Trout Fishing the Tongariro

"Then I looked quickly back at my fly. It sank just at the edge of the light place on the water. I lost sight of it, but knew where it floated. Suddenly right where I was looking on this glancing sunlit pool came a deep angry swirl. Simultaneously with this came a swift powerful pull, which ripped the line out of my left hand, and then jerked my rod down straight.

" 'Zee-eee!' shrieked my reel.

"Then the water burst white, and a huge trout leaped in spasmodic action. He shot up, curved and black, his great jaws wide and sharp. I saw his spread tail quivering. Down he thumped, masking splash and spray.

" 'Doc, he's a walloper!' yelled the Captain.

" 'Oh, biggest trout I ever saw!' I returned wildly. (Zane Grey, Tales of The Angler's Eldorado, New Zealand )

Resident owner Bob Lambert (Gone Fishing International) bought Rainbow Motel ten years ago for its top trout fishing location. The world famous Tongariro River and Lake Taupo are three minutes away. Lake Rotoaira and the trophy Lake Otemangakau are all within an easy 20-minute drive.

Boating
Access to Lake Taupo is hassle-free with twin launching ramps at the Tokaanu marina three minutes down the road.

Skiing, snowboarding and enjoying the mountains
One of the closest places to stay for Whakapapa, the country's largest ski field. (Shuttle available from Rainbow Motel). You're also one hour's drive from Turoa ski field.

Chateau Tongariro
The Chateau Tongariro is a Category One Historic Building with bars and restaurants in keeping with this icon’s old-world ambience. Visiting the Chateau Tongariro today is like stepping back into 1930’s elegance and luxury complete with grand chandeliers. Take in breathtaking mountain views from the grand arched Ngauruhoe Window or relax beside an open fire in the Ruapehu Lounge just 30 minutes drive from Rainbow Motel.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The best one-day walk in New Zealand.Taking between seven and eight hours to complete, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 17-kilometre track going from one side of our World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park to the other.The views at the top are awesome. On a fine day, you can see Lake Taupo and even Taranaki 40 kilometres away. As you cross the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe you'll see lava flows, springs, steam vents, volcanic craters, emerald-coloured lakes, tussock slopes and, on the descent, hardwood forests rich in bird life. Although it's not a difficult walk, one section is pretty strenuous and it's very important to take protection for all weathers.

Golf
Bring your golf clubs or hire on the day. It's five minutes to an excellent 18-hole golf course at the Turangi Golf Club.

Cycling and Mountain Biking
42 Traverse: starting at Kapoors Road, Taurewa on Highway 47, the trail is around 46 kilometres long with an overall descent of 570 metres. It takes four to seven hours to complete depending on fitness and experience. The ground varies from gravel to mud. For around 60 per cent of the time you'll be on 4WD tracks. A must do for mountain bikers

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge began in 1977 and it is now one of New Zealand's most popular sporting events. Rainbow Motel is on the Waihi Hill section of the course (State Highway 41) and a great location for participants and supporters--book early!

Other Activities

• Bush walks and trails for people of all ages and abilities
• Rafting and kayaking
• Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuit Centre
• Horse trekking
• Hunting
• Tongariro National Trout Centre
• Fifty minutes drive to the famous Waiouru War Museum

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