Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 8-Tongariro River Trail, Turangi- 4/18/2024

Today we are driving from Taupo DeBrett Spa resort to Tongariro River Trail in Turangi.  The drive is about 45 minutes.

The Tongariro River Trail is a scenic loop trail near Tūrangi in New Zealand's Central North Island. The full loop is approximately 10 miles long, depending on the exact route taken.

It took a bit over 3 hours to complete the loop at a moderate pace.

The first bridge we crossed to enter the Tongariro River Trail loop is the Major Jones Bridge.

This swing bridge is located near the Tūrangi town center and serves as a common starting point for the trail. It spans the Tongariro River at the well-known Major Jones Pool, a popular spot for fly fishing.

Starting the trail.

The beginning of the trail is pretty flat with a gentle ascent to the Tongariro River Lookout.

The Tongariro River

The area is quite scenic and so serene.

Enjoying the view of the river and listening to the sound of the river running through.

The Tongariro River Trail continues with a well-maintained gravel walkway that loops along both sides of the river.

I love it when trees grow to form a natural tunnel.

Native forest along the way.

Native Trees with towering kahikatea, rimu, tōtara, and beech trees create a lush, shaded canopy.

Shallow, clear water flowing gently over smooth stones and pebbles.

River rocks ranging from small pebbles to larger rounded boulders, visible through the pristine water.

The path remains well-defined and easy to follow.

There is a section where you briefly leave the main trail and cross a street, particularly near the State Highway 1 (SH1) bridge in Tūrangi.  As we were crossing the street, we saw so many cows grazing peaceful.

.After crossing the highway, the trail picks up again and continues into native bush, eventually looping toward the Red Hut Bridge side of the trail.

Wooden boardwalks to keep your feet dry in bad weather.

The trail goes in the middle of lust vegetation.

Red Hut bridge located at the southern end of the trail.  It is a picturesque and historically significant part of the Tongariro River Trail, and it’s closely tied to the area's renowned fly fishing culture. It’s a sturdy, modern swing bridge but retains a rustic character, blending well with the surroundings. The name comes from the nearby Red Hut, a historic fishing lodge originally used by anglers in the early 20th century.

Great scenic views of the river, native bush, and opportunities to observe local wildlife from the bridge

The river is so serene from above. You get sweeping views up and down the river.

Crossing the bridge

The bridge connects both sides of the river for walkers and cyclists.

Just below the bridge is one of the most famous fly fishing spots on the Tongariro River.

Beautiful day to just sit down and enjoy nature.  The peaceful sound of water mixed with birdsong and the occasional cast of a fishing line adds to the serenity.

A Fly fisher often wade into these areas because they’re prime spots for rainbow and brown trout. 

A fly fisher in action... The river’s clarity and consistent flow make it perfect for fishing. This stretch of the river has good access and is part of the Tongariro River Fishery, managed for sustainable angling.

We can probably stay here forever!  So so pretty.

We continued on the trail...

Lots of trees and vegetation in this area.

Giant ferns along the path.

This forested section offers a great place to slow down, listen to the birds, and enjoy the cool, earthy scent of the bush.

River nearby

Giants tress along the way...

NEXT... Tongariro River Trail continuation