NZ: A.S's Top 5 Free Things To Do in Turangi

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When one speaks of The Great Walks in NZ, among the popular ones definitely has to be The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Turangi, North Island. Many are here for this hike and stay for just a night in this small town, but if you are here longer, like A.S, you may want to try these free activities out to better know this place.

1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Feel free to check an earlier post out about this great walk. In fact, it is not a mere walk but rather a hike.

2. Tongariro National Park

It seems that Tongariro was the first national park to be established in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. Amazing! This stunning wilderness is a dual World Heritage area, one for its association with Maori culture and the other, for its amazing natural attributes. Again, the video in an earlier post, though only covers the area of the walk/ hike, is enough to take just anyone’s breath away.

3. The Tongariro National Trout Centre

Four kilometres south of Turangi on State Highway 1, there is a trout centre run by the Department of Conservation(DoC). The objective is to raise awareness of the importance of the Taupo trout fishery and freshwater conservation in NZ. Picnicking and wandering through the DOC is free.  However, a minimal fee of NZD 10 for an adult is charged for the entrance which includes the Visitor Centre Museum, Genesis Energy Fresh Water Aquarium, Hatchery, Underwater Viewing Chamber, Children's Pond, River and Bush Walk. Visit the official website for more information.

4. Walking
Popular walks in the area include the Tongariro River Loop Track (1hr), the Te Ponanga Saddle (15mins return), Lake Rotopounamu (2hrs) which is famous for its birdlife, and the Tongariro River Walkway (3hrs return). Walks information can be obtained from the Turangi I-Site. The tracks along the walks are in fact, well marked too.

5. Fishing

Tongariro River is a popular spot for anglers. The best months for brown trout are February to March, while June to September is good for rainbow trout. All anglers require a fishing license. If you have no idea how to fish, like A.S, and just want to tag along and take a look, feel free to go to the river and look out for anglers to tag along with. They may be happy to have you following and watching them but watch your steps too. At some points, they may walk into and stand in the water.

Alas, A.S and friend  didn't stay long enough to cheer for the catch. 

Post publishing addition
"Opps, the video title should read Tongariro River Walk instead."

*A.S's current location*

Day/ Date: Sun/ Sept 2 nd, 2012

-A.S has been back in KL, Malaysia since Aug 16th, 2012 from a total of 3 months in Spain and then, Austria. Burdened with lots of thoughts, plans and to-dos, she'll still try her very best to keep this blog alive. Thank you so much for keeping up with her delays.

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