Tongariro National Park
Welcome to Tongariro National Park
The insider's travel guide to Tongariro National ParkNew Zealand’s oldest national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage area, noted for both its cultural and natural significance.
With three active volcanoes — Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu — the high plateau of the Tongariro National Park offers challenging hikes. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike is very popular, but the longer (3-4 day) Tongariro Northern Circuit is an alternative for experienced trekkers. It’s best to go with a guide, as conditions can change rapidly in the alpine landscape.
The Tongariro National Park atlas
2 picks Places & Experiences You Won't Find Elsewhere-
Distance: Approx. 45 km Duration: Three to four days Start/End: Whakapapa Village Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Tongariro National Park, on New Zealand's North Island, boasts magnificent volcanic scenery which at time makes you feel as though you’re on the moon, or on Mars, or perhaps in Mordor. The Tongariro Northern Circuit takes you on a loop around the active volcano Mt. Tongariro. This trek typically takes three to four days to complete, beginning and ending at Whakapapa Village.The terrain is varied and dramatic, featuring volcanic landscapes, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, steam vents, and the brilliantly coloured Emerald Lakes. The trek also includes the world-renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often touted as one of the best day hikes in the world.Accommodation is in huts maintained by the Department of Conservation, and bookings are essential during the peak season.
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At opposite ends of the North Island, New Zealand’s two largest cities are separated by gorgeous beaches, geothermal features, volcanic plateaus, and wildlife reserves. This route between Auckland and Wellington covers some North Island highlights.Starting in Auckland, loop southeast and up to the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel Ranges run through the centre of the peninsula, and around the coastline are bays, beaches, and marine reserves.You may want to stop for a day or two in Tauranga, a dolphin-watching hot spot before continuing onto Rotorua This hub of Maori culture set on a large lake is dotted with steaming vents, spurting geysers, and bubbling mud pools. An even larger lake, Taupo, is an hour’s drive south-west. In Taupo, spend time boating or kayaking on the lake.Spend three days hiking and exploring volcanoes in Tongariro National Park then continue south, stopping for a day on the Kapiti Coast and Kapiti Island before spending your last couple of days in the proudly artsy capital, Wellington.
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Tongariro Northern Circuit
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Auckland to Wellington Road Trip
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