Ruapehu District Adventures

NZ's most diverse adventure playground

Taumarunui


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The Early Days

Taumarunui was settled in the mid 1800's, built around a significant river junction and trading point for early Maori. The two great rivers, the Wanganui and Ongarue meet in the town at a place now known as Cherry Grove. The 1st European Alexander Bell setup a trading post in 1874, and there is a road called Bell Road. The town prospered well into the 80's, with saw-milling and the railways being it's main industries. Geographically situated exactly half way between the North Islands' main centre's of Auckland and Wellington, Taumarunui was a major stop on the rail journey between the two cities. The loss of saw-milling activity and the railways meant the town went into an economic slide for 20 years after 1990. 2010 onwards saw it re-emerge as a destination for recreational activity such as skiing, hiking, cycling, and fishing. The formation in 2012 of Forgotten World Adventures on Taumarunui's main street, has helped the prosperity of Taumarunui as an adventure destination.

Activities

Mountain Bike Trails

Taumarunui is uniquely situated within easy access to many popular cycle trails.The Timber Trail, considered one of the North Islands best cycle trails, is situated 15 minutes out of Taumarunui, finishing at the old sawmill settlement of Ongarue. Other popular trails include 42 Traverse, and Fishers Track.

Wanganui River Journey

The Wanganui River Journey, a 145km river journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki. Allow 5 days. The offical start is at Taumarunui's Cherry Grove, the meeting point of the two great rivers - The Ongarue and the Wanganui. A Journey of culture and history, taking in the well known Bridge to Nowhere.

Ski/Hike Tongariro

The Tongariro National Park is NZ's oldest national park, with dual heritage status recognising the important Maori culture, & volcanic features. Popular summer hikes feature The Tongariro Crossing & The Northern Circuit. In winter ski Whakapapa and Turoa situated on North Islands highest mountain, Ruapehu

Te Araroa Trail

The Te Araroa Trail is a 3000km route stretching from Cape Reinga in the North of New Zealand to Bluff in the South. Taumarunui is a key stop on this must do walk, spend time here while you are walking the trail to explore the region and restock on supplies for the onward journey.

Trout Fishing

The mighty Wanganui River with its deep pools and bouldery runs, offer excellent nymph, wet fly and dry fly fishing for large aggressive Rainbow and Brown trout. This was the location for the World Fly Fishing Champs in 2008 and is renowned as one of the best. Visit Seriously Outdoors Taumarunui for advice.

Forgotten World

Forgotten World Adventures, centrally located on Hakiaha Street (Taumarunui's main street)will take you on a self propelled rail journey on the decommissioned rail line that runs from Taumarunui to Stratford. Formed in the late 19th century, Forgotten World Highway is remote and mysterious to the extreme.