Local Attractions

The Whanganui River is the longest navigable river at in New Zealand at 290 kilometers and has something for everyone including cyclists, hikers, canoeists and day trippers of all varieties.

The Whanganui River and Whanganui River Road can be enjoyed and explored in many different ways, by your own or a tour operator’s vehicle, bike, jet boat, canoe, kayak, mountain bike or on foot.

A visit to the Whanganui River and the road which winds beside it into the Whanganui National Park is a special and authentic journey for visitors with great scenery, beautiful marae and historical places of interest.

The Timber Trail is 82km of premium mountain biking through the beautiful Pureora Forest. The trail goes over historic bush tramways, old bulldozer and haul roads, it features 35 bridges, including 8 large suspension bridges (the longest being 141 metres). It showcases the historic Ongarue Spiral, a marvel of engineering.

Discover everything the Timber Trail has to offer and ride the full 82km over 2 days. Alternatively, see the highlights and ride the last 42km as a day trip.

Ask us if you need to hire bikes or need shuttle transport.

For further infomation see

Forgotten World Adventures runs self-driven Rail Cart tours along the decommissioned railway line of the Forgotten World Highway.

Nestled within the deep hidden valleys of New Zealand’s Forgotten World has been described as the ultimate way to explore rural New Zealand. Travel along a decommissioned railway line, through tunnels, over bridges and rivers and to townships that time forgot. Forgotten World Adventures shares a history unique to New Zealand. It’s truly unforgettable.

Choose to travel a segment of the line, or the entire 142 kilometres. RailCart tours depart during the summer months of October through to May. You can depart from three locations,Taumarunui, in the heart of the King Country; Stratford, in the heart of Taranaki and the self proclaimed Republic of Whangamomona.

Ask us about getting a discount voucher.

Whakapapa Ski field on Mt Ruapehu is 550 hectares of incredible terrain awaits you! as NZ’s largest ski area.

Happy Valley is the country’s premier beginner facility along with vast intermediate and advanced trails. Explore everything from cruisy groomers to exhilarating chutes, bumps & drops, made all the more exciting by the natural volcanic terrain.

Ski, snowboard take the chairlefts, toboggan or visit the Knoll cafe for a meal or coffee and enjoy the sceenery.

Ride the Sky Waka – a journey into the clouds.

New Zealand’s most unique gondola experience.

Situated within the UNESCO dual world heritage Tongariro National Park, Sky Waka travels 1.8kms through one of the North Island’s most rugged and spectacular landscapes on Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu.

The cabins seat up to 10 people and move at an operating speed is up to 6 metres per second giving you floor to ceiling views of the volcanic landscapes.

There is also an opportunity to enjoy top class hospitality at Knoll Ridge Chalet

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park is a tramping track in New Zealand, and is among the most popular day hikes in the country.

The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage site which has the distinction of dual status, as it has been acknowledged for both its natural and cultural significance.

People of all ages enjoy walking the crossing with Lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and magnificent views combine to make this an unforgettable walking journey.

Lake Taupo is an easy drive from Echolands Valley Lodge through beautiful natural scenery.

There is a huge range of attractions for families, adults and children including adventure and adrenaline activities such as sky diving, bungy jumping, jet boating, water skiing and wake boarding. There are also lots of peaceful nature-based experiences that will get you back in touch with the real world such as walking, sailing and fishing.

There are also plenty of land based activities to keep you occupied, enjoy a wander around the town centre, stroll to the lakeside, view an art exhibition, sightsee or sample New Zealand cuisine in one of the lively cafes or restaurants or do whatever else you fancy.

Experience the thrill of Quad biking on wide open spaces as you venture through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery. Over looking the world famous Tongariro National Park . With Ruapehu Adventure Rides you will experience the freedom of fresh air with guided Quad bike tours over hills, through water and forest on top quality, well-maintained Quad bikes.

We provide all the riding safety gear you need to have a truly exhilarating off-road experience.

For further information and to book a ride see

Enjoy a jetboat trip with Forgotten World Adventures.

The Rail River Run combines the best of both worlds (Rail & River) in one day. Travelling along the first section of the Forgotten World Rail way, between Okahukura & Tokorima, including the line’s longest tunnel (Tunnel 24 – 1.5km long);

This is then combined with a 23 kilometre Jet Boat journey along the scenic Whanganui River, between Cherry Grove (Taumarunui) & Ohinepane.

Also included in the tour is Morning or Afternoon Tea & Lunch.

Discount vouchers available from us.

Nevalea Alpaca Farm is situated the adventure highway 16kms north of Taumarunui. Leoni eand Neville Walker farm over 700 alpacas together with our sheep and cattle.

Visitors are offered the “Ultimate Alpaca Experience” and have a range of different activities to choose from an opportunity to get up close to the alpacas, hand feed them, pet them to see how soft and cuddly the alpacas are or even take them for a walk.

There is a shop on site with great alpaca products available with many made from amazing soft warm beautiful alpace fibre.

Ruapehu’s alpine waterways boast world-class river and wilderness fishing, with secluded locations and trophy potential luring even the most seasoned fishermen.

The crystal clear waters that flow through the remote native bush, coupled with the promise of up to 3kg brown and rainbow trout, has anglers returning year after year.

Handy fishing spots include the Whanganui, Whakapapa and Ongarue Rivers

Enjoy some golf while you are staying in our our comfortable accommodation. Taumarunui Golf Club operates the Tarrangower Golf Course which is an attractive all weather course featuring 18 holes of undulating fairways of park like appearance.

Typically the fairways are undulating and tree lined, with the target green guarded on the left by green-side rough and on the right by a deep faced bunker.

People often say how much they enjoy playing the course because of its natural beauty and surroundings as well as its high level of amenity and well appointed clubrooms.