With school out for the Christmas break, we set off on a road trip to Cromwell in the South Island to celebrate Christmas Day. As usual, our van was packed to the brim with every piece of adapted equipment needed to ensure Finlay could fully participate in everything we had planned.
We brought his Josi bike trailer, along with my e-bike to tow it, and his Hippocampe beach wheelchair so he could get into the water whenever possible. These were just his mobility aids—along with the powerchair securely clipped down in the back of the van. On top of the “fun” gear, we also had to squeeze in all the essential personal care items: a shower commode, mobile hoist, suitcase ramp, incontinence products, food supplements, and medical necessities. And, of course, there was still the luggage for myself and Finlay’s two siblings! Packing is always a mission, but we managed—though I did forget two key items that would have made life a little easier:
- Slip sheets – These are two slippery sheets that help reposition someone in bed more easily.
- Bed raisers – Simple plastic risers (6 to 12 in total) that elevate the bed, making hoist transfers much easier.
The Journey South
For a trip of this scale, my goal was to drive no more than four hours a day whenever possible. While this makes for an expensive journey, Finlay needs regular changes, and without the luxury of Changing Places toilets at every stop, we have to keep our driving time short to reach the next accessible accommodation.
Our first stop after leaving Auckland was Turangi, a classic Kiwi town in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Known for its world-class fly fishing on the Tongariro River, Turangi is also a gateway to the Waikato region’s top outdoor attractions, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Tongariro River Rafting.
Tip! Worth checking out the river with Tongariro River Rafting, they have been trained to take people in wheelchairs by MakingTrax with one of their seating support adaptations.
Finding accommodation in Taupo—another ideal stopover—can be nearly impossible at this time of year, as our pre-Christmas trips always coincide with the annual Ironman event. Forget about booking an accessible room there; the event organizers reserve accommodations a year in advance. It’s ironic that all the “accessible” rooms get snapped up for an Ironman competition!
Our Stay at Turangi Leisure Lodge
Location & First Impressions
We were lucky to find availability at Turangi Leisure Lodge, and the bonus? A two-bedroom self-contained villa—complete with a washing machine! The location was perfect, right in town and within walking distance of essential amenities like takeaway outlets, supermarkets, and bakeries. After a long day on the road, the last thing we want is to hop back in the van in search of food, so having everything close by was a huge plus.
Check-In & Parking
Upon arrival, we pulled into the covered reception area, collected our keys and map, and made our way to the villa. I asked about parking, knowing how much equipment we had to unload before Finlay could transfer out of his powerchair and stretch out. The designated parking was under a carport, but our high-top van didn’t fit. Thankfully, reception told us we could park on the other side of the villa, which worked out fine.
Villa Entry & Accessibility Challenges
The main entrance on the carport side had a 70mm step and a narrow hinged door (760mm wide)—not ideal for wheelchair access. To make things easier, I unlocked the glass sliding doors instead, which provided an 800mm clearance but still had a 30mm lip to navigate. Luckily, our aluminum suitcase ramp came in handy here, allowing Finlay to enter without issue.
Living Area & Kitchen
The villa’s living space was carpeted and furnished with a dining table, coffee table, two comfy couches, and a television. We had to rearrange some furniture to improve circulation space for Finlay’s wheelchair.
The kitchen was fully equipped, but most appliances were out of reach for a wheelchair user.
Accessible Bedroom & Bathroom
The accessible bedroom was located on the ground floor, down a 900mm-wide carpeted hallway through an 800mm-wide door. The space was tight, with just 900mm of maneuverability, making hoist transfers difficult.
The room contained two beds, each 60cm high, with only 40mm clearance underneath, meaning we couldn’t slide the hoist legs under the bed.
This was when I realised I had forgotten the bed raisers—a crucial mistake. Fortunately, I found some pavers outside, which worked as makeshift risers. Not the most elegant solution, but it did the job!
The bathroom was accessible, featuring an 800mm-wide door, wet-floor shower with curtains, and a small fold-down seat. However, the soap shelves were out of reach from a seated position.
There was good clearance under the sink (640mm), but the toilet was a standard 450mm height, which may not work for all wheelchair users.
Additional Bedroom
The second bedroom was located upstairs and contained two single beds. Unfortunately, this made it inaccessible for Finlay, but it worked for his siblings.
Activities & Accessibility Barriers
We stayed for two nights, with my main goal being to take Finlay cycling along the Tongariro River Trail. Sadly, I can’t give a glowing review of this activity—because we couldn’t do it at all. The trail was littered with man-made barriers, making it impossible for wheelchair users or adapted bikes to pass. It was frustrating, as the area is stunning, and we would have loved to explore it together.
This is yet another example of accessibility being overlooked in outdoor spaces. The barriers may prevent motorbikes from entering, but they also exclude people who rely on mobility aids—a disappointing oversight.
Final Thoughts
Turangi Leisure Lodge provided a convenient and comfortable stay, but like many accommodations, it wasn’t without accessibility challenges. While the location, amenities, and self-contained setup were great, the entry obstacles and tight maneuvering space made things tricky.
Would I stay here again? Possibly, but only with proper bed raisers and some extra planning. Turangi remains a great stopover point, but for families needing fully accessible accommodations, it’s worth checking all details in advance.
As for the Tongariro River Trail, I hope one day it will be made accessible so that everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy its beauty.
Have you visited Turangi or faced similar accessibility challenges on your travels? Let me know in the comments!
Hi Kimberly, We have certainly noticed those obstacles on trails! And have stayed at both Braxmere Lodge and River Birches in the Turangi area. Turangi is a convenient mid-way point to break up a long- haul trip. Braxmere is run by a friendly family, with a great cafe on the Lakefront. We were lucky enough to stay during perfect weather so it was magical. The accessible room would seem to be more accessible to enter than this lodge you describe here. The bathroom is good, too but separate bedroom is carpeted and not much room to manoeuvre. You would need your ‘elefant feet’ under the bed too. Although, the bed in the lounge area may? work better for you? It’s a fold-out couch type so a bit lower so probably harder on your back? My disabled (6’4′ eek) son uses a air -type mattress at home, so I used to take special toppers when away, but he has put enough weight on now that his skin isn’t quite so scary, so luxury mattresses seem to be okay… for now anyway.
P.S. Thanks for your useful insights, and efforts. I admit to being far too lazy to do likewise, but we have travelled a lot, both domestically and overseas, and I’m happy to be contacted if I could ever help. Ours is a two-parent family, with eldest son disabled ten years ago following mountain bike accident (C4 spinal injury) (using electric wheelchair), two more sons. We have to drag lots of equipment everywhere, so it’s never quick or easy is it? I certainly used to be much more spontaneous!
Best regards.
We stayed at Tongariro Junction in January 2024 for one wet night. TJ is an old Ministry of Works Camp near the cente of Turangi.
The rooms and the bathroom, though dated, were very accessible.
We had a choice of two accessible rooms.
Can recommend Tirangi Junction to break up any travel journey.
Will do a write up for your FB group. Sorry have been slow to write up our trips over the last 29 months.
https://www.tongarirojunction.co.nz/
Thank you for feedback, look forward to seeing the write in the Accessible Travel Forum for New Zealand 🙂
Great to have this write up. I hear you on the squeeze bars and other barriers. Hauraki Rail Trail, Otago Cycle Trail, parts of Clutha Gold Trail, Whale Trail Blenheim to Redwood Pass, Te Awa trail Ngaruawahia to Cambridge and first part of Whale Trail from Kaikoura are places where we have not had problems with barriers. West Coast Wilderness trail has parts that work with a wonderful accessibility guide if you want to do any. Their Trail Manager is very keen on accessibility also. We just did a lovely ride from Ohakune, a new part to the Mountains to Sea trail and they put in squeeze bars that required me to get out of my three wheeler, walk through the space and put the three wheeler through with the back down – this is of course not possible for all and it is so disappointing that they hadn’t put a gate with a combination lock alongside. Do get in contact with the trail manager with photos and your experience so they know how important it is. I contact trail managers for most trials I do in advance to ask about barriers or afterwards with photos of the trickier stuff. And also to tell them of the importance of accessible toilets. Many have been very responsive and helpful.
Thank you so much for your information! I am part of a working group project managed by Recreation Aotearoa where we have been developing guidelines for trail managers around providing improved access for riders with trikes, trailers and recumbent cycles. I know the team at http://www.adaptmtb.nz are also working to improve this space (they are also in the working group). Be great for you to connect as your experience would be valuable.