Turangi Walks
Tongariro River Walk
One and a half hours each way. Access to the bridge at Red Hut Pool 5km south of Turangi on State Highway One, and at the Major Jones Bridge at the end of Koura St, Turangi. The walk can be undertaken in either direction. The walk follows the Tongariro River as it meanders it's way into Turangi. There are good views of the river's calm pools and rippling rapids as you walk along the high banks above the river. The walk passes through native bush on the river's edge.
Lake Rotopounamu Walk
One and a half hour round trip. This walk starts on State Highway 47 (Te Ponanga saddle road). The lake is an excellent place for a picnic lunch. The track is wide and well graded. It is steeper at first, but the grade soon eases to a gentle slope. Halfway up are views of Lake Rotoaira and Mt Tongariro.
Maunganamu
Manganamu is a bushclad mountain on the edge of Lake Taupo near Tokaanu. The mountain is a volcanic (rhyolitic) dome and is surrounded by a grassy area which has ample room for picnics. There are good views from the summit. The walk takes 40 minutes return, and is 4km drive from Turangi. Turn right after crossing the Tokaanu Tailrace bridge on State Highway 41.