Tongariro National Park

The volcanic plateau of the central North Island: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing past the Emerald Lakes and Red Crater, Ngāuruhoe (Mount Doom) and winter skiing on Ruapehu, with Whakapapa Village as the base for accommodation and trailheads.

Tongariro National Park lies on the volcanic plateau of New Zealand's central North Island, south of Lake Taupō. It was established in 1887 when the paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa gifted the three sacred peaks to the nation, making it New Zealand's oldest national park and the fourth in the world. It was also among the first places on Earth inscribed as a World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural values. At its heart are three active volcanoes: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngāuruhoe (the inspiration for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings) and Mount Ruapehu, the North Island's highest peak.

Main areas: in the north are the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, hailed as one of the world's best day hikes, and the 3–4-day Tongariro Northern Circuit. Around Whakapapa Village are short and medium walks such as Taranaki Falls, Silica Rapids and the Tama Lakes, plus Whakapapa ski area and the year-round Sky Waka gondola. Ohakune in the southwest is the base for Tūroa ski area, the Old Coach Road cycle trail and Waitonga Falls. To the north near Tūrangi are Lake Rotopounamu, the Tongariro National Trout Centre and Tokaanu Thermal Pools.

Seasons: November–April is hiking season, when the alpine trails are snow-free; June–October is ski season. Mountain weather changes extremely fast—even in summer temperatures can plunge to around 0°C with strong winds—so always carry windproof and waterproof layers, and check DOC track conditions, MetService mountain forecasts and GeoNet volcanic alert levels before setting out. Getting there: it's about a 4.5-hour drive from Auckland and about 4 hours from Wellington, and the North Island Main Trunk railway stops at National Park station and Ohakune. Shuttles for the Alpine Crossing must be booked in advance. Accommodation is concentrated in Whakapapa Village, National Park Village, Ohakune and Tūrangi. Allow 2–3 days. Please respect Māori culture and do not climb to the summit of Ngāuruhoe.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries