What to
SEE & DO
Tokaanu Thermal Pools
Tokaanu Thermal Pools are ideal for that end-of-day soak.
Tokaanu is a small village, some ten minutes from The Olive Rabbit. It is a very quiet and lazy spot that sports an older thermal pool complex. They have a general public pool, ideal for children, plus some private soak pools more suitable for couples.
Also a 20min thermal walk adjacent to the pools.
White Water Rafting
There are two companies running trips from Turangi along the Tongariro River. Both have excellent ratings and what they have to offer can be exhilarating. Family packages are also offered with a Grade. 2 level along the 8km (5 mile) course, while there are Grade 3 packages for adults, ages 10+
Historical Sites
Te Porere Redoubt, where the last of the NZ wars took place, and Opotaka,the birthplace of the haka, are two sites that can be visited on route to the ski fields or near the Tongariro Crossing
Climbing Gym
For a wet weather activity or just a good challenge the Climbing Gym offers a range of challenges, and an all-day pass as well.
Hiking
Guests are encouraged to spend at least two nights with us to explore the rich environs of the lower end of Taupo. Take a guide, or walk it alone: Tongariro Alpine Crossing and/or the Ruapehu Crater Lake are very popular hikes. There are also a number of companies that provide a shuttle, which will be required.
Horse Trekking
Korohe Horse Treks offer a number of packages to meet the needs and abilities of a wide range of riders. These horse treks are only ten minutes from The Olive Rabbit, through forest and along the Waimarino River.
Southern Beaches
Southern beaches: Motouapa, Pukawa, Kuratau
Dining
The Hare & Copper offers a great range of food and beverages people can enjoy in a beautiful setting, with exceptional customer service ensuring a truly memorable experience.
Fishing
The Taupo/Turangi region is famous for having the largest fresh water lake in the Southern Hemisphere, and as an added bonus, does not freeze over in winter. The Tongariro River is world reknown andwe can recommend a guide who will help you catch that famous trout. Fishing licences are compulsory.
The Tongariro National Trout Centre is also just south of Turangi.
Mountain Biking
With trails suitable for beginners through to advanced, the Turangi region has mountain biking tracks suitable for all stages:
Tongariro River Trail; 42 Traverse, Tree Trunk Gorge, Timber Trail, Great Lake Trail
If you don't have a bike, Ebikes can be hired.
Golf
The Turangi Golf Club is 18 holes on reasonably flat land and with some water features and trees. Visitors are always very welcome.
Skiing
Skiing is popular over the winter months. Whakapapa on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, and Turoa on the southern side. The new Sky Waka can transport skiers, or sightseers, from Whakapapa to the higher slopes and the highest café/restaurant at Knoll Ridge. Spying some Lord of the Rings features add to the excitement for such fans and your hosts can guise you to these.
Short Hikes
There are a number of short walks around the Turangi - National Park area: Taranaki Falls, Tama Lakes, Tawhai Falls, Silica Rapids, Lake Rotopounamu & the Tokaanu Thermal Walk. Further information and a map will be supplied to you if these interest you rather than, or as well as, the Tongaririo Alpine Crossing.
Ask us for recommendations
Mini Golf
Mini Golf Centred in the centre of the township by the New World supermarket, this mini 18-hole follows the theme of the Central Plateau immitating volcanoes, canyons, rivers etc.