Tongariro National Park

A designated World Heritage Site, Tongariro National Park covers almost 200,000 acres. Its environment is diverse and includes emerald lakes, alpine meadows, and hot springs all surrounding the largest volcanoes on the North Island. There are three volcanoes in the park, Mt Ruapehu (the tallest), Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro, and all three are very much alive. In fact, Mt Tongariro erupted as recently as August of 2012. However, the volcanic activity doesn’t dissuade people from skiing and hiking on the mountains because a monitoring system provides early warning of eruptions.

The most popular activity in the park is the ‘Tongariro Alpine Crossing’ – a one-day trek that crosses the seemingly supernatural terrain along the slopes of all three mountains. Hikers encounter steaming craters, old lava flows, thermal lakes, and scenic views of Lake Taupo and Mt Taranaki which make the hike a memorable experience. The park also offers many shorter walks to waterfalls and volcanic features including the crater of Ruapehu as well as longer overnight and multi-day challenges.

In winter there is skiing and boarding at Mount Ruapehu’s ski areas – Whakapapa and Turoa. Or, if skiing isn’t your thing, tobogganing, tubing or taking a scenic drive up to the top to see the magnificent view is another option. The ski season usually runs from July and goes until late spring (our fall). Also, scenic chairlift rides and guided tours to Ruapehu’s Crater Lake are available during the summer (our winter).

In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mt. Ruapehu had the privilege of playing Mordor and the Emyn Muil while the near-perfect conical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe was the source for Mount Doom. In fact, much of Frodo and Sam’s journey into the land of Sauron was filmed on and around the National Park.