Travel & Tourism

The Tongariro Northern Circuit as a multi-day Great Walk loop is out of action over the 2025-26 season to make way for construction of a new Oturere Hut.

Another blue-sky Monday. How fortunate we were especially with the huge downpour on Sunday night and meteorological winter only weeks away.

A pair of Taupō women could best be described as active relaxers when they head overseas on holiday.

Taupō Motorsport Park’s Winter Driving Experience instructor Andrew Waite has all the tips when it comes to winter driving.

Rāhina dawned, chilly, crisp and clear.

A Taupō family of six has walked the length of the country along the Te Araroa trail, homeschooling all the way, having never done an overnight hike before.

Whakapapa Holdings Ltd has plans to “regrow” the popularity of snow sports after finally obtaining a concession to operate the ski field on Mt Ruapehu.

Whakaipo Lodge has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025.

Most people are familiar with the dangers birds pose to aircraft but in rural airports like Taupō, ground-based wildlife can also be problematic.

Despite dire forecasts of rain an optimistic crowd of walkers set off for the Ohaaki Wetlands.

The Department of Conservation’s Director-General, Penny Nelson, has granted Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.

This Rāhina we walked a medley of short, easy trails in the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve.

He may bear the name of a famous explorer, but Peter Cook (55) is fairly laid back about his own expeditions.

The section of State Highway 1 between Ātiamuri and Wairakei will remain closed until April 9.

Taupō got a boost to its profile this week, appearing on top-rating Australian breakfast show Sunrise on Wednesday morning.

A pea soup fog had us creeping along Broadlands Road at snail’s pace before we broke free of the gloom on the Rotorua side of Rainbow Mountain.

Today’s medley of walks may have been short on distance but certainly not short on variety, history, information or fun.

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash on SH5 at Rangitaiki.

No sooner has one road opened, than another one closes.

Taupō travel consultant Melissa Duder couldn’t have picked a worse time to start her new career – just before a global pandemic – but it has all paid off with a major award in Sydney on the weekend.

The Tūrangi to Waiouru stretch of State Highway 1 will reopen on Friday.

What a Goldilocks’ day. Not too hot and not too cold, just perfect for our walk in the Kaimanawa Forest.

Huka Lodge has reopened following a $25 million refurbishment.

A double rainbow plunged into the lake bidding us a colourful farewell on our journey to the Whakarewarewa Forest.

Passengers on the first Originair flight from Wellington to Taupō arrived on Monday to a bit of fanfare, with a band and about 50 supporters.

Taupō has been named as one of the top 10 most welcoming places in the world. The rankings are prepared by travel platform Booking.com and are based on the number of accomodation providers in a town that receive a Traveller Review  Award.

A Taupō to Wellington air service has been restored thanks to Originair.

Sounds Air withdrew its service in late 2024 and Originair was now planning to commence flights three days a week, From February 17.