Explore the Tongariro National Park alpine landscapes, the central North Island mountains from a small alpine National Park Village (Whakapapa) tucked into the base of Mt Ruapehu.
What is the best time to visit Whakapapa Tongariro National Park village?
Year round Whakapapa, National Park village located in the Tongariro National Park offers visitors snow, ski fields and winter sports on Mount Ruapehu Whakapapa ski field. In summer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one the world’s great day hikes.
Whakapapa, National Park village is a service settlement for visitors to the Tongariro National Park as well as a base for the New Zealand Department of Conservation offices in the area. While there is an extensive array of Whakapapa accommodation options from family friendly, budget conscious to luxury suites in the peak season (winter – August – September, summer – January – mid-February) forward booking is strongly encouraged.
What are the nine best things to do at Whakapapa National Park village, Tongariro?
The best things to do at Whakapapa Village:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a New Zealand great day walk
- Short walks around the village among film set locations for Lord of the Rings trilogy (year round)
- Catch the sky waka (gondola) and enjoy the aerial view from New Zealand’s highest cafe
- In winter toboggan on the now disused small golf course of the Chateau Tongariro (closed)
- Join a hiking party to explore the mountains (year round)
- Ski or snowboard on Mount Ruapehu
- Indulge in a heli-ski package or heli-scenic flight of the central plateau
- Discover the story of the New Zealand All Blacks Haka at Lake Rotoaira
Find out why dedicated fishing buffs flock to Lake Otamangakau
What can you do nearby Whakapapa village, Tongariro National Park?
Whakapapa Tongariro National Park village is 48 km from Turangi. There is a wealth of things to do in Turangi from Lake Taupo walks, fishing and hot spring pools. Cyclists enjoy the Tongariro River Trail. Explore Lake Rotoaira and find out where the All Blacks Haka originated.
How do I get from Whakapapa village, Tongariro National Park to Mt Ruapehu?
From Whakapapa Village you can drive a sedan 2WD vehicle to the base area of the Mt Ruapehu chairlifts and gondola. In summer weather usually does not inhibit access however in winter it is likely snow wheel chains will be necessary. In winter many visitors prefer to use shuttles from Whakapapa.
Where is Whakapapa village, Tongariro National Park located?
Whakapapa village, located at the base of Mount Ruapehu. The village is the main entrance to the Tongariro National Park with a large visitor centre supporting over one million visitors a year. Whakapapa is the gateway to the Whakapapa ski field. The village is a popular accommodation choice for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hikers.
The Sky Waka takes you to the highest cafe in New Zealand at an altitude of 2020m above sea level. The Sky Waka is a 10 minute gondola ride.
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