Taranaki Adventures: What to See and Do

The Whangamomona Loop

From Whangamomona township, head down Whangamomona Road onto the track that circles Whangamomona and Okara Forests. The track follows the Whangamomona River, goes through a couple of old road tunnels and comes out at Aotuhia Quarry. From there head up Kuri Stream on a 4WD track called Okara Road. Okara Road climbs out of the Kuri Stream catchment and drops down to the Tangarakau River. From there Putikituna Road climbs up the valley to a junction with Kohuratahi Road. Highway 43 is only 2 km away and leads southwest back to Whangamomona 7 km away. This looks like a good 50 km ride for adventurous mountain bikers.

The Waikato River Rapids

Both of the following areas are excellent spots for paddling.

The Reids Farm Reserve in Wairaki Park is signposted 4 km from Taupo on the true left of the Waikato River. There is good camping beside the river. A slalom course has been set up in this Grade I water, which provides beginners with perfect training opportunities. Warning: Huka Falls (grade VI) is only 1 km down river. Do not attempt these falls.

The Ngaawaparua Rapids (Fulljames, grade III) is the North Island’s most popular kayaking play spot. Turn off the Taupo-Rotorua Road 12 km north of Taupo. Follow the signs for 5 km to the National Equestrian Centre. After 100 metres turn into Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve, drive 4 km and park next to the toilet.

When water is released from the Aratiatia Dam 6 km up river, the rapid is one large wave that can be kayaked, surfed, tubed, or swum. There is a slow deep pool at the bottom in which to recover; the recirculating eddy makes multiple runs a breeze. The land is privately owned. Permission is not required, but respect is.

Volcanic Rock Climbing

Whanganui Bay provides the best rock climbing in the North Island. Set in beautiful surroundings on the western shores of Lake Taupo, it has huge cliffs of volcanic rock with many classic climbs. Access is not easy and the best way to get there is to go with a club.

Motuoapa is another great crag with over 100 climbs. Its cliffs are not as high and the area is not as scenic (although it’s within a scenic reserve). However, they are only a stone’s throw from Highway 1 and there’s a cafe just across the road. The crag is 9 km north of Turangi and can easily be seen from the road.

Whakapapa River Rafting

This River is worked by various commercial rafting and kayaking companies. The Whakapapanui River is located northeast of Mt Ruapehu. As the captain of your own two-person raft, you’re bound to learn a lot from the interesting mishaps you have along the way. Starting below the Matariki Falls, you run grade II to III rapids for 2 hours to the Whakapapa Intake where the river is run dry by diversion into the Waikato catchment for electricity generation. The environmental costs associated with this intake may cause you to think twice every time you switch on a light.

Kayaking over the Tawhai Falls

Ten minutes’ walk through native bush from Highway 48 (the Chateau road) takes you to the Tawhai Falls on the Whakapapanui Stream. This 6 metre drop is safe (at the right flows) and no paddling experience is needed to kayak over it. After a short training session in an inflatable kayak you’re ready to head for the edge. Most people who brace correctly when they hit the water at the bottom stay upright. Those who tip out are helped to the bank by a guide.

Tongariro River Kayak Trip

An excellent Grade III+ trip starts at the Poutu Intake and finishes 13 km downstream at Boulder Pool. To get there turn off Highway 1, 15 km south of Turangi, onto Kaimanawa Road (known as Access 10). The take-out point is 7 km south of Turangi, just over a small bridge across Poutu Stream (known as Boulder Pool). Follow the dirt road to the car park at the river’s edge.

The paddling in this section is technical, with plenty of large bouldery patches. The first rapids are as hard as they’re going to get. If the water level is up, there is an excellent 1.5 metre drop halfway down the river on the true right. Generally the rapids are open and bouldery, and require picking a good line. There are plenty of excellent play spots.

If you’re interested in a fun beginners’ rafting trip, contact the Turangi Information Centre. Trips cost around $50 and take half a day. The very experienced occasionally tube this section.

Taranaki’s main city, New Plymouth, is New Zealand’s sunniest city making it a popular attraction for those who love the outdoors. If you’re going on a Taranaki adventure trip, New Plymouth accommodation offers comfortable places to stay.