Turangi attractions

National Park Shuttles is the sole Manawhenua operator based in Waimarino, providing reliable transport services from the only secure parking facility conveniently located on State Highway 46 at the Ketetahi track road end. We offer a stress-free experience by allowing you to park safely before embarking on your journey. We transfer you from the private car park to the beginning of the trek (Mangatepopo). You can hike as fast or as slowly as you like. No waiting hours for a shuttle at the finish if you're fast. No running for your shuttle if you're slow. At the end of the trek, you will arrive at the 4-hour Ketetahi car park. You will walk another 900 meters from there, back to where your car is parked. Rest assured that no one is ever left behind!

Ernest Kemp Cruises has been operating on Lake Taupo for over 30 years. On board their unique replica steamboat, you'll head out to see the famous Maori Rock Carvings. Along the way the friendly skipper and crew provide live commentary and a colour brochure so you can learn about the history of the area and the meanings behind the carvings. You will find seating and viewing both inside and out, with plenty of photo opportunities of the carvings and the lake. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies are served, and free Wi‑Fi is available on board. In the warmer months it’s a good idea to bring a towel, as the skipper may decide there is time for a swim in the crystal‑clear water. A popular Cocktail Cruise is also offered, which typically includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza.

You will experience the heart of Tongariro National Park surrounded by the volcanic maunga Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Services operate from the Lake Rotoaira, Turangi area, which is world‑famously known for trout fishing, hiking, river rafting, geothermal hot pools and a friendly local atmosphere. Along the way you will hear about Manaakitanga — caring for visitors and safety — and Kaitiakitanga — guardianship and preserving life — so the cultural values behind the visit are part of the journey. Local drivers of Māori descent, born and raised in Turangi, provide a niche transport service to Aotearoa New Zealand’s well‑known one‑day adventure hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The operator describes its transport as award‑winning and experienced, and is UNESCO Department of Conservation Transport Operator Approved. Shuttles and transfers support self‑guided hiking, include Māori blessings, and come with complimentary safety photography shared via social media. The service emphasises safety and a quality experience from the Lake Rotoaira, Turangi base while bringing local knowledge and cultural context to your visit.

A jet-boat ride on the Waikato River takes you on an exhilarating journey towards Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular waterfalls. You’ll experience sharp spins and high-speed stretches as the boat cuts along the river, creating a lively, fast-paced trip that puts the surrounding landscape on full display. Along the way, the country’s beauty will rapidly unfold. You’ll zip past rugged cliffs and expanses of native bush, seeing changing river scenery from the water. The ride is built around reaching Huka Falls, where the power and scale of the falls form a dramatic focal point to the experience. The combination of speed, motion and natural scenery makes this a dynamic way to encounter the Waikato River and Huka Falls.

On the Daily Scenic Cruise from Berth #4 at the Taupo Boat Harbour aboard Cruise Cat, you’ll travel in comfort and style. The vessel is fully enclosed with both top and bottom decks and large outdoor areas that let you get close to the Maori Rock Carvings. Children are welcome and will find colouring-in sheets and wheel certificates. Cruise Cat is also accessible for wheelchairs and push chairs/strollers. An informative commentary is given on the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo as you pass secluded bays and take in views of the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Along the way you’ll enjoy a complimentary hot homemade muffin and tea or coffee while admiring the shoreline and the carvings up close.

On Tiua, Taupō Sailing Adventures’ luxurious sailing catamaran, you will cruise Great Lake Taupō in comfort and style. The experience offers a quiet, gentle way to connect with the lake’s natural beauty. Tiua’s stable twin‑hull design will give a smooth ride and plenty of room to stretch out and relax as you move across the water. Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupō that pairs an eco‑friendly sailing approach with both indoor and outdoor seating. You will have the choice of the spacious saloon or the covered cockpit, so outings can go ahead in a range of weather and keep you sheltered from rain and cold if needed. Along the way, you will enjoy a calm, comfortable sailing environment that balances fresh air and protection. The vessel’s name, Tiua (Māori: tee‑ua), means “to move with the wind,” reflecting the sailing experience you will enjoy on Great Lake Taupō.

On this exciting activity, you’ll get to ride a jet boat on the Waikato River for 30 minutes on your way to the Huka Falls. You’ll be able to experience 360-degree spins as your expert driver speeds along the river at up to 50 mi per hour. Along the way, you’ll pass the Huka Prawn Park and the Aratiatia Dam, and see the clouds of geothermal steam from the Wairakei Power Station. At Huka Falls, your driver will take you in close so you can feel the force of over 220,000 liters of water per second cascading down an 11-yard drop.

This shuttle service will take you to and from Tongariro National Park, operating from the Tongariro Crossing Park & Ride. The Park & Ride is a safe off‑road parking area close to the track end at Ketetahi, and the company provides a complimentary afternoon shuttle back to your car. The arrangement will make it easier to start or finish your time on the Crossing without worrying about return transport. You will benefit from a team with more than 25 years’ experience of the Tongariro lifestyle, who know this unique alpine environment well. Alongside the Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle services, staff will provide information, maps and comprehensive weather advice to help you plan your time on the track. The focus is on straightforward, practical support so you can concentrate on the landscape and the walk itself.

We specialize in transfers to the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek. Locally owned and operated family business with the convenience of cultural insights, genuine local hospitality & drivers. Our customers have access to the only secure, all day Car Park.

With this return transfer tour, you will get transport service from Tūrangi to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Perfect for self-hikers, the shuttle will depart in the morning at different timings including 05:30, 06.00, 06:30, 07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and return to Tūrangi at 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:30. Your transport service will take you to the heart of the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Heritage National Park, from where you can begin your 6-8 hour hike. During the hike, you can enjoy scenic views of surrounding mountains.

Onboard the classical sailing yacht Fearless, you will escape the hectic pace of everyday life and enjoy a timeless, authentic sailing experience on Lake Taupō. The trip takes you to the Māori Rock Carvings, one of the most extraordinary contemporary carvings in the world. Only viewable from the water, the likeness of Ngātoroirangi towers 14 metres above the lake, and you will see it from close range as the yacht slips across the surface. This wind-powered, eco-friendly outing lets you experience nature in a quiet, clean way. When the wind picks up and the yacht heels into the breeze, guests feel an exhilarating surge of adrenaline as they encounter the raw power of the water. You can relax on the large deck, listen to experienced skippers and learn about the history of the lake, or help the crew hoist the sails and take a turn on the wheel. If conditions allow, you may also take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Australasia’s largest freshwater lake.

This 1.5-hour tour will give you the chance to embark on a cruise around Lake Taupō. During the cruise, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy a hot drink with a homemade muffin while the skipper takes you to the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings. If you’re traveling with children, they will have the opportunity to drive the boat and take part in a treasure hunt.

You will travel into the heart of Tongariro National Park, surrounded by the volcanic maunga Pihanga, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Along the way, you will hear about Manaakitanga (caring for visitors) and Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land), learning how local values guide the care and preservation of this special place. Local drivers of Māori descent, born and raised in Turangi, will provide a niche, award‑winning transport service to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing — a well‑known one‑day adventure hike in Aotearoa New Zealand. The shuttles and transfers support a self‑guided hike and are UNESCO Transport Operator approved. The service comes with Māori blessings, free safety photography, free use of walking poles and a free cold drink at the end. Operated from Turangi in the Taupō area, the service is based in a destination known for trout fishing, hiking, river rafting, geothermal hot pools and welcoming local stays. Visitors have highly recommended the operator for the safety and experience they provide.

On this 90-minute cruise, you’ll be able to take in the sights of Lake Taupō’s bays. You’ll also see and gain insight into the Māori rock carvings on the rock alcove at Mine Bay. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll learn about the history of the area and the carvings. You can also have the complimentary homemade muffin and hot drink on board. In addition, you’ll get the opportunity to witness a live fishing demonstration on the 13:30 cruise.

You’ll take a jet boat out onto the Waikato River for a high‑speed ride that is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. The trip focuses on fast-paced manoeuvres and open‑water thrills, so you’ll feel the rush as the boat accelerates and turns over clear river stretches. As you move through the river you’ll shoot through canyon sections, spin on crystal‑clear waters and surf the foaming tail of the Nga Awapurua Rapids. Along the way you’ll experience tight turns, sudden bursts of speed and the spray and sound of the rapids, all set against the river landscape. The ride delivers a compact, adventurous experience that centres on the jet boat’s speed and river features.