Recent stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
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Is it falling or flying?
Sitting on the edge of a plane door, 5km in the air, with a guy called Gareth strapped to my back, I’m thinking ‘How the flying fox did I get myself into this situation?’
The dam that disappeared
Another beautiful Monday, how fortunate we have been with the weather.
Full mountain skiing arrives at Ruapehu
Tūroa Ski Area is opening the High Noon Express chairlift this Saturday, marking the first weekend of the 2025 ski season with top-to-bottom skiing on Mt Ruapehu.
Walking into an otherworldly scene
Rainbow Crater, Sulphur Crystal Cliffs, the Lagoon, Sauron’s Eye, Miner’s Lament all names oozing drama and colour.
Popular track off-limits to vehicles
The Department of Conservation is reminding four-wheel drive owners that the 42 Traverse is off-limits over winter to protect the track.
A walk back in time
Today we walked in New Zealand’s largest mainland ecological island, an area protected by 47 kilometers of pest proof fencing situated on Maungatautari.
At peace with nature
Life is a series of changing seasons and Matariki and the winter solstice is a perfect time to remember those and what has passed, celebrate what we have and reflect on the future.
DOC offers digital lure to hook a fishing licence
Purchasing fishing licences for the Taupō Trout Fishery is now under a new licence sales system managed by the Department of Conservation.
Still a ‘great’ overnighter
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.
Taupō’s Waikato River walks
Another blue-sky Monday. How fortunate we were especially with the huge downpour on Sunday night and meteorological winter only weeks away.
Cycle of discovery
A pair of Taupō women could best be described as active relaxers when they head overseas on holiday.
How to drive safely in winter
Taupō Motorsport Park’s Winter Driving Experience instructor Andrew Waite has all the tips when it comes to winter driving.
Exploring ‘otherworldly’ Tokaanu
Rāhina dawned, chilly, crisp and clear.
Family walks length of NZ
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.
Ski field boss hopes for snowball effect
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.
Taupō lodge amongst ‘best of the best’
Whakaipo Lodge has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025.
Piglet flies under radar, landing delayed
Most people are familiar with the dangers birds pose to aircraft but in rural airports like Taupō, ground-based wildlife can also be problematic.
Fairytale landscape to explore
Despite dire forecasts of rain an optimistic crowd of walkers set off for the Ohaaki Wetlands.
Whakapapa ski field’s future decided
The Department of Conservation’s Director-General, Penny Nelson, has granted Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) a 10-year concession to operate Whakapapa ski field.
‘Mirror perfect’ Lake Okataina
This Rāhina we walked a medley of short, easy trails in the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve.
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