Last Updated: 13th Oct 2024

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Tongariro River Trail

Turangi, Waikato

Submitted by Matt Alexander

Last Updated: 13th Oct 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 13 ?

Gnarl Factor: 11 ?

14.0km

130m

130m

380m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Riverside

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

100%

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +2.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -2.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:45

Moderate

1:15

Fast

NOTE: Dogs on-lead only.

There is only one real climb on the trail up to the Tongariro River Lookout at the main car park end of the loop, with a view over the Tongariro River, Turangi township to Mt Pihanga, and the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park. The trail follows an attractive scenic loop along the banks of the river through mature beech forests, manuka and fern groves, with a small section having views over farmland and to the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Along the trail there are excellent views of the river where you can frequently spot the fly fishing action as well as the rafting. The Tongariro River is a world renowned fishery and from the trail or the bridges you can see trout in the crystal clear water. It is a run where you can enjoy with you family biking along with you as it is also a family friendly MTB track.

NOTE: There's a long-drop toilet at Red Hut Bridge (up by the car park)

An easy, undulating, well maintained track that can also be run as shorter loops tailored to suit your particular needs. There is a swing bridge to cross and plenty spectacular scenery.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Plenty of parking available.

1 km

5 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Easy route to navigate as it is simply a loop that goes up one side of a river, across a swing bridge and back down the other side. Signage is good.

Generally good.

Cellphone

Carry what you need

Generally easy all year round and just as much fun in the rain.

Keep an eye out for the occasional MTB

Trail Legend

Rae Bishop

Rae Bishop

has completed Tongariro River Trail 3 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Easy, pleasant trail without any technical elements underfoot

Jono Lester

March 17, 2022

Great trail to do to stretch your legs if heading to Taupo from the south. Nothing too technical or too steep.

Pip Guthrey

October 15, 2021

Nice fast track designed for easy biking. Can really get the legs turning over after exploring some of the more technical runs in the region.

Elly Arnst

October 26, 2020

Great little trail with 2 swing bridges... lovely run along the river

Wendy Watts

January 17, 2020

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