Tongariro National Park

Bayview Chateau Tongariro
Bayview Chateau Tongariro
New Zealand
Tongariro National Park
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 Pick"

Bayview Chateau Tongariro  $$
Heritage building, classic old style 4 star hotel with 106 rooms, restaurant, bars, cafe, cinema, gym, sauna, tennis & golf (9 holes).
Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park.
Reviews/Book-Now

River Birches B&B  $$$$+
Five star luxury lodge accommodation, 3 guest rooms. Lunch and dinner by request. Plus a self contained luxury 3 bedr. cottage for small groups. 40 minutes drive to the Tongariro National Park.
19 Koura Street, Turangi
Reviews/Book-Now

Tongariro Crossing Lodge  $
Boutique accommodation colonial style with six large rooms. Self contained or with breakfast.
37 Carroll Street, National Park Village
Website

Click here for Budget Accommodation in National Park

Taupo Accommodation (1.5 hr. drive)

Restaurants & Cafes "Our Pick"

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

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

The Station Cafe & Bar
Cafe food and a la carte menu in historic railway station
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: 07 892 4000  Website
- Turoa Ski Area -- Phone: 06 385 8456  Website

Aerial Tours:
- Mountain Air -- Phone: 07 892 2812
   Scenic flights over Tongariro National Park.  Website

Guided Walks
- Adrift Guided Outdoor adventures -- Ph: 07 892 2751
   Guided Tongariro treks.  Website
- Pureorawalks -- Mobile Phone: 021 042 2722
  Guided walking tours with Maori culture expert.  Website
 
Tongariro River Rafting
Half-day Tongariro River journey, grade three. Navigate over 60 roller coaster rapids with an expert guide at the helm.
Phone: 07 386 6409  Website

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

Tongariro National Trout Centre  
An educational facility administered by the Tongariro National Trout Centre Society, whose aim is to foster and promote public interest and understanding of the Taupo Trout Fishery and freshwater ecologies though its visitor centre and children’s fishing pond.  Ph: 07 386 8085  Website 
State Highway 1, Turangi (Located 4 Kms South of Turangi)

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.  Website
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.

Lake Taupo Region - Tongariro

ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS & GUEST REVIEWS

 


Mt Ngauruhoe
Mt Ngauruhoe

Mt Ngauruhoe Mt Ngauruhoe

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


No booking fees  - Pay hotel on arrival.
And in many cases rooms offer free cancellation.
Accommodation in National Park