Monday, January 7, 2008

Free Things to Do on Vacation in Taupo, New Zealand


Find free things to do on vacation in Taupo, New Zealand. This information is excerpted from http://www.laketauponz.com.

All photos are copyrighted by C. Lee - all rights reserved. Contact bargainhunterhotline@gmail.com for permission to reproduce.

Things to do around Lake Taupo...

Aratiatia Rapids
A huge hydro electric power station and dam. Gates open and water is released daily. Sign posted off SH5 approx 10km north of Lake Taupo. Summer: 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm. Winter: 10am, 12noon, 2pm.

Arts and Crafts
Several galleries are open for viewing. Pick up an Art and Crafts brochure from either the Taupo or Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre.

Botanical Reserve
An 85 acre reserve containing alpine and native plants, azaleas and rhododendrons. Gates are open daily until dusk. Situated at the top of Shepherd Road, Lake Taupo.

Childrens Play Areas
The Lake Taupo region has a number of excellent childrens play areas. Visit the Taupo and Turangi i-SITE Visitor centre for details.

Cycling
Great cycling trails for all levels. Pick up a cycling brochure from either the Taupo or Turangi i-SITE Visitor centre.

Honey Hive
See bees in glass hives, sample honey products and watch educational videos. Honey products for sale. Open daily 9am-5pm. Situated off SH1 north in Wairakei Tourist Park, Lake Taupo.

Huka Falls
The major waterfall on the Waikato River. NZ's most visited natural attractions. Famous for the volume of water (62,000 gallons per second) that hurtles through its narrow chasm. Situated off SH1 north in Wairakei Tourist Park, Lake Taupo.

Lookouts
There are a number of vantage points for sight seeing over Lake Taupo, Turangi and the surrounding areas. One lookout in particular is the Taupo Bungy platform where you can see people testing their nerves over the Waikato River . There are many more lookouts, just contact either the Taupo or Turangi i-SITE Visitor centre.

Native Plant Nursery
This Nursery specializes in the propagation of native plants and is one of the largest of its kind in the country. Open daily. Cenntennial Drive, Lake Taupo.

NZ Fruit Wines
The largest selection of fruit wines and fruit liqueurs in NZ. Free daily tastings. Located in the Honey Hive building. Huka Falls Loop Road, Wairakei Tourist Park, Lake Taupo.

Opepe Reserve
This historic reserve was the scene of a massacre of 9 soldiers from the Bay of Plenty Cavalry by Te Kooti's men in 1869. A short walk on the left of SH5 leads to the graves. The track on the right leads to the site of the old Opepe settlement to the Armed Constabulary Posts watering trough and to an old saw pit. Located 17km from Lake Taupo on SH5 Napier/Taupo Road.

Rose Gardens
Over 500 rose bushes grow here. The gardens are adjacent to the Museum in Story Place, Lake Taupo.

Scented Gardens
Raised garden filled with scented shrubs and herbs for the enjoyment of the visually impaired. Tongariro North Domain, Lake Taupo.

Spa Road Walk
Walk alongside the glorious Waikato River, NZ's longest river. Enjoy the fresh air and surrounding bush. Stop off at Huka Falls, grab a drink and a snack at the kiosk then head back. Starts off at Spa Road, Lake Taupo.

Tokaanu Historic Wharf

Dates from the early 1800s and is one of the oldest structures of it kind in NZ. It is now undergoing restoration and currently you can walk two thirds of its length. A popular picnic and fishing spot.

Tokaanu Thermal Walk
Located adjacent to the Tokaanu Thermal Pools - free thermal bush walk, 15-20 minutes of bubbling mud and silica springs (wheelchair accessible).

Tongariro River Loop Walk

One hour walk alongside the world famous Tongariro River - watch people flyfish and enjoy the views of the Kaimanawa Ranges.

Tongariro National Trout Centre
View wild Taupo Trout in the Waihukahuka Stream through the underwater window, or feed trout in the children's pond. Lots of displays to see includings the hatchery and visitor centre. Lovely bush setting, BBQ and picnic facilities. Open daily 10am-3pm. SH1 just south of Turangi.

Trout Fishing

Take a picnic and watch anglers flyfish for trout at the Waitahanui Stream. Situated SH1 south at Waitahanui.

Wishart Winery
Lake Taupo first commercial winery. Free wine tasting, wine education centre, wine library, vineyard tours and wine sales. Open 7 days 10am-5pm. Restaurant adjacent. Off SH1 north on Huka Falls Road, Lake Taupo.

For more information about any of these activities please contact:

i-SITE logo Taupo i-SITE Visitor Centre - +64 7 376 0027
Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre - +64 7 386 8999

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Aratiatia Rapids hydroelectric plant tour really is interesting and worth a visit. First, the scenery around it is beautiful. Second, the tour is really educational and holds the attention of kids too because it is fascinating. Third, the price is right -- FREE!

Anonymous said...

If you rent a camper van you pull off on the side of a road to camp for free. You can also stay at park rest stops and overnight for free and use their bathroom facilities for free. In a pinch, you can also camp in a parking lot.

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