Arrival at A plus Lodge - Your Hostel in Turangi

Turangi - situated in the central North Island, on the banks of the world famous Tongariro River on the final stretch before it flows into the southern shores of Lake Taupo. Just to the south-west of Turangi is the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. So, Turangi is a perfect base for tourists' excursions into the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, Pureroa Forest Park, Kaimanawa Forest Park and Lake Taupo for Tongariro Alpine Crossing and other trekking/hiking, leisurely bush walks, hunting, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, white-water rafting etc in the summer and skiing/snowboarding in Mt Ruapehu's ski field of Whakapapa in the winter, and fishing all year-round.

Turangi - close to New Zealand's largest ski area, Whakapapa ski field. In winter season, the Turangi/Tongariro area is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Skiing is the first choice for many visitors, or the spectacular volcanoes in the nearby World Heritage Tongariro Park.

In Turangi, central location in the North Island and proximity to State Highway 1 and 41, is ideal place for fishing all year round - trout fishing is considered some of the best in the world. Just a few kilometres away from A Plus Lodge is the well known Tongariro River.

Tongariro National Park - Tongariro Alpine Crossing/Hiking/Trekking/Walking

Tongariro National Park is one of few regions around the world which has been internationally recognised as a dual World Heritage area - natural world heritage area and cultural world heritage area - one of about 15 such sites in the world.

The 18.5-kilometre Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the Tongariro National Park is most popularly described as the best one-day trek and a world-renowned trek in New Zealand. It provides you an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic and active volcanic areas of the Tongariro National Park. Steaming vents, hot springs, old lava flows, beautiful water-filled explosion craters and stunning views.

The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a full day journey; it will take you about 7 to 8 hours. We can arrange a shuttle bus to transport you to and from the beginning and finish point of the Tongariro Crossing track - and send you back to our A Plus Lodge.

Tongariro National Park weather can change with alarming speed. You must be prepared for all weather conditions. You need to bring: food and plenty of fluid, especially on hot days, rainproof coat (overtrousers are a good idea too), sturdy boots - uneven volcanic terrain can be difficult and tiring to walk on, warm woolen or polypropylene clothing - cotton clothes don't keep you warm when it's wet, woolen hat and gloves or mittens, sun protection, personal first aid kit, map and compass - important in poor visibility. The mountains of Tongariro National Park are sacred to the Maori, so please walk with respect and carefully.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Whakapapa ski field on Mount Ruapehu is New Zealand's largest developed ski area. Turangi is one of the closet towns to the Whakapapa ski fields, just about 35 minutes' drive from the Lodge. We assume that A Plus Lodge is one of the closest backpacker lodges to Whakapapa ski field from the town of Turangi.

Turangi is a great base for those who wish to come off the mountain and enjoy hot pools, good accommodation and alternative activities on non-skiing days. During the height of the ski season thousands flock to Whakapapa on the eastern side of the mountain. A Plus Lodge - Your hostel for skiing/snowboarding.

Taupo and Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo - the largest lake in New Zealand, is world renowned for trout fishing - all year round activity, lake or river. With hundreds of bays, coves and beaches you can always find a quiet spot for fishing.

If you want to experience skydiving, Taupo is the absolute best place for this! Also, Maori cultural performance at Wairakei Terraces should not to be missed. The best place to find out what is going on in the Taupo area is to go to the Destination Lake Taupo website to see the events!

Tongariro River - Trout fishing

Tongariro River, open for fishing all year round, is renowned for its outstanding steelhead and brown trout fishing in the crystal clear waters that flow through numerous pools as it winds its way to Lake Taupo.

Run by the Department of Conservation, the Tongariro National Trout Centre is located just 5 kilometres to the south of Turangi on SH 1. With an underwater viewing chamber, picnic and barbecue areas, it is an ideal two-hour scenic cruise to experience the stunning scenery and birdlife in southern Lake Taupo.