Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

Originating in the mountains of Tongariro National Park and spilling down towards Lake Taupo, the Tongariro River forms the upper section of the greater Waikato River. Famously known for its world-class trout fishing, you can also find whitewater rafting and kayaking through operators based in Turangi. The crowds here can be notably thinner than in Lake Taupo or Rotorua, and the riverfront scenery is some of the best you’ll find on the North Island’s central plateau.

Drift peacefully along a tree-lined riverbank and swim in the numerous pools, or crank up the adrenaline as you go bouncing down the occasional rapids and falls. It’s even possible to go rafting in winter when the mountain peaks are covered in snow, and the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu and the Lake Taupo shoreline are both just an hour away. Or, for those who prefer to stay on shore, the land bordering the Tongariro River is covered in dozens of trails, where mountain bikers, hikers, and riverfront joggers can enjoy  the fresh mountain air.

Tongariro National Park earned dual UNESCO World Heritage status for its combination of Maori cultural and natural features. Located on the central North Island, the park offers visitors several options for exploring the volcanic terrain. If you want to shorten the multi-day Tongariro Northern Circuit, a New Zealand Great Walk, then consider the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike.

Those who tackle the 26-mile (43-kilometer) Northern Circuit must make Great Walk reservations and book hut (or campsite) tickets in advance. Typically, hikers opt for the 12-mile (19-kilometer) Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The moderately challenging route takes you past lava flows, volcanic craters, and the Emerald Lakes (or optional side trip to the summit of Mt. Ngauruhoe). Alternatively, explore easier nature trails or see Tongariro National Park from above by helicopter. Two of New Zealand’s largest ski resorts are located on Mt. Ruapehu.

Equidistant from Auckland and Wellington on the North Island, Tongariro National Park is easily reached via paved roads. The Northern Explorer scenic railway stops at National Park station, or shuttle bus service—departing from National Park Village, Taupo, Turangi, or the Base Camp or Ketetahi parking lots—can take you to Whakapapa Village and the hiking trails, 

The Great Walks season typically runs from mid-October until the end of April. The track can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early in the day and take your time. Before setting out, be sure to check the latest forecast, as the weather is changeable in every season and can reach extremes of cold and wind, even in summer. 

New Zealand’s oldest national park lies at the end of a 1,550-mile (2,494 kilometer) string of volcanoes. The UNESCO-listed area is sacred to the Maori people as a connection point between earth and sky. Also within the park, the Pihanga Scenic Reserve includes Lake Rotopounamu, Mt. Pihanga, and the Kakaramea-Tihia Massif. The reserve is especially significant to the Maori people, who celebrate the love between Pihanga—considered a powerful female mountain—and her equally strong male counterpart, Tongariro.