Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Off the Beaten Track to... Tongariro National Park

Whilst not exactly taking you into the back of beyond, the World Heritage Tongariro National Park is well worth a visit, especially if you enjoy hiking, skiing, mountain biking and kayaking. The park is located in the central North Island of New Zealand, the nearest towns being Turangi, National Park and Ohakune.

Established in 1887, Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand the fourth in the world. It is also a World Heritage area, which recognises both the park’s important Māori cultural associations as well as its breathtakingly beautiful volcanic landscape. The area includes three volcanoes Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. Mt Ngauruhoe may be recognised by some as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Some of the highlights of the park include its hiking tracks. These hikes should be undertaken with care, especially in the winter months when heavy snow and avalanches may make conditions more difficult.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a famous one-day hike, described as one of the best in New Zealand, which crosses alpine meadows, lunar landscapes, emerald lakes and active volcanoes. The 19.4 kilometres track takes, on average, between 6-8 hours to complete and is suitable for hikers of normal physical fitness.

Round the Mountain Track

If you're looking for a longer hike, then you may be interested in the 4-5 day hike around Mt Ruapehu. It covers a myriad of landscapes, ranging from mountain beech forest, tussock-country and alpine herb fields; to desert lands and glacial river valleys. A greater part of the track is in an alpine environment, but there are no major alpine passes.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

This is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and is a relatively easy tramping (hiking) track, which takes between 3-4 days to complete. Hut tickets are required for this walk. This walk passes through unique and stunning landforms which include volcanic craters and glacial valleys.

Other Activities in the Tongariro Area

  • Canoeing down the Whanganui River
  • Skiing, snowboarding or simply playing in the snow on Mount Ruapehu and Whakapapa (the largest ski field in New Zealand)
  • Mountain biking along the 42 Traverse (also known as the Tongariro Forest Crossing)
  • Hiking to the Tupapakurua Falls or to the hidden greenstone lake, Rotopounamu
  • Scenic flights – Fantastic for photographers wanting to capture aerial views of the Tongariro National Park
  • Driving the Volcanic Loop and visiting the Whakapapa Visitor Centre, Tangiwai Disaster Memorial, Waiouru Army Museum, Tongariro National Trout Centre, Rangipo Desert and the Tokaanu Hot Pools
  • Climbing to the summit of the North Island’s highest mountain, Mt Ruapehu to view the crater.

Information for Visiting the Tongariro National Park

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
  • If you use the track system in the park for overnight trips, you should fill in an intention form at the DOC visitor centre. Check also for track and hut ticketing requirements.
  • Your group should have a capable leader and everyone must carry a sleeping bag, sufficient high energy food (with some extra for emergencies), a waterproof raincoat and overtrousers, gloves, a hat, and several layers of warm (wool or fleece) clothing.
  • Take sunscreen and sunglasses, (in summer or winter).
  • Your group will need a first aid kit, portable stove, fuel, cooking utensils, map and compass (along with someone who knows how to use them).
  • Boots are the recommended footwear.
  • In winter, specialised mountaineering equipment will be needed.
  • You should always check at the visitor centre for up-to-date information on weather and track conditions.
  • During and after heavy snow falls avalanches are possible. Check out the avalanche forecast before you set off.

Accommodation for Tongariro National Park

You can choose from a number of accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury, in Whakapapa Village, Turangi, National Park, Ohakune and Raetihi. You can also stay in DOC managed camping grounds and huts. View your accommodation and activities options from local tour operators and accommodation providers:

Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.

Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.