Hotels in Turangi

Book your cheap hotel in Turangi

Known as the “Trout Fishing Capital of the World”, the small town of Turangi sits on the Tongariro River, which flows into the south end of Lake Taupo. Sitting in the centre of North Island, this area is a volcanic plateau and, together with the Kaimanawa Ranges, makes for beautiful scenery. It also makes a wonderful outdoor playground with visitors arriving in the town to fish, hunt, kayak, mountain bike, hike and go white water rafting. Being a short distance from Tongariro National Park, the town is a nice hopping off point for winter sports.

This small town of less than 4,000 people is a big host. There is plenty of holiday accommodation with visitors able to choose from campsites, B&Bs and luxury and cheap hotels in Turangi.

What to see and do in Turangi

Just an extract of the laundry list of attractions and activities includes:

  • Trout Fishing: visitors must obtain a licence to fish on the lake and river.
  • Tongariro National Trout Centre: This freshwater aquarium is the ideal way to view the fish that you can then feed along the riverbank after your visit.
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Touted as the best one-day hike in New Zealand takes you across an amazing landscape. (Guides are needed in winter).
  • Tongariro River Trail: This trail runs for 15 km along the river through gorgeous countryside and native forest.
  • Volcanic Touring Loop: Take this drive/bike ride to view the volcanic landscape and mountains of Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Site.
  • Bird Watching: Walking trails around the lake are the best way to catch a glimpse of the native Blue Duck, once in decline now with an increasing population due to local conservation projects.
  • Taranaki Falls: Walk the two-hour loop or take the 20-minute trail on Mt. Ruapehu to walk under the falls.
  • Swimming: There are small beaches of fine pumice sand at various places around the lake where swimming in the clear, completely clean water is safe

What to eat in Turangi

The food scene in town has developed to cater to the tastes of its visitors and has grown to represent many global cuisines. National and regional food, however, remains important, and food/dishes to look out for include:

  • Trout: Caught in the lakes and rivers, varieties like rainbow and brown appear on many restaurant menus.
  • Meat Pie: A favourite snack all over the country, in Turangi, you can enjoy some unique New Zealand flavours like lamb, kumara (a sweet potato), and mint and venison with kumara and gravy.
  • Hangi: Don’t visit here without being invited to a hangi feast. This traditional Maori meal is cooked in an earth pit.
  • Koura: Also known as freshwater crayfish, these were popular in the past, but thanks to over-fishing, only the native Ngati Tūwharetoa are now legally allowed to catch them, so probably the only way you get to try them is at a hangi.
  • Kiwi Burger: The favourite way for Kiwis to eat their burger is with a fried egg and beetroot.
  • Pavlova: Let the Aussies and Kiwis fight over who invented it while you tuck into this meringue dessert.

Typical events and festivals in Turangi

While there is more than enough to keep you in and around the town, if you want to experience festivals and events, they are mostly held in Taupo, about 50km south along State Highway 1. Some examples of those worth travelling for include:

  • Ironman New Zealand: The national championship of this triathlon competition happens in March every year.
  • Taupo Summer Concert: The top artists and band from New Zealand and Australia play at the amphitheatre in January.
  • Taupo Winter Festival: Running for two weeks in July, there’s a host of cultural and arts events alongside family fun items like an ice rink and ice slide.
  • The Merchant Food and Wine Expo: Held in August, it’s a showcase of 20+ vineyards and local restaurants and artisan food producers.

How to move around in Turangi

The town is compact, so walking is the best way to get around. Bikes are also a good option, but car hire is best if you want to get out and about to enjoy many of the activities and to get to the biking/hiking trails. Access is good as the town is just 10 kms north of the “Desert Road”, a section of State Highway 1. Rotorua International Airport is the closest.

The climate in Turangi

The temperate climate gives the town warm summers and cool winters. February is the warmest month with an average temperature of 16°C, and July the coldest. Visitors can expect rain in every month. November to April is the best time to visit, but the town is popular in autumn because of the brilliant colours of the foliage.

Turangi today 48°F
52°F | 37°F

In Turangi we will have light rain, warm clothing is recommended.

    • Saturday
    • 55°F | 37°F
    • Sunday
    • 68°F | 39°F
    • Monday
    • 68°F | 43°F
    • Tuesday
    • 68°F | 45°F

30 Accommodations in Turangi

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Motuoapa Bay Chalets

Motuoapa Bay Chalets

5.1 mi from city centre
Bed and Breakfast Tui Lodge

Bed and Breakfast Tui Lodge

545 yd from city centre
B&b @ Fynnz

B&b @ Fynnz

1,498 yd from city centre

Frequently asked questions about Hotels in Turangi

The most centrally located hotels in Turangi with the best ratings are: Tongariro River Motel and Judges Pool Motel.

If you need a hotel with disabled access in Turangi, we recommend Bed and Breakfast Absolute Riverside and Oreti Village Resort.

If you´re looking for peace and quiet and want to stay at an adult-only hotel in Turangi, we recommend Bed and Breakfast Absolute Riverside.

According to our clients, the best hotels in Turangi to stay at with children are Judges Pool Motel and Oreti Village Resort.

If you want to save time, the hotels in Turangi with express check-in and check-out are Bed and Breakfast Absolute Riverside and Judges Pool Motel.

Some of the options for hotels with non-smoking rooms in Turangi are Bed and Breakfast Absolute Riverside, Tongariro River Motel and Oreti Village Resort.

If you're bringing a vehicle, we recommend that you book a hotel with parking in Turangi, like Bed and Breakfast Absolute Riverside, Tongariro River Motel or Oreti Village Resort.

The best hotel with a pool in Turangi is Oreti Village Resort.

The following hotels in Turangi have luggage storage: Bed and Breakfast Absolute Riverside, Oreti Village Resort and Judges Pool Motel.