Other Activities
During your stay at Cattle Rustlers there is a bounty of activities to suit whichever taste. Whether it is fly-fishing, skydiving, a round of 18 or simply putting your feet up by the fire, there is a something for you.
We have included our personal tips for your stay below, but a full list of activities and information can be found at www.tongarirolodge.co.nz.
Our suggestions:
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The Huka Jet is fantastic/Huka Falls a must also. Suitable for all ages.
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One hour helicopter trip across Lake Taupo is outstanding.
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Riverside picnic on Poronui Station (heli-transfer is also great).
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For the thrill seekers tandem sky dives are available from Turangi Airport.
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Skiing in Mt Ruapehu.
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Full day white water rafting, childrens half day available.
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Golf – close by are numerous high quality courses.
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Cycling on the river track is suitable for all ages. Bikes available for hire from Tongariro River Rafting.
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Quad biking through the National Forests, near Taupo.
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Waterslides and thermal pools in Taupo.
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Hot Pools and Thermal walk at the Tikaanu Thermal pools 5 mins drive from Turangi.
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Scenic Walks:
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The Red Hut walk is a 4 hour loop leaving directly from the lodge.
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Details can be found along with other walks in and around Turangi on www.greatlaketaupo.co.nz
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Delta Queen – take it out.
Tongariro National Park is an all year outdoor playground – right on your doorstep.
Golf
There are five first class golf courses all within 45 minutes of the Lodge. Turangi's fully landscaped 18-hole course is only five minutes down the road. Wairakei International Course is second ranked course in New Zealand. Golf clubs and carts are available for hire. Professional instruction is offered.
White Water Rafting
The Tongariro River is on your doorstep. Raft grade 3 rapids or enjoy long glides through pristine pools and deep gorges as you observe wildlife and ancient beech forests. One of our favourites is the upper river half-day grade 3 trip. All are fully guided trips with all equipment supplied.
Scenic Walks
There are numerous walks in the region to suit all tastes and levels of fitness. Bush walks through native forest or trips across varied mountain terrain are in close proximity to the Lodge
Sight Seeing
The volcanic Central Plateau is one of the country’s major year-round tourist destinations. You will find there is always plenty to see and do.
Horse Trekking
Enjoy a guided scenic horse trek through native forests in the Tongariro National Park. Experience the alpine wilderness of New Zealand's Central Plateau and stunning views. Two hour excursions to full day treks are available catering from beginner to expert.
Jet Boating
Experience the thrill of white water as you travel by jet boat on the Waikato River. An exciting way to see the scenery!
Hunting
The Lodge is ideally positioned to sample the many hunting and bird shooting opportunities available in the Central North Island. Excellent bird shooting for duck, pheasant, turkey, and quail is available May to August. Highly experienced professional hunting guides specialise in free range hunting for world class Sika deer and Red Deer stags. Experienced guides provide retriever dogs, guns, ammunition, and all equipment and transport. Exclusive hunting is available on 100,000 acres of backcountry stations. Hunting guides can be organized through the Tongariro
Lodge reception.
Hiking
Some of the New Zealand’s best tramping areas can be easily accessed just a short drive from the Lodge. A wide variety of routes, terrain and scenery cater for all tastes. Native bush, high country tussock, alpine trails and more are all found within the Tongariro National Park.
Wildlife & Ec0-Tours
Board the Delta Queen for a 2 hour tour of the South Taupo wetlands and observe more than 40 bird species. Binoculars supplied.
Hot Mineral Pools
What better way to end your day!
Scenic Helicopter & Fixed Wing Flights
You will really appreciate all the region has to offer when you view active volcanic craters, deep lakes, snow-fed rivers and bush-clad ridges from the air.
Snow Skiing
Tongariro Lodge is the perfect aprés ski lodge. Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is only 45 minutes away on a fully sealed road. There are two ski areas on offer catering for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Read more about Turoa Ski Area and Whakapapa Ski Area.
Mountain Biking
Minutes from the Lodge you can enjoy the thrill of high speed mountain biking through native forests. Hire bikes or take guided trips. Easy and medium guided trips are available with all equipment supplied.
Lake Cruise
There are various companies operating cruises of the lake to see the Maori Rock Carvings leaving from the Taupo jetty.