The Olive Rabbit, Boutique Bed & Breakfast, offers a number of packages to take the 'thinking and planning' out of your stay
Being the closest accommodation to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and just 500 metres to the Tongariro River, the various packages include comfortable accommodation, a full breakfast, plus an activity to suit your stay, interest and ability. And, there is always an opportunity to purchase further add-ons to enhance your stay.
The Olive Rabbit is a personally hosted accommodation where your hosts, Mary and Tim, not only know the area but can also guide and book activities for you. With Turangi only 45 minutes from Taupo, Taumarunui and National Park, The Olive Rabbit Boutique Bed & Breakfast is a logical accommodation concept to base your stay for a few days. The packages are designed for couples, or for twos, and can also be enhanced as a romantic getaway if requested.
Summer Crossing
A guided tour ensures you are well prepared for this venture. Water and appropriate food and clothing is ensured. Stay in the area for at least two nights to keep a spare day up your sleeve. The weather can be unpredictable all year round: be prepared.
Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Distance: 19.4km
Time to Complete: 6-9 hours
Inclusions:
- Alpine Guide for two on Tongariro Crossing, weather permitting
- Accommodation for two in Queen Room with ensuite
- Takeaway breakfast for Crossing
- Welcome afternoon tea
- Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
- Spa
- Drying Room for wet gear
- Free WiFi
- Netflix
- Gourmet breakfast on Day 2
Optional Extras:
- Cut lunches
- Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
- Pizza / salad
- Mulled wine
- Laundry service
- Tokaanu Hot Pools
Guided Tongariro Crossing in Summer
Embark on a summer adventure like no other – the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, sitting in a Dual Heritage Site. Allow a guide to take you over this culturally sensitive terrain and create a memorable experience touched with the many tales of the area. As you traverse this volcanic wonderland, appropriate clothing, sturdy gear, and ample food and water are essential, much of which we, at The Olive Rabbit will help you with. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring landscapes of volcanic activity, craters both active and extinct, a number of lakes including the famous Emerald Lakes and rugged lava flows. Catching the shuttle service from Ketetahi ensures seamless transport to the beginning for the hike. Opting for guided camaraderie, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing promises an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's untamed beauty, where nature's grandeur unfolds at every step.
Biking
Bike the Tongariro River Trail for a scenic adventure through lush forests and along the river. And/Or venture further south to Tree Trunk Gorge where you'll be led through bush, fording streams, across numerous bridges, and past the Pillars of Hercules.
Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Inclusions:
- Accommodation for two in Queen Room with ensuite
- Welcome afternoon tea
- Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
- Spa
- Free WiFi
- Netflix
- Gourmet breakfasts
Optional Extras:
- Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
- Pizza / salad / pavlova
- Mulled wine
- Laundry service
- E-bike / mountain bike hireage
- White-water rafting
- Horse trekking
- Tokaanu Hot Pools
Biking the Trails
The Olive Rabbit is 500m from the Tongariro River Trail, close enough to leave the car behind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the river environs. Or travel further south to Tree Trunk Gorge and enjoy the challenge of an uphill, downhill journey through native forest, fords and bridges.
A soak in the spa with a mulled wine will just top off your experience. Additional options can include trout fishing, geothermal pools, golf at Turangi Golf Course, and hiking.
Tongariro River Trail (1 - 2 ½ hrs)
"Left and left…," we say! Ride the Tongariro Trail from The Olive Rabbit.
Leave your car at our place and ride 500m and up onto the river bank to the Trail. Turn right down to the Tongariro National Trout Centre and further to the Red Hut Swing Bridge. Crossing the bridge will bring you on the other side of the famous Tongariro River where you can slowly return to the Major Jones Bridge; another swing bridge to add to the joy. The track meanders through a mix of forest and farmland before hitting back to some form of civilisation. Then there are two options:
- Return to The Olive Rabbit, OR
- Don't cross the Major Jones but carry on towards the amazing lookout which climbs above the river. Then down to the SH1 Bridge and back along the trail to the Major Jones Bridge: your landmark for turning off the traick and back to The Olive Rabbit.
Tree Trunk Gorge (2 - 4hrs)
From SH1, ride 5kms to the gorge, across the bridge and left into Tree Trunk Gorge. The track weaves through native forest, crosses four fords plus two bridges: all landmarks for your journey. Having a picnic on board could be fun and welcomed at a small rest area before crossing another bridge to the Pillars of Hercules and upwards and onwards to SH1 again, and turning left back towards your parked car.
To book, hit the BOOK ONLINE button and book two consecutive nights in one of our rooms. Prices valid until April '24.
Fishing
Fishing the famous Tongariro River in New Zealand is a dream come true for avid anglers worldwide. Renowned for its pristine waters and abundance of trout, this river offers an unforgettable fly-fishing experience.
Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Inclusions:
- Full day fishing guide for 2 (dependent upon availability, please enquire)
- 2 night's accommodation for 2 in Queen Room with ensuite
- Welcome afternoon tea
- Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
- Gourmet breakfasts
- Spa
- Drying Room for wet gear
- Free WiFi
- Netflix
Optional Extras:
- Cut lunches
- Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
- Pizza / salad
- Mulled wine
- Laundry service
- Private access to back-blocks (please enquire)
Fishing the famous Tongariro River, or into the back-blocks
Anglers flock to this region in search of the feisty rainbow and brown trout that call the Tongariro home.
The Tongariro River is particularly famous for its runs of spawning trout, which draw anglers during the autumn and winter months. To fish the Tongariro, you will need to use fly-fishing techniques, with nymphing and wet fly presentations being highly effective. The river's crystal-clear waters demand precision and stealth, making it essential to approach quietly and wade carefully to avoid spooking the fish.
Our guide offers local expertise and invaluable advice, helping you navigate the ever-changing conditions of the Tongariro and provide tips on where to find the best fishing spots. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a novice, the Tongariro River promises a memorable and challenging fishing experience in one of New Zealand's most picturesque landscapes and our guide will ensure you have the best experience possible on the day.
To book, hit the BOOK ONLINE button and book two consecutive nights in one of our rooms. Prices valid until 30 April '24.
Rafting
With a Level 3 grading, joy and laughter are all part of the equation, with a Level 2 Family Float available as a backup. All gear, apart from swimsuit, is provided.
Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Inclusions:
- Level 3 whitewater rafting journey
- Accommodation for 2 in Queen Room with ensuite
- Welcome afternoon tea
- Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
- Gourmet breakfasts
- Spa
- Drying Room for wet gear
- Free WiFi
- Netflix
Optional Extras:
- Golf nearby – Taumarunui, Taupo
- Horse trekking
- Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
- Pizza / salad / pavlova
- Mulled wine
- Laundry service
Rafting the Tongariro
Level 3 or a Level 2 Family Float – you choose
Dive into the excitement of Level 3 white-water rafting on the Tongariro River. Conquer the Level 3 rapids under expert guidance, experiencing the thrill of waves and drops in the stunning natural setting of the river and its surroundings. This is an unforgettable adventure for thrill seekers, with a Level 2 Family Float available to those not quite so game.
Paddling down the Tongariro, over more rapids than any other course offered in New Zealand, makes this experience a memorable one for everyone. There are no crazy drops, just enough to excite the adventurer in us all. Paddling through stunning scenery including the soaring pine forests, native bush and volcanic cliffs, paddlers may also be treated to the sight of New Zealand's endangered native blue duck, the Whio, nesting on the side of the river, or even trout swimming below.
Rural Golf
Escape to rural paradise with our accommodation package where a round of golf at the Turangi Golf Club is included in the deal. Enjoy the pristine course set in tranquil surroundings, followed by further relaxation in our private spa. Check options.
Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Inclusions:
- Green Fees at Turangi Golf Club
- 2 night's accommodation for 2 in Queen Room with ensuite
- Welcome afternoon tea
- Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
- Gourmet breakfasts
- Spa
- Free WiFi
- Netflix
- Time with hosts
- Free booking service
Optional Extras:
- Golf club hire
- Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
- Pizza / salad / pavlova
- Mulled wine
- Laundry service
- Whitewater Rafting option
- Further golfing experiences including Taumarunui, Kinloch (Jack Nicholas designed course), Kinloch Golf Club, Wairakei International Golf, Wairakei Resort Golf Course, Taupo 9-hole golf course, Taupo Golf Club
Begin a two-dayer Golf Break: Turangi | Taumarunui | Kinloch
Nestled on the outskirts of Turangi, lies a tranquil golf course enjoyed by many golfers world-wide. The course is relatively flat with water features and excellent tree coverage. Autumn is an exquisite time to visit, with the many trees sporting their autumn colours. However, any time of the year is a perfect time for a game of golf. The course lies at the entrance to the Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Site. Skiing on the volcanic terrain, hiking the many tracks and fishing trout in the Tongariro River are a few added attractions to the area.
Additionally, make a weekend of it and visit the Taumarunui Golf Course, some 45 minutes away from The Olive Rabbit: a beautiful course with a high star recommendation. Or drive 60 minutes up to Kinloch to the Jack Nicklaus'-designed course for further challenges and enjoyment.
Pop your golf clubs into the boot, escape for two nights, base yourselves at The Olive Rabbit, and enjoy the varied golf courses that the district offers.
Indulgence
Indulge yourself in the treats and pampering the The Olive Rabbit can provide. Quiet room with personal ensuite and products, coupled with sweet cottage gardens and the wider offerings of the area with hikes and cycle tracks. Private spa adds to the appeal.
Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Inclusions:
- Accommodation for 2 in Queen Room with ensuite
- Welcome afternoon tea
- Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
- Gourmet breakfasts
- Spa
- Free WiFi
- Netflix
Optional Extras:
- Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
- Pizza & wine for 2
- Cut lunches
- Mulled wine
- Laundry service
- Golf at Turangi Golf Course
- Whitewater rafting
- Hikes & bikes
- Fishing
Relax, Recline and Unwind – let us pamper you
Enjoy two nights of pampering at The Olive Rabbit and enjoy the memorable food, great wine and spa in the native bush, all contributable to a wonderful escape in your private and comfortable suite. Either relax your body completely or exhilarate it with various chosen activities. As your hosts, we will help design your stay.
The Olive Rabbit is 500m from the Tongariro River Trail, close enough to leave the car behind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the river and environs.
A number of additional options are available to further enhance your stay, including easy walks. See the optional extras to add more panache to your stay.
To book, hit the BOOK ONLINE button and book two consecutive nights in one of our rooms and state in the special requests that you would like our Unwind Package and we will update the rates and reconfirm. Prices valid until 31 August '24.
Winter Crossing
A guided venture of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter has to be a memorable moment in time. A day of hiking a glacial valley, climbing the Devil's Staircase and picking one's way over craters to view lakes before a decline through bush, features.
Suitable for: 2 persons
Nights: 2
Distance: 19.4km
Time to Complete: 6-9 hours
Inclusions:
- 2 night's accommodation for 2 in Queen Room with ensuite
- Guided Alpine Crossing for two
- Welcome afternoon tea
- Pre-dinner canapes and drinks
- Gourmet breakfasts
- Takeaway breakfast day of crossing
- Spa
- Free WiFi
- Netflix
- Drying Room for wet gear
Optional Extras:
- Dinner at Hare & Copper Eatery
- Pizza / salad / pavlova
- Cut lunches
- Mulled wine
- Laundry service
- Tokaanu Hot Pools
Guided Tongariro Crossing in Winter
The Olive Rabbit is 40 mins from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing guided pickup in National Park. Guests can drive to the centre, leave their car there all day and return at the end of the day. A soak in the spa back at The Olive Rabbit on the guests' return will just top off their experience at the end of the day. All of the inclusions below for only **$1269 for 2 persons; own car required.
Additional Extras: possible hireage of suitable gear, upgrade to refundable ticket, upgrade for transfer transport. Further options could include whitewater rafting, horse trekking, hot thermal pools, biking the Tongariro River Trail or further smaller hikes within the region.
Prices valid until September '24. We reserve the right to a price increase so please enquire first.