Tongariro National Park

The Chateau
The Chateau
Introduction: The three stately volcanic peaks of the North Island’s Central Plateau form the hub of New Zealand’s first National Park, the Tongariro National Park.  The sacred peaks were gifted to the Government in 1887 by the ariki of the Ngati Tuwharetoa, Tukino Te Heuheu IV.  The mountains’ great spiritual significance to local Maori is highlighted in cultural tours which are offered within the Park.  The three peaks, conical Ngauruhoe, the multi-peaked Tongariro, and the North Island’s tallest, Ruapehu, cluster close together, with the barren reaches of the Rangipo Desert to the east.   

Accommodation -- Our Choice:

Tongariro Crossing Lodge -- Tariff: $145 - $305
Standard rooms and self contained rooms, Breakfast available.
37 Carroll Street, National Park Village -- Phone: +64 7 892 2688

Bayview Chateau Tongariro -- Tariff: from $195
Heritage building, classic old style 4 star hotel with 106 rooms, restaurant, bars, cafe, cinema, gym, sauna, tennis & golf (9 holes).
Whakapapa Village -- Phone: +64 7 892 3809

River Birches B&B -- Tariff: $355 - $475
Five star luxury lodge accommodation, 3 guest rooms. Lunch and dinner by request. 40 minutes drive to the Tongariro National Park.
19 Koura St, Turangi -- Phone: +64 7 386 0445

Taupo Accommodation (1.5 hr. drive)

Restaurants & Cafes -- Our Choice:

Ruapehu Restaurant
International cuisine, a la carte dining at the chateau, Dinner daily.
Whakapapa Village -- Phone: 07 892 3809

Pihanga Cafe & T Bar
International menu, cafe located within the chateau, Lunch, Dinner
Whakapapa Village -- Phone: 07 892 3809

The Station Cafe & Bar
Cafe food and a la carte menu in historic railway station, Mon/Sun 10am - 11pm.
Findlay Street, National Park Village -- Phone: 07 892 2881

Activities -- Our Selection:

Tramping:
- Tracks and Walks in Tongariro National Park, DOC website.

Skiing:
- Whakapapa Ski Area -- Phone: +64 7 892 3738
- Turoa Ski Area -- Phone: +64 6 385 8456

Aerial Tours:
- Mountain Air -- Phone: +64 7 892 2812
   Scenic flights over Tongariro National Park, from $110 p.p.

Guided Walks
- Adrift Guided Outdoor adventures -- Phone: +64 7 892 2751
   Guided Tongariro treks from $195 p.p.

Mountain Biking:
- The "42 Traverse" trail through the Tongariro Forest (45km).

The Park covers 7,600 square km of tussock lands, mountain beech forests, wetlands and natural springs, supporting a wide variety of native flora and fauna.  In summer, the Park and its environs draw trampers, mountain bikers, white water rafters, kayakers and trout fishermen, while in winter, skiers await the opening of Ruapehu’s ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa, with great anticipation.  Whakapapa, on Ruapehu’s northwestern slopes, is New Zealand’s largest ski field.  The closest settlement, Whakapapa Village, is located on the lower slopes of the mountain, within the Park itself, and the chair-lifts at Whakapapa ski field operate year-round, allowing foot access to the upper slopes.  Nearby, the settlement of National Park also offers easy access to the northern sections of the Park.  To the south, Ohakune is the closest settlement to the Turoa ski field and southern sections of the Park.  Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy was partly shot in the Park, the Rangipo Desert being the backdrop for Mordor scenes, while the digitally altered Mt Ngauruhoe featured as Mt Doom.  Tours of the movie locations are available, sometimes combined with a tour of The River Queen locations in nearby Whanganui National Park.

Whakapapa Village
perches on the lower slopes of Mt Ruapehu, within the Park itself. This spectacular location draws outdoor enthusiasts both summer and winter, eager to enjoy the mystique of these beautiful mountains.  A 10 minute drive up the Bruce Rd brings you to the base of the ski fields, while track and weather information can be obtained at the local DOC visitor centre.


Mt Ngauruhoe
Mt Ngauruhoe
Mt Ngauruhoe
Mt Ngauruhoe

Vista from the Dessert Road (SH1)
Vista from the Dessert Road (SH1)