Recent Stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
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Feeding the machine
Tourism businesses need to consider “machines and humans” in their marketing plans, with New Zealand at risk of slipping down the search rankings, thanks to AI trends, says a senior Tourism New Zealand marketing manager.
Hats on for Taupō restaurants.
Two Taupō restaurants have retained their two-hat status in the most recent Cuisine Good Food Awards and a further seven have made the coveted listings.
Making ends meet
Air New Zealand's regional boss is apologising for a high cancellation rate on the Taupō to Auckland route but also warns it is losing money.
Million-dollar views on the K2K
Waves crashing on the foreshore was a surprise given the shining yellow icon on Sunday’s weather map.
Aussie arrivals head for Taupō
Direct flights from Hamilton Airport to Sydney and the Gold Coast are proving a winner with almost two-thirds of inbound visitors making their way to Taupō.
Trout centre fights to stay afloat
When Taupō District Council concluded its education partnership with the Tongariro National Trout Centre in 2024, local school trips stopped going.
The best in the business
Taupō's Stella Awards are back, with 47 finalists announced this week and a public vote introduced for the first time.
Organiser Julie McLeod says the awards recognise businesses that deliver outstanding customer experience at every point in the process — from the first social media scroll to the time the customer walks out the door.
Snow days are good days
Skiers and snowboarders are already queuing up to take advantage of early season snowfall on Mt Ruapehu.
Fisherman’s favourite spot
A new chapter has begun for one of Tūrangi's most popular hospitality venues with Angler's Table now open in the former Creel Café.
Best of the best
Whakaipo Lodge has achieved a major international milestone by being ranked 5th in New Zealand in the prestigious TripAdvisor Best of the Best Awards for 2026.
Minister wades in to help
Taupō District’s trout bag limits will increase for the new fishing season.
Guarantee a cosy stay
Trampers can now book their spot at Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts in Tongariro National Park.
Tūrangi’s ‘Harbour bridge’ to be replaced
Work is set to begin on a replacement for the Major Jones swing bridge over the Tongariro River in Tūrangi.
A trip up the Old Coach Rd
We emerged from our cosy cocoons, aka bus and van, just as a little splash of blue appeared in the sky and the mist curtain lifted.
Tourism happens in small towns too
OPINION: As New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to evolve, much of the public conversation focuses on headline attractions, major developments, and peak-season performance.
Positives sprout from burnt national park
Some good news is sprouting from the fire-damaged Tongariro National Park with ecologists discovering an abundance of a threatened plant species.
Proposals sought for Chateau
The government is seeking proposals from operators to restore and operate the historic Chateau Tongariro hotel in the Central North Island at the base of Mt Ruapehu.
A quick trip to the Strait of Hormuz
Financial columnist Brian Coogan writes about the impact of global events on New Zealand’s economic recovery. He also has personal experience with the current choke point for trade following a visit to the Strait of Hormuz. Here are his observations.
Logging makes way for nature
We set off from near the Pureora DOC Base Centre to the Forest Edge Shelter, also known as the Red Shed.
Shuttle ban after DOC breach
A company providing visitor transport to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has had its Department of Conservation concession suspended for two weeks.
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