Top 20 things to do and attractions in Turangi

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

great place,sometimes to many activities

Best fishing. Great to share with three old fellas the ither morning in the rain

One of my favorite places.

Great fishing.

Great fishing spot

Perfect for rafting!

Lovely walk

Really enjoyable couple of hours biking this trail. Got annoyed with the number of barriers to go through. A few steps to navigate near one of the bridges with a side ramp for the bike to roll. I struggled with this and was glad my husband was available to assist.

Tongariro River Track is a picturesque 13.2 km loop trail nestled around the town of Tūrangi, about 50km from the Taupo town centre. It offers a refreshing slice of New Zealand’s outdoor charm. Circling along the banks of the world-renowned Tongariro River, famous for its trout fishing, the track offers a journey through native bush, farmland, and riverside vistas. This mostly flat, well-maintained trail is ideal for walkers, runners, and mountain bikers of all skill levels. Two large swing bridges connect the loop, allowing you to cross the river and enjoy views from both sides. Along the way, you’ll pass through mature beech forests, manuka groves, and even a stand of Californian redwoods. On your way, you can visit the Tongariro National Trout Centre, a popular stop for families and nature lovers, where you can learn about freshwater ecology and see trout in their natural habitat. Don't forget to watch live fish in the stream swimming, through a glass window in an underground viewing chamber. Multiple entry and exit points make it easy to tailor your adventure, whether you're after a short stroll or the full loop. With picnic spots, swimming access, and peaceful surroundings, the Tongariro River Track is a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and relaxation.

We did only a small portion of the trail but it was super nice

Cool little bike/walk trail. Mostly flat, some areas we had to walk with the bikes. Tracks are narrow in some parts, lots of gates (metal areas) to get off bike & walk through. Nicely shaded bush areas

Easy walk or ride past stunning Tongariro River.

It was really quiet here today. We were worried about the rain, and the mud after some massive storms but it wasn't too bad actually. We parked and started at the Google maps pin and walked up the east side of the river, crossing the Major Jones suspension bridge first. Not something you do everyday! There was an incline but very gradual going in that direction. It's mostly berry brambles on the east, gravel with a few puddles. After crossing the main Turangi bridge with the traffic, the path is marked back down the river and is more urban on the west side. Lots of anglers trail's down to the river. Suitable for kids but prams wouldn't make it through the chicanes. All trails stats: length 4.5k, elevation gain 111m, moving time 1:08 (but it was leisurely!) Off for a spa now! Enjoy your experience.

Great walk even on a sunny winters day. We did the full loop which turned out to be only 13.5 km. Easy walk / riding track that was in very good condition. You can do the full length or shorten it. On the far side of the Tongariro River there are not many views of the river unless you take an off shoot to one of the many anglers fishing spots. However on the Turangi side you can see the river most of the way. Plus there are two swing bridges to explore as well. Great family walk.

I really enjoyed playing mini golf on this course. Even though it does look a bit run down, the courses have interesting obstacles and they all relate to places in the Turangi region. Many of the holes were so fun, that we tried them multiple times. The only thing to keep in mind are the opening hours are unreliable. It was meant to close at 5pm on the day we visited but the owner had to close an hour early without forewarning. So just come at least a few hours before closing as this mini golf spot is still definitely worth a visit!

It’s seems as if this mini golf hasn’t been open in a year or so and won’t be open for many years to come (hopefully someone revives it sooner rather than later), so just warning and to not waste your time driving up / down here if you are looking to come here

Undoubtedly the most creative and fun mini golf that I have found on my travels across New Zealand. There are so many props and obstacles to make each hole memorable and a distinctive challenge. Some vibration-activated sound effects were another nice surprise... "Nice catch" in the fish, and a gun shot should you make it through the tank turret. Absolutely fantastic. If my review and photos were helpful to you, please give me a thumbs up 👍🏼 Thanks!

We visit Turangi often, and yesterday was the first time we went to the mini golf. We had so much fun and loved how each hole linked to a natural feature in the area. After playing many mini golf places across the North Island, this is one of the best 👌

Amazing mini golf! This outdoor mini putt course is still one of my favourites! Its so well designed with holes featuring famous places & activities in the Central Plateau area.

Little tired but liked the local attraction theme. Some unique holes.

This place is great! We have a batch here at turangi and every year we go to this mini golf course. It is so fun and the holes are very creative and cool! The other day a lot of the course was flooded but they gave us a discount because of the flooded holes! Although it does need a bit of maintenance on the grass it is still overall a very fun golf course, and I my opinion. The best in NZ! I highly recommend this place if you are staying in turangi or if you are just driving through! One thing I would ask though is to do some maintenance on the turf but it’s alright for now! Overall I will give 9.9/10

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.

A great afternoon spent with Fletcher on the river rafting trip today. The river was high end Level 2 as the water level was increased this weekend which added to the fun. Fabulous weather and a very professional set-up and team made this one of our highlights on our NZ road trip. Looking forward to seeing the professional photos and Go Pro video.Thank you team!

We did white water rafting at the end of June and had an amazing time. The lady that greeted us (sorry we forgot your name!), Sam and Sarah were all so welcoming and friendly. Sam was also very informative during our tour and we learnt lots about the local area. We had some concerns about being cold out on the water but the team provided all the gear we needed to stay warm (even after I made a splash in the river). The tour is a perfect length and not too strenuous on the body. Lots of beautiful scenery to see on your way down the river, very magical when it was raining. The warm drink during the tour and the soup at the end was a great touch. We would highly recommend this tour. Thank you for the great experience.

We did a Grade 2 white-water rafting trip with the kids, and it was an amazing experience! The staff were friendly and professional, and all the safety gear was provided. The facilities were clean, with nice toilets and changing rooms. They also have secure place where you can keep your belongings safely A great family adventure.

A fantastic experience. Yes we only went on Level 2 (family) however as a very nervous, first timer and over 60, this was a wonderful, well executed journey down the Tongariro River. We had 2 expert guides who made us feel at ease and we are now ready to tackle the next Level. Highly recommend this in any type of weather ( yes it was cold and overcast) as you are fitted out in all the necessary gear to keep out the cold. A very professional team from start to finish. Well done team and our next trip over from Australia will definitely include another visit.

The experience was fantastic! The whole rafting trip took about 3–4 hours and was incredibly fun — perfect for early summer! The guide was super cool and awesome! She shared a lot of knowledge throughout the journey and worked really hard, which definitely elevated the overall experience! I might come back again with friends if I get the chance! P.S.: The gear they provided was excellent — no need to worry about getting cold or wet at all! 💯 P.P.S.: It would be even better if the photos were a bit more affordable.

WOW. SO MUCH FUN! Staff was AWESOME. Everyone was so helpful and really treated us like family. It's family run and it really shows. Sam our guide was FANTASTIC. My wife was really worried about the cold since we were rafting in the winter, but they provided all the gear she needed. No issues what so ever, just a great time on the river. Kids also had a blast. Thank you guys for such great memories in New Zealand!

We had a great time! So much fun and a realy nice team! We will be back ;) Special thanks to Sam and Abbey! Espacially for letting me sit in the best place for my bad knee ♥️ Only thing we missed: a warm shower after the trip. Cheers, the germans

A true Kiwi bakery in the little town of Turangi. I only stopped in for a takeaway coffee while passing through, but by the look of the food, this place is the real deal. A big selection of cabinet food ranging from slices, sandwiches, rolls, cakes, muffins, and whole cakes. Hot food including good looking pies, hot chips and chicken. Not to mention the fridges with cold drinks. There was also a selection of fresh bread available too. If you are in need of good food while in Turangi, this place is a must visit!

They made us a vegetarian panini in the spot. Amazing stuff

Great bakery, huge collection of bakery items to choose from and very cheap. Pies, sandwiches, desserts, coffee, fish & chips and fried chicken, they have everything here. Cheap combos as well as cabinet food. Service is super fast and staff is lovely. Only it's got a very small seating area, mostly runs on takeaway. Venison pie, smokes fish & salmon pies are speciality. Love the fried chicken & fries here very salty.

Great kransky with mash potatoe and cheese. Gotta be quick though - they go quickly. Decent coffee.

Absolutely amazing food, hot dog was amazing and chips super fresh, hot chocolate was so good. Great staff and amazing indoors and out doors area.

Best custard squares ever, we tryed hundreds all around nz but nothing can beat your guys ones

Fresh food, chips made on demand. Sandwich’s was good. Pie was on the pricey side but well made with good flavours. Chicken and chips deal was good however chicken was a bit oily as it sat in the heater without being able to drip. Great selection of sweet savoury and pies.

We went on the enchanted forest trail and it was such a fun experience, Nevada was our guide and she made us feel so safe and comfortable. The horses were so well behaved and gentle and knew the track so as beginners we didn’t have to do too much. Definitely reccomend! It was so 10/10

My boyfriend and I did the hour and a half extended forest and river trail and loved it. Nevada was an awesome friendly trail guide. Would highly recommend to anyone passing through. Had the bestest horse Maui, such a lovely horse to ride!

Today I had my first ever horse trek and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had! As someone who hadn’t been on a horse since I was a kid (and barely remember it), I was a bit nervous, but the team made everything so easy! John and Sam were standout guides—patient, knowledgeable, and full of that genuine Kiwi hospitality that puts you right at ease. They gave clear, step-by-step instructions tailored for a beginner like me, covering everything from mounting up to handling the horse’s movements. It’s clear they love what they do and care deeply about ensuring everyone has a safe, enjoyable ride. The team here go above and beyond, sharing fun facts about the local history and spotting wild birds and trout along the way. The horses themselves are incredible—calm, sure-footed, and perfectly matched to your skill level and it made navigating the trails feel effortless. The scenery? Breathtaking. We wound through lush bush and forests, with stunning views, and the river crossings were a magical highlight—cool water splashing up as we crossed, with sunlight filtering through the trees. It’s the kind of postcard-perfect landscape that the photos can’t quite capture. Based on what I’ve seen from other reviews, this place consistently delivers that wow factor: If you’re on the fence about trying horse trekking, do it here—you’ll leave feeling like a pro with memories to last a lifetime. Huge thanks to the whole Karohe team for an unforgettable afternoon! Highly recommend. 🐎🌿

We had the most amazing experience with Korohe Horse Treks this weekend! Nevada was an incredible guide - she was patient, friendly, and really made the whole experience - especially for Coco our 12 year old who rode up front with her. Out of our family of four, two of us were nervous riders, but by the end we were completely converted and can’t wait to do more! The trek was the perfect mix of stunning scenery, with everything from open trails to river crossings. It was the highlight of our trip, and we’ll definitely be back again. Highly recommend to anyone - whether you’re new to riding or already love it!

We had the most amazing experience today! The entire group was so friendly and happy... this experience exceeded our expectations and our entire family came back smiling. The horses are georgus and bueatiful and the Forrest and river was so calming experience. Would definitely do again 10/10

River walk was lovely and exciting at the same time! Guides friendly and relaxed. Good to walk through the forest first so you and the horse can get used to each other. Recommended special experience and reasonable price. Enchanting in the fresh mountain air and spring sunshine :-)

We booked the forest and river ride for my daughter’s 10th birthday together with my husband, and we were truly delighted. We received such a warm welcome, and the team checked several times to make sure we felt safe and didn’t have any questions. During the ride, our guides were very friendly and chatted with us along the way. I’m a complete beginner and had never been on a trail ride before, but the route was well chosen and the horses were calm and steady. The parts through the river were especially exciting, and I was so impressed that even as an inexperienced rider, I could enjoy something like that. Wonderful! Thank you so much for this amazing experience.

Mike brought my 14 year old son and me out for a quick 3 hour trip on his boat! We had a great time! We caught lots of fish! We only kept 4, but Mike smoked two of them for us. The fish tasted awesome.

A wonderful experience on the lake Mike thankyou looking after the 4 golden girls giving us a successful morning's fishing. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves

Excellent days fishing. Mike certainly knows where to take on the lake for a great experience. The conditions were tough today but we still landed ten fish.

We had such a wonderful time with Mike, his knowledge of the area and the lake is impressive. I would recommend Mike to all who want a fun day out on the lake.

Mike is a guru. Put us on the spot - we caught trout non-stop all AM. Definitely recommend :)

Great to get your smoked trout done - a really good bloke and a quality job.

Thanks Mike, great morning out! We all caught a fish & enjoyed the fish autopsy.

Three stratavolcanoes. Pihanga and Kakaramea‐Tihia Massif. It looks like Pihanga has a slip on a side flank. This is erosion on a small surface deposit. The last eruption was 20Ks ago. While dormant, it is possible for an eruption one day, due to its proximity to Taupō, but not in my days. Good views and nice to come across.

A beautiful lady mountain

big rocc

amazing

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.

It’s a good spot to enjoy the river.

Love walking along the Turangi River trail to get to this bridge. The rare NZ blue duck can be occasionally seen here swimming in the rapids below. This spot is also popular with anglers. Parking is also available right by the bridge.

A great walk for all levels as it is mostly level. The swing bridge is steady and very secure and can take up to 10 people at a time. Beautiful scenery.

Excellent Walking Track in Turangi. Walking parallel to the river, Passing through Major Jone Bridge, can get good views from top of the hill of Turagi region.

Whio Duck (blue duck) very rare and lucky to see it. Great place for a walk and great trout fishing.

Bridge over the river with log trees on either side of river offers best scenic view. No frequent visitors, so can have peaceful walk

Love the scenic views and it looks like a good spot for fishing

The park on a fall morning was beautiful.

Wonderful spot to take a break, get fresh air, spot some trout in the awa, walk along the riverbank.

What I loved most about this walk (or bike) is that it was so naturally beautiful. The outlooks over the Tongario River were great as we saw several fishermen/women fly fishing which is so interesting to observe. At some points we coulf clearly see trout swimming. Nice walk.

Nice place for a picnic on a road trip. Has a small playground for little kids and you can do a short walk to the river.

A beautiful part of New Zealand. What an Incredible walk

Easy walk along the Tongariro River. No toilet facilities along the track. Accessible for prams but probably not wheelchairs

A favourite stop for my dog and I, a lot of interesting smells to investigate and a beautiful place to stretch the legs. Note to travellers that the toilets are locked at 4 or 5 but there's no sign that says exactly when.

Had a great time bouldering here, but they also have lots of top rope and sport climbing routes for all levels. The owners are super friendly and helpful, and helped me get a pair of climbing shoes for a very fair price. All round top gym! :)

We had the best time here. The staff were amazing and so good at helping us to support our kids climbing. Also did a great thing for the Matariki open day so much fun! Highly recommend

We had a great experience as a whānau here, the owner was super friendly and accommodating of us gently encouraging our young daughter to rock climb. We will be back again. Thank you!

Such a cool wee spot to climb and have a good ol’ natter. Josh and Sinervä are very knowledgeable and welcoming. So too are the regulars at the gym. All ages and disabilities are catered for, both in skill level and facilities.

Great climbing gym with lovely owners, plenty of different routes to try for all abilities and a bouldering wall as well. Highly recommend!

I managed a few walls despite being scared of heights. The owner encouraged me to the top of one of the easier really tall climbs. Was an awesome achievement. Water cooler was very nice after coming down.

Great, fun, friendly place for a day out! Climbing walls are set up to cater for anyone from young children to experienced climbers! Good range of top rope and lead climbs- there is also a bouldering area with beginner through to advanced routes. The owners definitely love what they do and take pride in this gym! Highly recommend!

Had an amazing time at this indoor pool! The facilities were clean and well-maintained, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy. The highlight was definitely the rock climbing wall that leads right into the pool – such a unique and fun experience! The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is that it can get a bit crowded at times, but overall, it’s a fantastic place for a fun day out. Highly recommend!

7 days working at the pool was great!! The pools were always clean 👌 🙌 and tidy.

I love Swimming at this complex here in Turangi the 25M Pool is not to deep and its suitable for walking in the water the climbing wall was fun i loved it and the Learners Pool was nice and warm i enjoyed it and i will come back again when i next go to Turangi

Awesome swimming centre. Super reasonable pricing. Warm inside with heated pools. Also a bombing pool. Perfect.

Pristine, clean bathroom and pool facilities. Everyone was actually wearing togs for a change 😂friendly, helpful staff. Kids enjoyed climbing wall and dive/bombing platforms in deep pool. Pools weren't super hot - 28deg in swimming lanes, 33deg in smaller ones. Not the place if you're hanging out for a hot soak but very pleasant otherwise

i went here heaps as a kid and there would always be a pool pooper?!?!

Lovely well maintained pools with friendly staff- unfortunately they cannot seem to work out the pricing, at all… (despite a detailed rate card at the desk and published rates on website). We went 3 days in a row and were charged different amounts each time (none of which aligned with the rates published) - I tried to query once and only seemed to confuse them further so ended up moving on as it was still affordable so we let it slide. Would still go again but would push back re $$ next time…

Nice place

Well worth the visit and excellent service