Activities & Attractions
Things to do in Lake Taupō & The Central North Island
Pukawa Villas has a unique location that is accessible to everything that the Central North Island has to offer – from the Whakapapa Ski Field at Mt Ruapehu to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, to the Tongariro River for world-class trout fishing and white water rafting and stunning bush walks at Pukawa Bay, the list goes on and on, something for everyone!
Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Glowworm Cave is a cave with several large chambers at Waitomo in the North Island of New Zealand. The cave is a tourist attraction known for its population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species found only in New Zealand.
Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto!
Distance: 19.4 km | Time: 6 -8 hours
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
New Zealand’s best one day walk. Hike the best one-day walk in the world with our Tongariro Crossing. Experience a walk like no other, among active volcanic craters, old lava flows, steaming vents, native forest and stunning views. The
Tongariro Alpine Crossing sits in a Dual World Heritage site, the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park with a strong cultural history and extraordinary volcanic terrain.
Forgotten World Adventures
Inspired by the Otago Rail Trail, take an adventure down raw and beautiful Stratford to Okahukura railway line. Construction began in 1901 and took over 32 years and 24 tunnels build, all of which were carved using pickaxes and shovels. Explore the rugged country these early settlers experienced with Forgotten World Adventures. Self-driven rail tours along this now decommissioned railway line. A journey worth taking, you’ll visit many historical sites and hidden valleys only accessed via rail.
Hobbiton Movie Set
A popular tourist attraction is the Hobbiton to Waitomo Caves tour.
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film trilogy, serving as a stand-in for the town of Hobbiton in the Shire in both trilogies.
Distance: 1.4 km | Time: 1 hour 20 min
Pukawa to Omori
Begins at the end of Kaiuru Avenue in Pukawa village. The track wanders through the bush along the edge of Lake Taupō on an easy gradient.
Bellbird and tūī are often seen in the trees above, and from time-to-time glimpses of nearby Lake Taupō. The track emerges at Omori Reserve on the edge of the lake where there is a picnic area, toilet and shingle beach.
Distance: 1.2 km | Time: 45 min
Pukawa Bush Walk
Begins on Hauraki Terrace, off Pukawa Road. The track entrance is just past Rereao Lane. The track is usually walked in an anti-clockwise direction. It climbs up through Pukawa Bush above the village on a well graded route.
A short way up there is a lookout with views over the village and lake. The lush podocarp forest contains large rimu, mataī and tōtara trees. Birdlife is a feature of this area and in particular bellbird and tūī which frequent this part of the bush.
Tokaanu Hot Pools
Located 5 minutes from Pukawa Villas is the natural mineral pools at Tokaanu.
Discover the magic of Tokaanu Thermal Pools, nestled on the southern shores of Lake Taupō. Whether you’re unwinding after a day on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, or simply seeking a peaceful soak, these naturally heated mineral waters offer the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reconnect.
Trout Fly Fishing
Experience world class Trout Fishing & stay at the superior Pukawa Villas. Lake Taupo is the trout fishing capital of the world and New Zealand’s premier fishing destination. You can experience great fishing in all seasons in this angler’s paradise.
Trout fishing on the Tongariro River in Turangi and Southern Lake Taupō is world-renowned, drawing anglers from around the globe for its pristine waters, abundant fish, and stunning backdrops.
Mountain Biking
Explore New Zealand’s best Biking Trails. Taupo and Turangi offer some of the best mountain biking tracks in the North Island. From sedate trails or the more adventurous, there is something for everyone.
This is the Mountain Biking Mecca of the Central North Island.
Transport and bike hire are available from local operators.
New Zealand Golf
An unforgettable Golfing Experience in the Central North Island of New Zealand. Pukawa Villas is within driving distance of some world-renowned golf courses:
- Turangi
- Taumarunui
- Whakapapa
- Taupo
- The Kinloch Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus
- Wairakei International Golf Course
- Waiouru
White Water Rafting
Raft through some of New Zealand’s hidden sceneries in this must-do NZ experience.
Experience white water rafting on the Tongariro River with grade 3 white water action! When taking part on your Tongariro River rafting adventure you’ll raft over 50 exciting rapids, travel 14km, raft through a beautiful volcanic gorge. You’ll even get the chance to explore a hidden waterfall (jump optional, weather permitting).
Horse Trekking
If you’re dreaming of horse riding in New Zealand, this is the real thing — fresh country air, rolling hills, big skies, winding tracks, and horses with more personality than your average tour guide.
We’re not polished and perfect — we’re real, safe, experienced, and proudly back-country. Whether you’re a nervous first-timer with shaky boots or a confident rider seeking something a little wild and unforgettable, we’ve got a trek that will fit your comfort, your skill — and your spirit.
Trout Hatchery Turangi
It is located 4 kilometres south of Tūrangi on State Highway 1.
You can wander through the freshwater aquarium and hatchery facility, look through an underwater trout viewing chamber or take a stroll along the Tongariro River. The River Walk Visitor Centre is open to the public, full of interesting displays about the Taupō Trout Fishery and freshwater sustainability. It is nestled in an attractive bush setting.
Bird Watching
At the Tokaanu boat ramp and wharf, wetland species like black swan, grey duck (Pacific black duck), Australasian shags, dabchick, and possibly fernbird are seen mirrored in the lake and river delta.
The wetlands around Tokaanu are also a migratory path popular with many species including the Spoonbill, Bar-tailed Godwits, Pacific golden Plovers and Red Knots. It is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway so bird-lovers will love ticking off some rare species from Turangi.