Tongariro National Park is awe-inspiring. Located in the centre of the North Island, this national park occupies the area squeezed between three ancient volcanoes. Simply incredible: mountain trails, frozen valleys, thermal lakes, ancient lava flows and even the highest mountain on the North Island.
This is a National Park that will enchant you from the start, and its magic will accompany you for the rest of your trip through New Zealand. It is not for nothing that it is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, since this place combines Maori mythology with landscapes that seem to come from another planet. And not only that, the Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in all of New Zealand, having been granted this status in 1887.
Tongariro National Park is a paradise for hikers. It is home to one of the best hiking circuits in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, but it doesn’t just offer stunning routes: in the winter months you can ski on two of New Zealand’s largest ski slopes, and if skiing down Mt Ruapehu isn’t your thing, you can always relax in one of the rural towns around the national park.
This unique national park is of vital importance to Maori culture. The central mountains of the national park serve as a connection between the Maori community and nature. There are several spiritual settlements with special symbolism in this place. If you come across one of them, be respectful and, if you feel like it, read one of the information panels, which will surely spark your interest in this fascinating culture.
The national park is made up of three main volcanic mountains: Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu, and Mt Ngauruhoe. The highest of these is Ruapehu at 2,798 metres. In addition, in the area surrounding the national park there are three small towns where you can stay and replenish your provisions: Whakapapa, Erua and Raurimu.
The best time to visit Tongariro National Park will depend on what activities you want to do. With that said, let’s get down to business.
For general visits and hiking routes, the best time is from November to April. This period, which includes the warmest months of the year, allows you to go hiking without fear of routes being closed or too dangerous. With the added bonus of good weather, you can swim in one of the lakes or streams in Tongariro National Park.
For skiing or snow activities, June to September is the perfect time. During these months, the two ski slopes will be open and fully operational. Some hiking circuits through the national park can also be done, but under certain conditions. They must be guided tours and under suitable weather conditions. Even so, this adventure is only suitable for people who are experts in snow hiking.
Although New Zealand is a very safe country with no tropical diseases, taking out travel insurance is the best option. The standard of living is high and healthcare is not public. Shit happens and the last thing you want is to be caught with your butt out. Keep in mind that just the visit to the doctor can cost you more than $35.
It’s essential to travel to India with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
By car or campervan, as always the best way to get around New Zealand. From Auckland or Wellington the journey takes 4 hours. From Taupo, it is only 1 hour. Once in Tongariro National Park, you can stop in one of the main car parks and start your adventure.
By bus, you will need to take the InterCity Bus to Turangi. From Auckland or Wellington the journey takes around 6 hours. In Auckland you can take the InterCity Sky City Bus located in the city centre, and in Wellington you will take it on Taranaki Street. Both buses leave once a day.
If you prefer to take it from Taupo, you will have to wait at the Taupo I-Site. The journey will take 1 hour. Once in Turangi, a shuttle bus will take you to one of the many stops located throughout Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa is often one of the best options as it has the only tourist office in the national park.
The most famous mountain and the one that gives its name to the national park, this volcano, almost 2000 metres high, leaves no one immune. With its reddish colour, its inhospitable slopes and its almost perfect crater, it creates an image that will remain in your retina for a long time. What is the best way to visit it? By walking the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
This circuit is part of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” and is an 8-hour one-way tour that will leave you speechless. It passes through the most iconic places in the national park. Copper-red craters, vibrant green and blue lakes (the famous Emerald Lake), and the beautiful Ketetahi Falls.
All this while walking through ancient forests, inhospitable landscapes and ancient lava streams. And in front of you, always marking the direction, the impressive Mt Ruapehu. A 20 km route that will leave you amazed.
An ancient carriage and cart route through the mountains that transported passengers and goods alike at the beginning of the 20th century, a little piece of New Zealand history that today provides one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world.
18 dreamy kilometres through forests and rural meadows, about 2 hours by bike or 4 if you dare to do it on foot. Perhaps the best part of this route is its ease, the impressive views of the entire national park, and the old train tracks that today are a relic of the past.
Mount Ruapehu is amazing, and you will soon find out why. At almost 2800 metres high, this volcano is one of the oldest in the world and yet it is still active. Just by saying that Ruapehu in Maori means ‘loud explosion’ you can already imagine what it is all about.
The most impressive thing about this mountain is the curious thermal lake formed in the crater of the volcano itself. A lake that even changes color! A true wonder in the Tongariro National Park.
Plus, its snowy slopes are home to two of the largest ski runs in all of New Zealand, a must-do if you love skiing or snowboarding as much as I do. If you’re up for a real adventure, don’t miss the trail to the top. Stick around until the end and I’ll tell you more about it.
Ultimately, Tongariro National Park would not be the same without the imposing Mount Ruapehu dominating the skies.
At 20 metres high, Taranaki Falls are something special. If you are in Tongariro, you must see them. Of course, the best way to do so is by taking a short walk of no more than 6 km.
At this point in New Zealand, it shouldn’t take you more than 2 hours to complete this lovely trail that crosses a narrow gorge and opens up a view of a sombre volcanic landscape.
This route is especially recommended for lovers of native fauna. With luck, you may spot some of the small local birds, such as Whiteheads or Grey Warblers.
Oh! I almost forgot. Once you get to the waterfall, you can enjoy the views from both the top and bottom. It’s amazing! Do you dare to swim under it?
This is the easiest waterfall to access in the whole Tongariro National Park. It’s as easy as getting to the car park from National Park Village (yes, that’s the name of the village, so little imagination) and taking a short 20-minute walk to the waterfall.
Although the place is nothing special, it is worth stopping and contemplating its charm. If you go in the summer and it is hot, why not swim under it? I include this place because it is easy to get to, and how beautiful the walk is.
There’s a lot to choose from on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, from easy versions for everyone, to the most difficult routes only accessible with a guide. Take a look and choose the one you like best, or, if you prefer, do it on your own and try to discover everything by following your own path.
On this full-day tour, you’ll cover the entire Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a guide who will describe the geological quirks and Maori mythology hidden in every corner. Plus, this tour takes detours and shortcuts that avoid big crowds without missing out on the spectacular views.
You can do this activity in winter for extra safety, with the added bonus of crampons and ice picks to help you tackle the snow. This is the perfect tour to make the most of your visit to Tongariro National Park.
This tour, shorter than the previous one, is the perfect alternative if the weather conditions do not allow you to enjoy the Alpine Crossing. It is also recommended if your physical condition is not suitable for the entire route. This tour visits some of the most emblematic places in the national park, such as Taranaki Falls or Soda Spring.
It also passes through some iconic locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, all while a guide gives you all the information about the place.
Experience the extraordinary Tongariro Alpine Crossing as you listen to vibrant audio explanations of each location. Immerse yourself in Maori myths and legends while enjoying the tranquility of doing it at your own pace.
This tour is especially suitable for solo walkers, or for those who want to make the most of their visit without depending on guides. This is a very interesting and entertaining way to do this circuit.
This is, without a doubt, the most romantic tour you can take in Tongariro National Park, a two-hour excursion that will take you to a viewing point that overlooks the entire national park.
Incredible views that will go perfectly with a glass of sparkling wine, all enjoyed under the last light of day…
This is the most challenging hiking circuit you can traverse in Tongariro National Park. You don’t need a tour to do it, but you will need to have a good amount of mountain climbing experience and be in excellent physical condition.
If, like me, this is not the case, don’t worry, there is a guided tour that offers you all the necessary equipment plus an experienced guide. Still, you should feel confident before taking it.
If you dare, it will definitely be worth it. You will be able to see the incredible color-changing lake and the extraordinary views of the national park from the summit of its highest peak.
I’ll leave you several hotels divided by price range, so you can choose the one that best fits your budget.
Located between the towns of Erna and Raurimu, Plateu Lodge offers affordable rooms with shared bathrooms or private units with kitchens included.
However, the best thing about this accommodation is that it has a daily bus service to Tongariro National Park.
Another hostel with very good services is the Piper Lodge. Located in the center of National Park Village, this establishment is just a 10-minute walk from the train station. The hostel is fueled by a cozy fireplace.
There is also a games room, giving the place a social atmosphere. Finally, perhaps best of all, you can rent your own equipment for hiking and even rent a bike here.
The Gables B&B is your choice if you’re looking for a more comfortable hotel. Located in Ohakune, it’s just 15km from the Turoa Ski Slope. It offers en suite rooms, kitchens and even a small dining room with a TV.
The mountain views from the rooms will make you want to start your adventure in Tongariro National Park.
Another option that is quite good is the Ranfurly Cottage. The location of this hotel is more than enviable, a 15-minute drive from Tongariro National Park and less than 45 minutes from the ski slopes. It offers free breakfast and rooms with a patio and a private bathroom.
Make a note of this town, Raetihi, because this is where you will go if you want to stay in this cozy hotel.
The Powderhorn Chateau is your choice if you want to spend a dream night. This guesthouse is an attraction in itself. With its wicker rooms, its heated pool or the excellent restaurant that it houses inside.
All designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort.
The best is always left for last. Tongariro Suites is the best of the best. The location is simply amazing. 10 minutes drive from the town of Ohakune and 35 minutes from both ski fields and the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
And what it offers is not far behind such an enviable location. Continental breakfast served in the room. Large and luxurious rooms, with views of the volcanic mountains and the bathroom even includes a jacuzzi. Sounds good, right?
Getting around Tongariro National Park is only possible on foot. However, you will be interested in knowing how to get to the beginning of the national park.
Travelling by campervan or car is the best way to get around the periphery of Tongariro National Park as it allows you to go right to the entrances of the park. In addition, if you choose a campervan, you can even spend the night in the numerous campsites located around the national park and thus save yourself from having to get up early.
Yes, I know, Tongariro National Park is amazing, with its volcanoes and lakes, a place you must visit if you are in the North Island, perfect to combine with your visit to Coromandel or after going to Hobbiton.
The best thing is that each season offers a different image. This is one of the few places that you can enjoy even in winter. If you dare, you cannot miss the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, doing so will be almost mandatory to make the visit to the park worthwhile.
Now, let’s look at a couple of things to keep in mind.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Tongarino National Park.
