Huka Falls
Less than an hour north, the placid waters of the Waikato River squeeze into a shallow ravine, creating one of the most awesome natural spectacles on the North Island. What Huka Falls lacks in height — it’s just over 36 feet tall — it makes up for with sheer force. Some 60,000 gallons of turquoise water gush over the volcanic rocks every second, spraying spectators on the foot bridge above the waterfall.
Tongariro River Trail
The Tongariro River Trail is an easy 10-mile walk or mountain bike ride that offers views of the Tūrangi landscape. Along this riverside trail, catch views of rolling farmland as you pass under the branches of tall rimu trees with Mount Pihanga in the distance. Birders will enjoy looking for tiny pīwakawaka birds and kereru wood pigeons in the branches of southern beech trees found along the trail.
Tokaanu Thermal Pools
Unwind in the Tokaanu Thermal Pools, which are just a five-minute drive northwest of Tūrangi. The hot mineral waters are a great way to soothe tired muscles after a long day hiking or skiing. You can even enjoy a walk before you soak; the Tokaanu Thermal Walk passes through luxuriant indigenous forest, studded with bubbling mud pots and steaming pools.