A stone's throw from State Highway One you will find the Tongariro River Trail; a family friendly cycling and walking trail, hugging the banks of the Tongariro River. It ducks in and out of spindly manuka trees, passes through lush fern glades and traverses beech forest before delivering you at Red Hut Bridge, some 6-kilometres south of Turangi.
There are multiple entry points along the 15-kilometre trail, but if you're riding the loop the best starting point is at the Tongariro River Bridge in Turangi, where you can park your car The Delta coffee and ice-cream cart is also based here and serves up great coffee and Movenpick ice-cream for a well-deserved treat at the end of the ride.
Cycling the trail is easy and the camaraderie is warming. On any given day you'll get a friendly greeting from like-minded adventurers out enjoying the trail; some are locals trying out their new e-bikes on the gentle, weaving track, some are visitors wanting to experience the peace and quiet of the bush, and others are families dipping their toes in the cool, pure mountain water of the Tongariro. It is hard to imagine how close you are to civilization, or your next latté, as the trees absorb the sounds of the outside world and deliver you to a place of tranquility.
The Tongariro River is world renowned for its trout fishing and the river trail on its banks is a window to this world. You'll pass famous fishing pools with names like Major Jones and Duchess Pool, named after the Queen Mother who once fly-fished there. Kayaks and rafts full of grinning tourists are also common, but for all this activity it's a surprisingly quiet and peaceful part of the world.
The Tongariro National Trout Centre at the far end of the trail is a worthwhile stop-off before making the return journey to Turangi. The trout in the stream are fascinating to watch, especially when fed by visitors, and an underwater viewing chamber reveals them gliding effortlessly against the current of the stream. Indoors is a fly fishing museum depicting the long history of trout fishing on the river.
At the end of the ride the trail will pop you out in Turangi, very close to Creel Café. Don't miss this quaint and quirky café attached to a tackle shop if you're a fan of good coffee and pastries. Back in town is the Turangi Bakery, famous in the central North Island for its pies.
The Tongariro River Trail is a grade 2 mountain biking and walking trail, so is suitable for beginner riders and families. There are also shorter options within the trail which can be tailored to the needs of your group, perfect if you have young children in tow. Don't discount it though if you're a seasoned mountain biker – the beautiful bush, peace and quiet and window to the Tongariro River is worth the trip, and the trail flows in a way that makes the ride oodles of fun, no matter what your level.
Facts:
Tongariro River Trail, Turangi
- Located 45-minute's south of Taupo
- 15km loop trail starting and finishing in Turangi, allow 1-2 hours
- Grade 2 – suitable for beginners
- Bike hire, shuttles and guides available. Book at the Turangi i-SITE
- More information: www.GreatLakeTaupo.com/biking