TRIP 18 Taupō to Taihape Tongariro River © Destination Great Lake Taupō
TRIP 18
a journey to
Tūrangi
Taupō to Tūrangi via SH 1 46min, 50km
F
ollow the eastern edge of Lake Taupō south to Tūrangi with vistas of the water along the way. Peel away from the lake and head inland. Enjoy the views of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu. Tūrangi sits on the edge of the Tongariro River, world famous for its rainbow trout. It’s also the gateway to Tongariro National Park. Continue south along the Desert Rd through the national park. The road gets its name from the barren, desert-like environment due to poor soil quality, drying winds and a mass loss of seeds following several volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. In winter, the road encounters heavy snowfall which often causes closures and rerouting; please drive with care. Waiouru is home of the Waiouru Military Camp base training. Check out the museum there before continuing to Taihape.
184 | M U S T D O ’ S • CE N TRA L N ORTH IS LA N D
Tūrangi to Taihape via Waiouru and SH 1 47min, 63km
TOP: Millennium Hotel, Taupō © Destination Great Lake Taupō BOTTOM: Tongariro River, Tūrangi © Destination Great Lake Taupō