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Destination Tongariro | Tongariro National Park Travel & Destination Guide

Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest National Park and arguably the most famous. The National Park is that important it holds not one but two World Heritage status', for natural importance and cultural importance. A unique mix of volcanoes, lakes, forests, fields and the famous emerald lakes makes Tongariro a popular destination to explore and experience a few days living in wilderness.

National Park Village is the base for most visitors to Tongariro National Park providing access to the three volcanoes that help to make up the impressive park, Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngaurahoe (of Lord of the Rings fame). Visitors flock to the area all year round because on no two days will this stunning scenery ever look the same. For those looking to experience the great outdoors, either to gently relax or to push yourself to the limits, then Tongariro National Park is a wonderful place to start.

Tongariro National Park Attractions & Activities

Mount Ruapehu from the Desert Road, photo take...

Mt Ruapehu from the Desert Rd Wikipedia

Featured Tongariro Attractions and Activities

Free things to do:

  1. Get Walking! - With more tracks than can be physically mentioned you can spend endless days exploring National Park by foot.
  2. Learn a little bit more about the area and it's history at the visitors centre.
  3. Go for a refreshing swim in one of the rivers or waterholes.
  4. Have a wander round the Tongariro National Trout Centre.

Things to do under $20

  1. Visit the Army Museum.
  2. Take a cable car up Mt Ruapehu.
  3. Have coffee and take in the scenery in Whakapapa Village.
  4. Try your strength on the indoor climbing wall.

Things to do over $20

  1. Spend the day skiing/snowboarding at with Whakapapa or Turoa.
  2. Join a kayak tour down the rivers.
  3. White Water Rafting down Tongariro River.
  4. Take the scenic train through the park from National Park to Ohakune.
  5. Hire a mountain bike for the day and explore.
  6. See the impressive Tongariro National Park from above with a scenic flight.

Tongariro National Park Restaurants & Bars

Good places to eat:

  1. Knoll Ridge Cafe
  2. Station Cafe & Restaurant
  3. Spiral Cafe & Bar

Good places to drink:

  1. Schnapps Bar
  2. Elvins Wine Bar
  3. Basekamp

Tongariro National Park History

The beauty of the area which is now Tongariro National Park was acknowledged by Maori very early on and a deal was struck between the Maori and the 'crown' in 1887 to preserve the area and stop Europeans from exploiting and destroying it. Between 1894, when the official Act of Parliament was passed, and 1980 National Park has been extended several times to reach the size that it is today. There were elements of tourism in the early 20th century with a few huts built for people to stay in but it was fairly difficult to access the park.

In 1908 the railway was built throughout the park and gradually the road system in New Zealand grew allowing easier access for people to travel around and visit other areas of the country. Whilst the park was being preserved work began on the ski area, thanks to William Salt, within the park in the 1930's/1940's ensuring that Tongariro National Park would become a popular tourist destination for skiers.

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