North Island - Tongariro

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.