Tongariro National Park is home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a bucket list destination for many visitors. The Crossing’s bright green lakes, steaming vents and sense of the earth’s hidden core of fire and heat has created one of the world’s best day hikes. The mountains are where skiers and snowboarders flock in winter. In summer Tongariro National Park is a magnet for visitors intent on enjoying the outdoors walking trails.
The best time to visit the Tongariro National Park and walk the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing is summer. Summer in the Tongariro National park is glorious with the temperatures between 18c to 25c making walking comfortable.
While the sun is not scorching in summer you will need sun protection as well as a waterproof layer for the occasional shower or chill breeze.
In winter, white snow with its tints of ivory are magical to look at. Remember to follow winter safety advice for the great outdoors. There are a number of short walks in the vicinity of Chateau Tongariro. Note the historic Chateau Tongariro hotel is closed.
What is the best time to visit the Tongariro National Park?
The best time to visit the Tongariro National Park and walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is summer. Summer in the Tongariro National park is glorious with the temperatures between 18c to 25c making walking comfortable.
While the sun is not scorching in summer you will need sun protection as well as a waterproof layer for the occasional shower or chill breeze.
Winter white snow with tints of ivory are magical to look at. Remember to follow winter safety advice for the great outdoors. There are a number of short walks in the vicinity of Chateau Tongariro. Note the historic Chateau Tongariro hotel is closed.
Active holiday enthusiasts have an alternative all day cycling adventure exploring the Ohakune Old Coach Road. For members of a group where there is no general enthusiasm for an all day bike ride a meeting point could be Ohakune. Explore the shops and vibrant village rendezvous location is agreed to
Where is Whakapapa village?
Whakapapa Village is located within the Tongariro National Park providing an excellent resource for visitors. There is an extensive shop and gift centre, plenty of up to date information about Tongariro as well as live video feeds of the alpine Tongariro Crossing.
Whakapapa Village Visitor Centre is your first stop. The visitor centre is a dynamic meeting place for trampers undertaking the Tongariro Crossing. A gigantic screen outlining the crossing stops, hazards and spectacular scenery greets visitors entering the premises. If you have younger members of your party this is a great place to introduce them to the National Park’s breathtaking landscape, the flora and fauna that call the place home. Year round the visitor centre caters for summer visitors tramping the mountains and, in winter skiers.
There is a large gift and clothing shop for individuals who need warm clothing, a T-shirt or simply indulge in some window shopping. Naturally you have browsed the brochures, the guidebooks which are complementary and part of the New Zealand travel experience.
Tongariro Crossing is on the bucket list for many visitors and usually can be accomplished in a day. Tongariro Alpine Crossing highlights include volcanic landscapes, alpine tussock country and the majestic Mt Ngauruhoe on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
Embark on an amazing journey by kayak or raft down the Whanganui River.
The Whanganui River headwaters rise on the northern slopes of Mount Tongariro, one of the three active volcanoes of the central plateau, close to Lake Rotoaira.
Whanganui is about 1 ½ drive from the Tongariro National Park. Check out the Whanganui River Road itinerary and get going. The road distance is 122.6 km. Pick the Raetihi turnoff to Pipiriki … and the start of the Whanganui River Road. Pick up your kayak for a journey like no other.
Walks in the Tongariro National Park
Waterfalls, walks and a gondola ride up a mountains
All of the walks are on State Highway 48, in the vicinity of Whakapapa Village. The walks offer a variety of scenery, from waterfalls, high altitude vegetation to avalanche debris. They are well signposted, with information panels and easy to moderate gradients. Visitors obtain a taste of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing scenic highlights without the hard slog of a day hike.
Whakapapa Nature Walk in Tongariro National Park
The first walk is closest to the Visitor Centre, Whakapapa Nature Walk introduces the walker to the flora and fauna with on site information panels. This walk can be completed by all fitness levels. Wheelchair accessible on a sealed loop track.
- Length: 300 metres
- Duration: 15 minutes
The Mounds Walk in Tongariro National Park
The Mounds walk is a short easy walk for children with a history of human occupation and volcanic activity. Detailed information panels engage the walker to reassess the landscape for telltale signs of avalanche debris. There is a great photo moment of Mount Ngauruhoe at the commencement of this walk. The best position for a photo is at the top of the steps as you are elevated with soaring mountains backdropping the tundra. Not wheelchair accessible.
Tawhai Falls Walk in Tongariro National Park
Tawhai Falls walk packs a punch with mountain toatoa, beech forest, bird song and then a pretty waterfall at the end of the walk. To access the waterfalls there is a short climb over rocks slippery when wet. There are steps to the Tawhai Falls with handrails. It is a favourite spot for instagrammers due to the Gollom scene in the film Lord of the Rings.
- Length 800 metres
- Duration 25 minutes
- Grade medium (steps)
Ridge Track Walk in Tongariro National Park
Ridge Track starts with the dappled light of beech forest then the horizon widens to alpine shrubs and the reward of a panoramic view of Mt Ngauruhoe. As the walk is aptly described you have climbed a ridge with a truly great moment to soak into the view of the mountain poised against the sky. If it is cloudy, as happens, return for another day in the mountains.
- Length 1.2 km
- Duration 45 minutes
- Grade easy / medium
Turangi is a popular destination for visitors intent on exploring the Tongariro National Park, embarking on the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike or exploring Taupo and beyond in the Central North Island Plateau, New Zealand.
For natural attractions beyond the tourist circuit, check out Lake Rotoaira with its place in history where the haka challenge was issued and Lake Otamangakau is a fly fishing top spot for dedicated anglers. Try paddle boarding SUP at 600 metres above sea level.
A holiday with a difference in the North Island, New Zealand.
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