Things to do in Taumarunui

The Tarrangower Course was established in the early 1920s. This attractive all weather 18 hole course features undulating fairways, each presenting a different challenge leading to well guarded greens.

The Clubhouse enjoys magnificent views of the 1st, 8th, 9th and 18th holes and there can be no better sight than the sun reflecting the tree shadows against the backdrop hills surrounding Taumarunui.

Tokaanu is a small village situated in a very pleasant quiet spot with a stream running through it. Boasting a Thermal bathing area a taonga of the Ngati Kurauia people a hapu of Ngati Tuwharetoa, which for generations has been recognised as having the 'wai ora (healing waters).

The Whanganui River is a major river in the North Island of New Zealand. The Whanganui River is the longest navigable river in New Zealand, it traverses over 200km of countryside in its winding journey through the Whanganui National Park to eventually meet the Tasman sea.

Laurens Lavender Farm lies adjacent to the famous Whanganui River and offers beautiful and peaceful surroundings of lavender fields, farmland, and bush. In summer come and enjoy the heady scent of lavender, an excellent freshly brewed coffee and shop for premium lavender products in the on-site shop.

Cherry Grove in Taumarunui is where the Whanganui River and the Ongarue River meet.

This is the main entry point for the start of the Whanganui River Journey, one of the classic 'Great New Zealand Walks' although it is by canoe.

Cherry Grove is also used by the many kayakers and jet boats who enjoy Whanganui River.

Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano at the southern end of the Taupō Volcanic Zone in New Zealand. It is 23 kilometres northeast of Ohakune and 23 km southwest of the southern shore of Lake Taupō, within the Tongariro National Park. The North Island's major ski resorts and only glaciers are on its slopes

Tūroa sits on the south western slopes of Mt Ruapehu and is a 25 minute drive up from Ohakune.

Tūroa is one of New Zealand's largest ski areas with the nation’s longest vertical drop at 722m. The High Noon Express' 6 seater chairlift reaches the highest lifted point in New Zealand where you'll enjoy panoramic views of North Island.

New Zealand’s most unique gondola, Sky Waka. The $25 million gondola will travel 1.8 km’s through one of the North Island’s most rugged and spectacular landscapes past waterfalls and snow-laden peaks.

Ski NZ’s largest and explore 550ha of some of the most amazing natural terrain in the country: wide groomed trails, huge snow filled basins, steep chutes & secret powder stashes. A fully self-contained learners’ area, Happy Valley boasts its own café, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope has easy-to-use covered carpet lifts and a slow-moving chairlift for quick progression.

Located in the heart of the North Island, Pureora Forest Park is a mix of virgin, regenerating and exotic forest hosting such unexpected scenes as ancient trees crowding out a timber-miller’s tractor abandoned in the bush. Traversing this deep wilderness is an 87-kilometre trail (part of NZ Cycle Trail) revealing not only awe-inspiring beauty but also stories of how this special place has changed over the ages.

Experience the traditional rural fun of clay bird target shooting at our private shooting range with our entertaining tutor, Tony Brogdan.  Tony has been involved with disabled shooting for many years attending international Para trap shooting competitions from 2011, gaining three golds and one silver from 2011 – 2017. He has been a two-time member of the NZ Open Clay Target Shooting Team and member of the NZ Paralympics team in 2019.

How can you not be intrigued by a road called the “Forgotten World Highway”? It is so-called due to the fact that it’s New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail. So whether you’re taking the few hours drive or a few days bike ride, there are many reasons worth stopping for on this 155km (96 miles) highway between Stratford and Taumarunui. Find snippets of history in the remnants of forgotten tunnels. Locate old Maori pa sites left from this Maori trading route. There are even hikes into native forest to give you a taste of how New Zealand was before humans discovered the country.