve done trail rides in more than ten countries across five continents so trust me when I say this is one of the best rides with absolutely stunning scenery. Under Hone’s expert guidance, you’ll get to see pristine forests not otherwise accessible and experience a wide variety of terrains. Forget hiking, go for this ride!

The best experience of NZ we have had, if you want a day to challenge yourself and meet two of the nicest people come here!

Great experience

Awesome my daughter and I had an awesome day. Tu meke.

Absolutely beautiful nothing else.can get you that close to nature

(Translated by Google) Best experience ever. Fabulous guides, gorgeous family. Thank you Hone and Wai, I will be back 😁 Many thanks to you (Original) Best experience ever. Fabulous guides, gorgeous whanau. Thank you Hone and Wai, I will be back 😁 Ngā mihi nui ki a koe

We had the most excellent experience with Paul and the team. Great communication and local knowledge. Lots of tips to look for and enjoy along the trail (something we found, other groups didnt know about) Even rode up to meet us for lunch in the sun on day 2. Fantastic camp facilities. Loved the huge camp kitchen, fire and hot showers. Very grateful from a group of novice cycling adventurers, for enabling us to make the most of our trip and come away smiling and happy

All very straightforward. Park up, meet the team, grab your helmet and then be transported to the start of the ride. Great introduction from Paul to the area on the way and after a simple briefing you are into the forest. The route is clearly marked and straightforward although a bit of skill is needed from time to time. The eagerness to cross the ’swing’ bridges varied between our riders! However, the views are spectacular. Camp Epic is epic. Great facility, allegedly the best outdoor showers in New Zealand. The second day is mostly on the disused railway lines from the timber days but is no less interesting.

This cycle trip is an absolute must for everybody young or old. You can take your time. You can go fast. You can enjoy the scenery or just rip through the wonderful big bridges.!!! 100 %, the best thing to do in NZ, North Island. Accommodation was great, and the showers were the best at the end of the day !

I arranged a group of 18 fellow cyclist to bike the Timber Trail. We used Paul and his team from Epic journeys. The whole experience was wonderful. From booking to participation. They certainly run a well oiled cog from start to finish. Super organised great communication. Glamping facilities were excellent. Comfortable beds. High pressure showers. Generator to allow all bike batteries to be charged up ready for day two. Fabulous breakfast. Top notch smooth shuttle service. Thanks team Epic. You are Epic. Regards Debbie on behalf of Hutt Valley Tramping club

The day started in glorious sunshine with my wife and I heading up on the shuttle with Epic Adventures from the Bennett Rd pickup in Ongarue. We chatted all the way to Piropiro, the half way point on the trail where Epic Adventures had set up a permanent Glamping Site for those doing the 2 day ride. The site was awesome, wanting for nothing. We being a little time pour chose the 1 day half distance option from Piropiro. We’ll once on our e-bikes which make hills fun and downhills exhilarating we proceeded down a well makes and signposted trail. The work done to rebuild the trails and tracks let alone the numerous bridges and suspension bridges from days of old timber transporting routes is brilliant. Lots of stop points with details to educated you on what had actually occurred. The whole ride was relatively easy, especially with an e-bike with the first climb and downhill at low Grade 3 and the rest at Grade 2. This ride is an excellent start to your trail riding future throughout the North Island of New Zealand. Thank you to Epic Adventures and Department of Conservation for making this possible.

We have just returned from an Epic weekend at Camp Epic! Paul and sons Josh and Julius looked after our 2 families so well- from arrival, to shuttle there, overnight accommodation and helping with mechanical issue to load our bikes on trailer at the end. The camp has warm beds (for October weather) , the tents stayed dry despite the rain, the showers were hot and powerful- blissful after a long day of cycling. Thanks Camp Epic :)

Simply the best experience ever with these guys! We booked our Timber Trail experience with Paul from Epic via email and phone. He was so helpful and easy to deal with. We booked bike hire and camping at Epic campground on route. The bikes were awesome. The service from the first email was great. Staying at the campground is an absolute must - hot showers, clean loos, huge log burning fire with sofa and as much wood as you could ever need. Kitchen facilities were perfect. We can’t think of anything else this group could have done to make the experience better. Even the price was so reasonable compared to the other companies advertising. Well done and a massive thumbs up!!!!!

Hi! Had an amazing time with Adrift today! Thanks for having me! Our group was led by Stew and Kenny. It was very comforting to have both in our group as you could tell safety was always first and everything else was a close second. Kenny brought so much of his upbringing, culture and knowledge into the tour from beginning to end and you could tell he was extremely skilled at his craft and brought a lot of good energy wisdom and talent to the trek. Was so glad to be a part of his group. Stew was awesome as well — being a quiet yet essential group leader also, scouting and breaking trail ahead. Safety was always first and everything else was a close second. Everything else being fun, friendship, fellowship, and the freedom of the hills. I highly recommend Adrift without reservation. Thank you again and take care! Kia ora.

We had an incredible day hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with ADrift. Our guide, Kenni, was awesome, highly professional, and provided all kinds of insights, not only about the area we were walking through but also about Māori customs and culture. Stewart was also fabulous!! We were also lucky with the weather: ideal temperature, barely any clouds, and a glorious sunny day. Without a doubt, ADrift is a very professional company and one we would highly recommend.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is absolutely breathtaking, and doing it with Adrift made it even better. Our guide Kenny was incredible — not only a skilled tour guide but also one of two Māori park rangers. His deep knowledge of the land, stories about its cultural significance, and respect for the environment added a layer of meaning that made the hike truly special. Kenny kept us safe, supported, and inspired the whole way, while still making the day fun and memorable. From emerald lakes to volcanic craters, the views were unreal — and having a guide who connected us to both the landscape and its heritage was priceless. If you’re thinking of hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, I can’t recommend Adrift enough. And if you get Kenny as your guide, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.

Had a wonderful time hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and our guides (Kenny and Matt) were super supportive and provided lots of information and history on the area. As someone who has had experience hiking, I would recommend going with the guides as they will be able to direct anyone through the unpredictable weather conditions!

We were so happy to do the crossing on 15-10 with Adrift! If we would have done it ourselves (we doubded if we should) we wouldn't have made it over, cause of the quick changing weather at the moment. Even though we had a nice day (it was a window in time, cause it rained for 6 weeks), we got caught in a blizzard, but guides Kenny and Ty professionally led us through. There was still some snow on the track, which they provided gear for but we didn't end up using. Would definitely recommend to book with them! Unforgettable experience!

Awesome hike with a great guide. Though we didn’t need a guide to navigate the route, have a guide that could explain the culture significance and history made the day complete. The beauty of the hike is surreal.

Really glad we booked a tour through Adrift to do the Tongariro Crossing hike! The guides were super friendly, kept us on pace, gave tips for navigating different terrains, and shared neat stories and history of the landscapes. Highly recommend booking and buying the lunch as it makes the entire experience very convenient and the lunch is substantial with snacks to eat along the way.

Loved our adventure in Taumaranui with the Forgotten World Adventures team for our Rail Trail River Combo! Lovely friendly people, well organised. Very knowledgeable and fun and interesting stories about the history of the railway line and the district. Yummy morning tea and lunch. Then a wonderful trip in the jetboat with Paul down the Whanganui river! What an awesome day!!!

Everything was well organized. All the staff were very friendly and helpfull. The food and cakes were excellent! Our tour leader Ray had a great knowledge of the area and it's people. He also a lovely sense of humor! We loved going through tunnels, over bridges and stay in Whangamomona. Paul who took us up the Whanganui river in the jet boat was a skilled driver who knows the river inside out. We even saw the blue ducks!! To top it off we went to Blue Duck station. An amazing place!! Thank you so much for the epic experience!! Thea Ris

It was bucket list tick, and worth it. The countryside I went through on the golf cart was soul soothing, just beautiful. The company was A1. There were a few unplanned events, they were handled so well. Action was decided promptly and the support for each other from the staff was wonderful to watch. Thankyou, I had a hoot.

A friend and I recently did the Republic 1 Forgotten World rail tour and I have to say it was one of the absolute best experiences of our lives!! We stayed the night at the Forgotten World Motel as we were traveling down from Auckland and though it is an older motel, it had everything we needed for a two night stay. But from the motel to the rail tour to the shuttle ride back at the end of the tour the most memorable thing was the staff, especially Awhi, who’s kind gesture made her an absolute legend in our eyes! Everyone was absolutely brilliant and accommodating in every way! I would strongly recommend this experience to not only international tourists, but also to kiwis alike! A great way to see farmland, countryside and native bush. But one piece of advice would be, take a warm jacket because those tunnels are chilly!

The Republic Cart Tour is outstanding. Everything ran like clockwork and the food provided was very much appreciated and tasted wonderful. The staff who travelled with us were very informative and humorous. The bus trip while necessary was long on a very windy road, but the rail cart trip made up for it. Many thanks. .

Excellent tour, we learnt so much of the history of the areas we visited, enjoyed the interaction with other tour members and the guides. We saw parts of New Zealand that we never knew existed and would not have visited except on this trip. The Guides were excellent, meals were tasty and Well prepared. We recommend this tour for all.

Where to start ??? Staff 100% ,Scenery 12/10 , railcruise experience 10/10 , staff talks LEGENDS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Doing this !!! Cheers to Rihana , Logan and Conner.....THEN onto the Jet boat ???? WELL WHAT AN EXPERIENCE . It's NOT close to the walls thrills , instead a fast cruise down and back up the Legendary Whanganui River

Great experience. The whole set up is amazing. Everyone in staff so helpful and a great laugh. Will do again 5 days next time. It's fun playing submarines on the 50/50

It was amazing seeing all the nature the service was just amazing and if you do canoeing I say jump in on the last day .

We scheduled a booking for the Whanganui river. Karen was really helpful making the booking. Eventually, expectations of poor weather led to the need to reconsider. Karen gave really responsible advice and worked hard to ensure our trip could proceed safely. In the end, we were a bit concerned about our young daughters and our own inexperience. Karen was extremely helpful with the Canoe Hire AND the DOC cancellation. Unfortunately we didn't get to review the actual experience, but our customer service experience was worth a review. We're planning on rescheduling next summer. :)

Lovely family with kids and dogs really homey atmosphere. During the canoe debrief they made us coffees and homemade bread. We were very impressed! The canoe and all the equipment were in great condition and they picked us up right on time at the end of the trip to bring us back to our campervan. Thanks for the great experience guys, our arms are still sore from all that paddling! 🤣

Epic adventure. Team that sorted us out made sure we had all the info ahead of time, gave us some good training and gear and boats were super reliable. Home for a few days lol. As for the journey itself, the whole thing was just unreal, not what you ever really get to see. Alot of it was just flat paddling as the river was pretty low apparently. Some good rapids along the way that had some stress going for a minute but my partner and I managed to make it down without coming out of the boat once 😉 Highly reccomend.

These guys are great! Friendly service and they were even kind enough to invite our group for Christmas dinner when we arrived. Coffee was served on the day before we hit the water and chocolate muffins were waiting for us when we finished our journey! It’s the small things that count! I definitely recommend them!

Well organised canoe hire and transport company. Staff were knowledgeable and clearly had plenty of experience running the hire co plus knowledge of the river and weather forecast. Answered many a question I had leading up to the trip. All equipment in good nick and had everything we needed. On time and safety conscious, thorough briefing which helped us on the river! Error on my part, but they resolved a late notice accom date change easily and took the time to ensure all dates were correct. We stayed at theirs the night before we started the river trip. The top accom block has a king bed pvt room and 8 bunks, with 1 bthrm. I'd recommend this if it's still available. There's a larger toilet block near there which most of us didn't find until the next morning so hunt it out so there's no queueing for a toilet while someone is showering. The lower bunk rooms have power and sleep 8 in a room. Hopefully in time an additional shower block could be set up, we would've appreciated this for our size group even if we had to pay a bit more to stay to cover the cost. Portaloo down at the lower shed where you can pack and unpack your barrels are probably the worst smelling toilets I've come across in a long time. Didn't see staff to tell once I'd used it at the end of the trip, but could do with a clean and regular service! Otherwise, a great experience.