253 Taupahi Road, Turangi, New Zealand

The Olive Rabbit, Boutique Bed & Breakfast, offers a number of packages to take the 'thinking and planning' out of your stay

Being the closest accommodation to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and just 500 metres to the Tongariro River, the various packages include comfortable accommodation, a full breakfast, plus an activity to suit your stay, interest and ability. And, there is always an opportunity to purchase further add-ons to enhance your stay.

The Olive Rabbit is a personally hosted accommodation where your hosts, Mary and Tim, not only know the area but can also guide and book activities for you. With Turangi only 45 minutes from Taupo, Taumarunui and National Park, The Olive Rabbit Boutique Bed & Breakfast is a logical accommodation concept to base your stay for a few days. The packages are designed for couples, or for twos, and can also be enhanced as a romantic getaway if requested.

Summer Crossing

A guided tour ensures you are well prepared for this venture. Water and appropriate food and clothing is ensured. Stay in the area for at least two nights to keep a spare day up your sleeve. The weather can be unpredictable all year round: be prepared.

Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Distance: 19.4km
Time to Complete: 6-9 hours

Inclusions:

  • Alpine Guide for two on Tongariro Crossing, weather permitting
  • Accommodation for two in Queen Room with ensuite
  • Takeaway breakfast for Crossing
  • Welcome afternoon tea
  • Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
  • Spa
  • Drying Room for wet gear
  • Free WiFi
  • Netflix
  • Gourmet breakfast on Day 2

Optional Extras:

  • Cut lunches
  • Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
  • Pizza / salad
  • Mulled wine
  • Laundry service
  • Tokaanu Hot Pools

Guided Tongariro Crossing in Summer

Embark on a summer adventure like no other – the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, sitting in a Dual Heritage Site. Allow a guide to take you over this culturally sensitive terrain and create a memorable experience touched with the many tales of the area. As you traverse this volcanic wonderland, appropriate clothing, sturdy gear, and ample food and water are essential, much of which we, at The Olive Rabbit will help you with. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring landscapes of volcanic activity, craters both active and extinct, a number of lakes including the famous Emerald Lakes and rugged lava flows. Catching the shuttle service from Ketetahi ensures seamless transport to the beginning for the hike. Opting for guided camaraderie, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing promises an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's untamed beauty, where nature's grandeur unfolds at every step.

$1378 for 2 persons

Biking

Bike the Tongariro River Trail for a scenic adventure through lush forests and along the river. And/Or venture further south to Tree Trunk Gorge where you'll be led through bush, fording streams, across numerous bridges, and past the Pillars of Hercules.

Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation for two in Queen Room with ensuite
  • Welcome afternoon tea
  • Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Netflix
  • Gourmet breakfasts

Optional Extras:

  • Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
  • Pizza / salad / pavlova
  • Mulled wine
  • Laundry service
  • E-bike / mountain bike hireage
  • White-water rafting
  • Horse trekking
  • Tokaanu Hot Pools

Biking the Trails

The Olive Rabbit is 500m from the Tongariro River Trail, close enough to leave the car behind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the river environs. Or travel further south to Tree Trunk Gorge and enjoy the challenge of an uphill, downhill journey through native forest, fords and bridges.

A soak in the spa with a mulled wine will just top off your experience. Additional options can include trout fishing, geothermal pools, golf at Turangi Golf Course, and hiking.

Tongariro River Trail (1 - 2 ½ hrs)

"Left and left…," we say! Ride the Tongariro Trail from The Olive Rabbit.

Leave your car at our place and ride 500m and up onto the river bank to the Trail. Turn right down to the Tongariro National Trout Centre and further to the Red Hut Swing Bridge. Crossing the bridge will bring you on the other side of the famous Tongariro River where you can slowly return to the Major Jones Bridge; another swing bridge to add to the joy. The track meanders through a mix of forest and farmland before hitting back to some form of civilisation. Then there are two options:

  1. Return to The Olive Rabbit, OR
  2. Don't cross the Major Jones but carry on towards the amazing lookout which climbs above the river. Then down to the SH1 Bridge and back along the trail to the Major Jones Bridge: your landmark for turning off the traick and back to The Olive Rabbit.

Tree Trunk Gorge (2 - 4hrs)

From SH1, ride 5kms to the gorge, across the bridge and left into Tree Trunk Gorge. The track weaves through native forest, crosses four fords plus two bridges: all landmarks for your journey. Having a picnic on board could be fun and welcomed at a small rest area before crossing another bridge to the Pillars of Hercules and upwards and onwards to SH1 again, and turning left back towards your parked car.

To book, hit the BOOK ONLINE button and book two consecutive nights in one of our rooms. Prices valid until April '24.

$778 for 2 persons

Fishing

Fishing the famous Tongariro River in New Zealand is a dream come true for avid anglers worldwide. Renowned for its pristine waters and abundance of trout, this river offers an unforgettable fly-fishing experience.

Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2

Inclusions:

  • Two nights' accommodation in one of the comfortably appointed and private Queen Suites
  • Full day's Guided Fishing Experience; includes full gear, cut lunch, qualified guide
  • Welcome afternoon tea / coffee on arrival before 4:30pm
  • Two-course breakfasts each day
  • Port, or similar, in lounge with hosts, pre-dinner
  • Spa on site
  • Use of drying room for fishing gear
  • Free WiFi

Optional Extras:

  • Dinner bookings
  • In-house pizza
  • Wine / beer
  • Fishing licence per person

Visit the Volcanic Plateau, such as the local thermal pools, hike the smaller walks of the local region including the Tongariro River trail, even ride the new Sky Waka gondola up Mount Ruapehu. Summer, or winter, are great times to visit the area.

Additional options could also include: horse trekking, river rafting...

To book, hit the BOOK ONLINE button and book two consecutive nights in one of our rooms.

$2043 2 persons
$1468 for ½ day

Rafting

Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2

Inclusions:

  • Two nights' accommodation in one of the comfortably appointed and private Queen Suites
  • Whitewater rafting for two, all gear included, except swimwear – Tongariro River
  • Inclusions for the rafting trip: polar fleece jersey, splash jacket, helmet, wetsuit, boots, life jacket
  • Welcome afternoon tea / coffee on arrival
  • Two course breakfasts each morning (2x)
  • Wine, or beer, and platter for two on first night
  • Use of The Olive Rabbit's spa

Price is for two people for two night's accommodation in one of our Queen Suites
Subject to availability of activity and accommodation at time of booking
For Book Direct guests only
Nights can be extended

Optional Extras:

  • Dinner bookings
  • In-house pizza
  • Wine / beer

Visit the Volcanic Plateau, such as the local thermal pools, hike the smaller walks of the local region including the Tongariro River trail, even ride the new Sky Waka gondola up Mount Ruapehu. Additional options could include, horse trekking, plus more.

Price valid to 30 Sept '25

$1200 for 2 persons

Rural Golf

Escape to rural paradise with our accommodation package where a round of golf at the Turangi Golf Club is included in the deal. Enjoy the pristine course set in tranquil surroundings, followed by further relaxation in our private spa. Check options.

Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2

Inclusions:

  • Green Fees at Turangi Golf Club
  • 2 night's accommodation for 2 in Queen Room with ensuite
  • Welcome afternoon tea
  • Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
  • Gourmet breakfasts
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Netflix
  • Time with hosts
  • Free booking service

Optional Extras:

  • Golf club hire
  • Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
  • Pizza / salad / pavlova
  • Mulled wine
  • Laundry service
  • Whitewater Rafting option
  • Further golfing experiences including Taumarunui, Kinloch (Jack Nicholas designed course), Kinloch Golf Club, Wairakei International Golf, Wairakei Resort Golf Course, Taupo 9-hole golf course, Taupo Golf Club

Begin a two-dayer Golf Break: Turangi | Taumarunui | Kinloch

Nestled on the outskirts of Turangi, lies a tranquil golf course enjoyed by many golfers world-wide. The course is relatively flat with water features and excellent tree coverage. Autumn is an exquisite time to visit, with the many trees sporting their autumn colours. However, any time of the year is a perfect time for a game of golf. The course lies at the entrance to the Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Site. Skiing on the volcanic terrain, hiking the many tracks and fishing trout in the Tongariro River are a few added attractions to the area.

Additionally, make a weekend of it and visit the Taumarunui Golf Course, some 45 minutes away from The Olive Rabbit: a beautiful course with a high star recommendation. Or drive 60 minutes up to Kinloch to the Jack Nicklaus'-designed course for further challenges and enjoyment.

Pop your golf clubs into the boot, escape for two nights, base yourselves at The Olive Rabbit, and enjoy the varied golf courses that the district offers.

$878 for 2 persons

Indulgence

Indulge yourself in the treats and pampering the The Olive Rabbit can provide. Quiet room with personal ensuite and products, coupled with sweet cottage gardens and the wider offerings of the area with hikes and cycle tracks. Private spa adds to the appeal.

Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation for 2 in Queen Room with ensuite
  • Welcome afternoon tea
  • Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
  • Gourmet breakfasts
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Netflix

Optional Extras:

  • Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
  • Pizza & wine for 2
  • Cut lunches
  • Mulled wine
  • Laundry service
  • Golf at Turangi Golf Course
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Hikes & bikes
  • Fishing

Relax, Recline and Unwind – let us pamper you

Enjoy two nights of pampering at The Olive Rabbit and enjoy the memorable food, great wine and spa in the native bush, all contributable to a wonderful escape in your private and comfortable suite. Either relax your body completely or exhilarate it with various chosen activities. As your hosts, we will help design your stay.

The Olive Rabbit is 500m from the Tongariro River Trail, close enough to leave the car behind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the river and environs.

A number of additional options are available to further enhance your stay, including easy walks. See the optional extras to add more panache to your stay.

To book, hit the BOOK ONLINE button and book two consecutive nights in one of our rooms and state in the special requests that you would like our Unwind Package and we will update the rates and reconfirm. Prices valid until 31 August '24.

$778 for 2 persons

Winter Crossing

A guided venture of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter has to be a memorable moment in time. A day of hiking a glacial valley, climbing the Devil's Staircase and picking one's way over craters to view lakes before a decline through bush, features.

Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Distance: 19.4km
Time to Complete: 6-9 hours

Inclusions:

  • 2 night's accommodation for 2 in Queen Room with ensuite
  • Guided Alpine Crossing for two
  • Welcome afternoon tea
  • Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
  • Gourmet breakfasts
  • Takeaway breakfast day of crossing
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Netflix
  • Drying Room for wet gear

Optional Extras:

  • Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
  • Pizza / salad / pavlova
  • Cut lunches
  • Mulled wine
  • Laundry service
  • Tokaanu Hot Pools

Guided Tongariro Crossing in Winter

The Olive Rabbit is 40 mins from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing guided pickup in National Park. Guests can drive to the centre, leave their car there all day and return at the end of the day. A soak in the spa back at The Olive Rabbit on the guests' return will just top off their experience at the end of the day. All of the inclusions below for only **$1269 for 2 persons; own car required.

Additional Extras: possible hireage of suitable gear, upgrade to refundable ticket, upgrade for transfer transport. Further options could include whitewater rafting, horse trekking, hot thermal pools, biking the Tongariro River Trail or further smaller hikes within the region.

Prices valid until September '24. We reserve the right to a price increase so please enquire first.

$1378 for 2 persons