Tongariro National Park

Introduction

waterfall at tongariro

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Home to the highest mountain on North Island, the 9000 foot volcano Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is one of the highlights of any visit to New Zealand. Centered on the highest village in the country, Whakapapa, the region is a paradise to lovers of the outdoors all year round. Tongariro is the name of one of the 3 massive volcanoes the dominate the area, the others being Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe which made an appearance in "The Lord of the Rings" as Mt Doom. I can assure you that the region is far pleasanter than Mordor though!

Geography

Main Centres

• Whakapapa
• Ohakune
• National Park Village
• Waiouru
• Turangi

Sights and Activities

Hiking - or tramping as it's called here - is a major activity in the Park and the best known outing is the Tongariro Crossing, a tough walk across the mountains from Mangatepopo Hut to Lake Rotoaira. For New Zealand's highest tramping route there is the ascent to the Ruapehu Crater for spectacular views of the crater lake and most of North Island. These are primarily summer outings though with a guide they can be tackled at any time as long as you're not averse to snow! There are many easier and shorter walks in the region though, the tourist information office in Whakapapa provide excellent maps and guides.

Winter and spring bring the skiers and the Ruapehu Ski Area is the largest in New Zealand. Accessed by the Bruce Road from Whakapapa, the lifts will take you from the "Top of the Bruce" to over 6600 feet where there are a choice of runs of all standards.

For the less energetic, Mountain Air who are based between Whakapapa and National Park Village, offer spectacular flights over the 3 volcanoes - not to be missed!

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Eat

Drink

Sleep

With its Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite and hotels including the rather
imposing looking Grand Chateau Hotel, Whakapapa is a good place to base oneself. Being
able to watch the sunset over Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe is good enough reason anyway.
Other centres are National Park Village, Ohakune and Waiouru reached along the so
called Desert Road to the south. Turangi by the shores of Lake Taupo is a larger town
with more shops and accommodation options but is also further from the centre of the
Park.