Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a World
Heritage Area. This status recognises the area's important Maori
cultural associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.
Set in the centre of the North Island, the National Park attracts
thousands of visitors every year, keen to experience the
spectacular volcanic scenery of New Zealand's oldest national
park.
• Day walks: visitors can enjoy walks ranging from 10 minutes
to a full day. Most walks begin within walking distance or a short
drive of Whakapapa Village.
• The Tongariro Crossing: this one-day 17 km/11 mile walk
takes seven to eight hours, going past volcanic features and the
beautiful Emerald Lakes. It begins and ends at different points so
visitors will need to organise transport
• Ngauruhoe summit: the walk to the summit is often done in
conjunction with the Tongariro Crossing, but for a more leisurely
trip with time to spend at the top, it is best done separately. The
return trip is 16 km/10 miles and takes six to seven hours
• Ruapehu crater: the easiest and safest way to climb to Mt
Ruapehu's crater is to join a guided walk with Ruapehu Alpine
Lifts. Over the summer months and weather permitting, walks leave
daily from the base of Whakapapa skifield at around 9.30am
• Overnight tramping: follow the Tongariro Northern Circuit
for a tramp through some of the best scenery in the Park. Walkers
can spend one to four days on either the entire circuit or a
portion. Hut passes, which can be purchased at the visitor centre
at Whakapapa Village, are required.
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