Driving Route : DHL Lions Series - Ultimate Route

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Day 2 : Taupo to Wanganui

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Taupo - Turangi	0.75 hr	47	29
Turangi - National Park	0.75 hr	51	32
National Park - Wanganui	1.5 hrs	123	77
Totals for Day	3 hrs	221	138

Taupo - Turangi

47 km (29 miles)
Approximately 0.75 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand's largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout.

You'll find everything a traveller could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation.

You'll follow the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to reach Turangi. The drive is very scenic and there are many picnic opportunities along the way. Where streams run into the lake, you'll often see trout fisherman trying their luck.

The town of Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. There are famous fishing spots in almost every direction, including ‘The Delta’, ‘The Hole’, ‘Little Big O’ and ‘Tailrace’ (believed to contain the world's fattest trout).

The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River. The walks and skifields of the Tongariro National Park are also close by.

Turangi - National Park

51 km (32 miles)
Approximately 0.75 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

Your drive to National Park Village follows the edge of the Tongariro National Park. The road to the historic Grand Chateau hotel and Whakapapa skifield turns off to the left. The chateau makes an excellent refreshment stop.

National Park Village is well positioned for those who want to explore the Tongariro National Park. The volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro can be seen from here.

The park was gifted to the New Zealand people in 1887 by the Ngati Tuwaretoa tribe and is now a World Heritage area. The Tongariro Crossing is regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world.

National Park - Wanganui

123 km (77 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

National Park Village is a friendly settlement that's well positioned for those who want to explore the Tongariro National Park. All three volcanic peaks can be seen from here.

New Zealand's first national park, Tongariro was gifted to the New Zealand people in 1887 by the Ngati Tuwaretoa tribe and is now a World Heritage area. The Tongariro Crossing is regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world.

There are two ways to get to Wanganui—the long and winding way via Pipipriki takes you into the Whanganui National Park. Highlights include the Bridge to Nowhere, Kawana Mill and the Pipiriki museum. The more orthodox route is State Highway 4, which wanders through a world of rivers and gentle hill country.

The picturesque river city of Wanganui has a long history. Take time to explore the restored heritage areas, then check out the various options for an expedition on the river.