Hinemihi's Track

[15 mins round trip]

Location: Begins from a small picnic area near To Ponanga Saddle, on State Highway 47 between Turangi and Rotoaira.

This short loop track through kamahi and rimu forest follows part of the old route once used by the Maori travelling between the Taupo basin and the Whanganui River.

Ketetahi Hot Springs

[5.5 hours return]

Location: Begins from a short side road off State Highway 47A.

Considered to have healing properties by their Maori owners, the Ketetahi Hot Springs are located high on the northern flanks of Mt. Tongariro. Access is by a high standard track which climbs initially through podocarp - hardwood forest, then up a broad, tussock covered ridge. At the bottom of the thermal area, a side track leads up a stream to the bathing pools, while the main track continues across the stream, to Ketetahi Hut, 10 minutes away.

Warning: Extreme care is necessary in the thermal area due to unstable ground, and the visibility hazard caused by steam. There is no track here. Water alongside the track is polluted by thermal activity, and is unfit for drinking.

Tokaanu Thermal Walk

[15 mins]

Location: Begins at the entrance to the Tokaanu Thermal Pools and continues in a loop through their grounds.

This is an easy stroll through a thermal region. The track passes many hot pools and boiling mud. As you leave, don't forget to spot the trout under the footbridge at the entrance to the park.

Lake Rotopounamu

[40 mins return to lake, or 2hrs round trip]

Location: Begins from State Highway 47 between Turangi and Rotoaira.

Rotopounamu (Greenstone Lake) is set in pristine podocarp forest where bird life is prolific. The track circles the lake, passing several sandy beaches which are ideal for picnicking in summer.

Tongariro River Walkway

[10 mins to 2 hours depending on you]

Location: This walkway follows both sides of the Tongariro River in the Turangi area, crossing it several times, either at the main road bridge or by the swingbridges upstream. Parts of the trak may still be under repair from damage in the big floods of 1998.

You will probably find it easiest to start your walk by going down Kutai Street and turning left into Tahawai Street. Follow the path straight through to the end of Koura Street and then turn right onto the river walkway. Cross the swingbridge and then decide which way you wish to go. If you turn to the left, it is a 1 hour loop walk crossing the main road bridge and returning down the town side of the river. If you turn right, it is a 1 1/2 hour onw way trip depending on the state of track repairs.

Mount Mananamu, Mosquito Hill

[1 hour]