• Tongariro National Park (video) is found between World Heritage National Park and Whanganui National Park and is considered a wilderness wonderland.
  • The National Park Village, New Zealand, is found directly in the middle of the park with views of the three mountains that encompass the park—Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Tongariro, and Mt. Ngauruhoe.

Natural Features of Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is home to lush forest, dry mountainside, and snowy mountain tops. Hikes spend days backpacking through the various landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Some of the most amazing natural sights to see while visiting the national park include:

- Whakapapanui

- Whakapapaiti Valley

- Tupapakurua Falls

- Tawhai Falls

- Taranaki Falls

- Tama Lakes

- Silica Rapids

- Ridge Track

- Ohinetonga Track

- Mount Ruapehu Crater

- Mounds Walks

- Lake Rotopounamu

- Mountain Track

- Tongariro Northern Circuit

- Tongariro Alpine Crossing

- The Timber Trail

Visitors to the park can also enjoy cycling along many different trails including Fishers Track, Old Coach Track and 42 Traverse. Wilderness fishing in available as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

Transport services are available through several different vendors and retailers at Tongariro National Park. Most vendors offer shuttle pick up to and from activities, transport between villages, and transport around villages. Shuttles usually run on a schedule that is available through the retailer. Ticketing information is independent to each retailer.

Things to Do at Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is open all year although there are certain parking restrictions that should be adhered. The National Park Website should be utilized to check for any closures, parking restrictions, and warnings. There are many guides and tour companies available to help tourists enjoy their trip to the national park.

Adrift Mountain Bike Guiding- Downhill mountain biking is offered through Adrift. These half day guides trek through the trails of the Central Plateau and are full of adrenaline.

My Kiwi Adventure- Mountain bike rentals and shuttle packages are available at My Kiwi Adventure. Staff can even put together a personalized mountain biking itinerary for visitors.

Mt. Ruapehu Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Area- Two of the largest ski areas in New Zealand are found on Mt. Ruapehu. Ski slopes available for all levels of skier including newbie.

Adrift Wanganui Canoe Guiding- Guided canoe tours down the Wanganui River.

Ruapehu Adventure Rides- Travel the national park on guided buggy and quad bike rides.

Adrift Tongariro Guiding- Explore the rugged landscape of Tongariro and Whanganui National parks on foot with an experienced guide. One day and multi-day treks are available through Adrift and include canoe, walking, and cycling.

Tongariro River Rafting- This 2.5-hour rafting experience takes you over 60 rapids with an expert guide navigating the river.

Adventure Outdoors Tongariro New Zealand- Personalized tours that can include rafting, canoeing, guided hikes, alpine crossing, caving, and more. Specializing in small group tours.

Whakapapa Scenic Chairlift Rides- Visit the largest active volcano in New Zealand, Mt. Ruapehu where you can take a chairlift ride to see the highest café in New Zealand—Knoll Ridge Café and see amazing 360 views of Tongariro National Park.

Indoor Climbing Wall- At National Park Village, this indoor climbing wall is 8 meters high and offers 55 different climbing paths. The Wall is open daily, all year round.

Accommodations at Tongariro National Park

There are many options to stay in the National park from campgrounds and hostels to 5-star hotels and resorts. Some of the most popular include:

- Alpine Chalets

- National Park Backpackers and YHA

- Skotel Alpine Resort

- The Park Hotel Ruapehu

- Ski Haus

- Shalom Lodge

- Alpine Apartments

- Plateau Lodge

- Tongariro Crossing Lodge

- Wood Pigeon Lodge

- Discovery

- Chateau Tongariro Hotel

- Mountain Heights Lodge

- Pipers Lodge

- Adventure Lodge and Motel

- Howards Mountain Lodge

Shopping and Dining

Visitors to Tongariro National Park can find souvenir shopping at the Tongariro Visitor’s Center and I-Site on State Highway 48 in Whakapapa Village. The visitor’s center also has historical and cultural exhibits and serves as the gateway into the park and dual world heritage area.

There are other shops available on resort and lodge properties and ski shops located on the mountains that sell and rent ski gear.

There are six restaurants at Tongariro National Park they include:

- Schnapps Bar- National Park Village

- Chateau Tongariro High Tea- Whakapapa Village

- Spiral Restaurant and Bar- The Park Hotel

- Knoll Ridge café- Whakapapa Ski Area

- Macrocarpa Café- National Park Village

- Station Café- National Park Village

Map:


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