Pukawa Villas has a unique location that is accessible to everything that the Central North Island has to offer – from the Whakapapa Ski Field at Mt Ruapehu to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, to the Tongariro River for world-class trout fishing and white water rafting and stunning bush walks at Pukawa Bay, the list goes on and on, something for everyone!
The Waitomo Glowworm Cave is a cave with several large chambers at Waitomo in the North Island of New Zealand. The cave is a tourist attraction known for its population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species found only in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s best one day walk
Hike the best one-day walk in the world with our Tongariro Crossing.
Experience a walk like no other, among active volcanic craters, old lava flows, steaming vents, native forest and stunning views. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing sits in a Dual World Heritage site, the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park with a strong cultural history and extraordinary volcanic terrain.
Distance: 19.4 km
Time to complete: 6-8 hours
Inspired by the Otago Rail Trail, take an adventure down raw and beautiful Stratford to Okahukura railway line. Construction began in 1901 and took over 32 years and 24 tunnels build, all of which were carved using pickaxes and shovels. Explore the rugged country these early settlers experienced with Forgotten World Adventures. Self-driven rail tours along this now decommissioned railway line. A journey worth taking, you’ll visit many historical sites and hidden valleys only accessed via rail.
Check out the link for everything the forgotten world has to offer!
A popular tourist attraction is the Hobbiton to Waitomo Caves tour.
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film trilogy, serving as a stand-in for the town of Hobbiton in the Shire in both trilogies.
Located 5 minutes from Pukawa Villas is the natural mineral pools at Tokaanu.
Discover the magic of Tokaanu Thermal Pools, nestled on the southern shores of Lake Taupō. Whether you’re unwinding after a day on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, or simply seeking a peaceful soak, these naturally heated mineral waters offer the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reconnect.
Phone 07 386 8575 – advertised as open daily except Christmas & New Year.
Pukawa to Omori
Time: 1 hour 20 min one way
Distance: 1.4 km
Begins at the end of Kaiuru Avenue in Pukawa village. The track wanders through the bush along the edge of Lake Taupō on an easy gradient. Bellbird and tūī are often seen in the trees above, and from time-to-time glimpses of nearby Lake Taupō. The track emerges at Omori Reserve on the edge of the lake where there is a picnic area, toilet and shingle beach.
The reserve is notable for the kōwhai trees which create a splash of bright yellow when flowering. Aluminium bands have been placed around some kohuhu trees to prevent possums from climbing up to eat the palatable native mistletoe.
The track continues on over the Omori Stream where in winter spawning trout may be seen. It’s another 10 minutes to the end of the track at the Omori boat ramp. Popular with dog owners, be sure to pay attention to the local signs regarding dogs on council land around the lake.
Pukawa Bush Walk
Time: 45 min loop
Distance: 1.2 km
Begins on Hauraki Terrace, off Pukawa Road. The track entrance is just past Rereao Lane.
The track is usually walked in an anti-clockwise direction. It climbs up through Pukawa Bush above the village on a well graded route. A short way up there is a lookout with views over the village and lake. The lush podocarp forest contains large rimu, mataī and tōtara trees. Birdlife is a feature of this area and in particular bellbird and tūī which frequent this part of the bush.
The bush gradually changes to a rewarewa/kamahi forest and near the top opens out to a magnificent view of Lake Taupō and the surrounding countryside. Descending again, the last part of the track follows the route of the old Pukawa Road. The track ends on Rereao Lane, which you can follow back to your starting point.
Experience world class Trout Fishing & stay at the superior Pukawa Villas
Lake Taupo is the trout fishing capital of the world and New Zealand’s premier fishing destination. You can experience great fishing in all seasons in this angler’s paradise.
Trout fishing on the Tongariro River in Turangi and Southern Lake Taupō is world-renowned, drawing anglers from around the globe for its pristine waters, abundant fish, and stunning backdrops. The Tongariro River, which flows into Lake Taupo, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic trout fisheries. It’s particularly famous for its large spawning runs of rainbow and brown trout, especially in the winter months (June to October).
Explore New Zealand’s best Biking Trails
Taupo and Turangi offer some of the best mountain biking tracks in the North Island. From sedate trails or the more adventurous, there is something for everyone.
This is the Mountain Biking Mecca of the Central North Island.
Transport and bike hire are available from local operators.
An unforgettable Golfing Experience in the Central North Island of New Zealand
Pukawa Villas is within driving distance of some world-renowned golf courses.
Raft through some of New Zealand’s hidden sceneries in this must-do NZ experience.
Experience white water rafting on the Tongariro River with grade 3 white water action! When taking part on your Tongariro River rafting adventure you’ll raft over 50 exciting rapids, travel 14km, raft through a beautiful volcanic gorge. You’ll even get the chance to explore a hidden waterfall (jump optional, weather permitting).
Korohe Horse Treks, where the land is wild, the horses are wise, and the chaos is beautifully organised.
If you’re dreaming of horse riding in New Zealand, this is the real thing — fresh country air, rolling hills, big skies, winding tracks, and horses with more personality than your average tour guide.
We’re not polished and perfect — we’re real, safe, experienced, and proudly back-country. Whether you’re a nervous first-timer with shaky boots or a confident rider seeking something a little wild and unforgettable, we’ve got a trek that will fit your comfort, your skill — and your spirit.
Our horses aren’t just part of the experience — they are the experience. Each one is carefully matched to your ability, your energy, and sometimes even your attitude.
Trust them — they know the land better than we do.
Check them out at www.explorelaketaupo.co.nz
It is located 4 kilometres south of Tūrangi on State Highway 1.
You can wander through the freshwater aquarium and hatchery facility, look through an underwater trout viewing chamber or take a stroll along the Tongariro River. The River Walk Visitor Centre is open to the public, full of interesting displays about the Taupō Trout Fishery and freshwater sustainability. It is nestled in an attractive bush setting.
Check out https://troutcentre.com for further details
Bird-watching around Tūrangi and Tokaanu offers a wonderful variety of species and habitats including fast moving mountain rivers and serene lakeside reserves to geothermal bushwalks and wetlands. The Tongariro River Trail is a prime spot sighting the rare Whio (Blue Duck) – these endemic torrent-specialist ducks are regularly seen along the fast-flowing sections of the Tongariro River, especially near Major Jones Bridge and even near State Hwy 1 bridge crossing. Sightings are common even from easy walks along the riverbank. You are also likely to spot New Zealand Fantail, Tui, Bellbird, Welcome Swallow, Great and Little pied Cormorants, White-faced Heron, New Zealand Harrier, Grey Warbler, Whitehead, Silver Eye, New Zealand Wood Pigeon and the North Island Robin along with various other bird species.
At the Tokaanu boat ramp and wharf, wetland species like black swan, grey duck (Pacific black duck), Australasian shags, dabchick, and possibly fernbird are seen mirrored in the lake and river delta. The wetlands around Tokaanu are also a migratory path popular with many species including the Spoonbill, Bar-tailed Godwits, Pacific golden Plovers and Red Knots. It is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway so bird-lovers will love ticking off some rare species from Turangi.