Other Places and Activities
Lauren’s Lavender Farm
Lauren’s Lavender Farm is located 15kms from Taumarunui New Zealand on the historical “Forgotten World Highway” being State Highway 43.
The Farm lies adjacent to the famous Whanganui River and we are open during the warmer months of the year. There are around 8,000 lavender plants which are in full bloom from the end of December until early March.
You can enjoy morning or afternoon tea inside or outside in beautiful surroundings or a walk around the gardens over looking the Whanganui River. A wide range of lavender products are available for purchase.
Nevalea Alpacas
Nevalea Alpaca Farn 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.
Fishing
New Zealand is one of the world’s great fishing countries. Brown and Rainbow Trout are present in the waters of the Ruapehu District. The two rivers closest to Magpie Cottage are the Whanganui River and the Whakapapa River.
Fishing in New Zealand is administered by local Fish & Game departments.
Whanganui River
The Whanganui RtTongariro National Park, flows northward to Taumarunui then southwest to the sea. Between Taumarunui and Kakahi there are numerous good fishing pools, many of which have been signposted by the Ruapehu Fish & Game Club. Access can be gained from Taumarunui, Mahoe (Mahoe Rd), Piriaka, Manunui, and Kakahi. Access to the upper reaches within the Tongariro National Park is via old logging roads from State Highway 47, a good topographical map or local knowledge is required. This is typical back country fishing requiring an above average level of fitness.
Whakapapa River
One of New Zealand’s finest trout fisheries but certainly not for the faint hearted as the Whakapapa alternates between turbulent rapid, deep pools and long boulder runs. Access to the lower and middle reaches can be obtained from the villages of Kakahi and Owhango, south of Taumarunui. There is a good population of both rainbow and brown trout averaging 1.5kg. In the upper reaches the trout are generally larger but less abundant. Access to the upper reaches can be gained from SH 4 across farmland, or from the access road to the Tongariro Power Scheme intake structure via SH47 (National Park – Turangi).
Ongarue River
A popular river offering many kilometres of excellent fishing water. Mainly fished in its upper reaches above the township of Waimiha. Access is from the Ongarue Stream Road across private farmland. The nearby Maramataha River also holds a good trout population but access is generally more difficult especially in the upper reaches.
Waimiha Stream
A delightful stream offering a succession of long ripples and pools containing a good population of both rainbow and brown trout. The lower and middle reaches offer clear low banks providing relatively easy fishing – a perfect place for the beginner. Permission is required from the farmhouse just north of the Waimiha Road/Ongarue Road turnoff.
