Tongariro National Park Tours and Activities

Tongariro National Park which includes a sunset, mountains and landscape views
Tongariro National Park which includes forest scenes
Tongariro National Park featuring outdoor eating and café scenes as well as a small group of people
Tongariro National Park featuring mountains and a sunset
Tongariro National Park featuring hiking or walking


Explore New Zealand’s phenomenal volcanic landscape and trek across one of the best known hiking trails in the country.

Enjoy outdoor adventures and superlative scenery when you explore Tongariro National Park. Go hiking, mountain biking, skiing and whitewater rafting in a wilderness that encompasses waterfalls, lakes, rivers and three active volcanoes.

The three volcanoes in Tongariro National Park were gifted to the country in 1887 by Te Heuheu, Chief of the Ngati Tuwharetoa Maori tribe. New Zealand’s oldest national park is also a dual World Heritage area for its importance to Maori culture and the magnificent volcanic features.

There are many hiking and mountain bike trails throughout the park, from gentle outings to more challenging routes. Take one of the volcanic walks on Mount Ruapehu, which was used as a filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Trek through the countryside and stay overnight in a serviced backcountry hut or in a village lodge. A popular route is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This 1-day hike encompasses barren mountains with volcanic craters, lava flows and emerald-green lakes.

Take part in some activities on the water. Kayak along the Whakapapa River through Tongariro Forest. There is also a 3-day canoe trip along the waterway. Go whitewater rafting in the Whanganui River. When the snow comes in the winter, head for the slopes of the Whakapapa Ski Area on Mount Ruapehu. Here you can ski, snowboard and go tobogganing.

Away from the outstanding scenery, Tongariro National Park also has some cultural sites that are well worth exploring. Stop by the 1923 glacier hut, which today houses a skiing museum. See Kaikawaka Villa, a bushman's hut from the 1930s and visit the Tongariro Chateau, a Georgian mansion.

Tongariro National Park is in the central part of North Island, about a 4- to 5-hour drive from Auckland or Wellington. It is also accessible by railway from both these places. Trains stop at the National Park Village which borders the expansive wilderness. It is open throughout the year and there is no entry fee.

Plan a trip to see Tongariro National Park

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AWA Hotel
Hana Lodge
Rydges Rotorua

Popular places to visit


Top Tongariro National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Skotel Alpine Resort

Skotel Alpine Resort

3.5 out of 5
Whakapapa Village, SH 48, Nagauruhoe Place Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park
Skotel Alpine Resort
The Park Hotel Ruapehu

The Park Hotel Ruapehu

3 out of 5
6 Millar Street, Tongariro National Park, National Park Village
The Park Hotel Ruapehu
Mountain Heights Lodge

Mountain Heights Lodge

3 out of 5
4576 SH 4, National Park Village, Manawatu-Wanganui
Mountain Heights Lodge
Pipers Lodge

Pipers Lodge

3 out of 5
18 Millar Street, National Park, National Park Village
Pipers Lodge
Plateau Lodge

Plateau Lodge

3 out of 5
17 Carroll Street, National Park Village
Plateau Lodge
The Crossing Lodge and Backpackers

The Crossing Lodge and Backpackers

2 out of 5
9 Erua Rd, Erua, Manawatu-Wanganui
The Crossing Lodge and Backpackers
Adventure Lodge & Motel

Adventure Lodge & Motel

3.5 out of 5
21 Carroll Street, National Park Village
Adventure Lodge & Motel
Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Tongariro Crossing Lodge

4.5 out of 5
27 Carroll Street, National Park Village, Tongariro
Tongariro Crossing Lodge
Alpine Chalets

Alpine Chalets

3 out of 5
3 Findlay St, National Park Village, Manawatu-Wanganui
Alpine Chalets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, including the iconic Tongariro Crossing, which showcases stunning natural attractions and diverse hiking trails. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and explore local attractions, making it an ideal destination for both hiking and skiing enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences in New Zealand’s first national park.

Shopping

For souvenirs, visit the Mountain Bike Station, a store located 24.1km away from Tongariro National Park. If you're up for a drive, explore local shops in nearby towns, where you can find unique gifts and handcrafted items reflecting the region's culture.

Recreation

At Marton Sash and Door Cycling Park, enjoy a serene cycling experience surrounded by nature, just 16.1km from Tongariro National Park. Ohakune Disc Golf offers a fun, adventurous outing for families, located 25.7km away, while Waimarino Golf Club provides a luxurious golfing experience, 30.6km from the park.

Adventure

At Whakapapa Ski Area, enjoy exhilarating skiing experiences amidst stunning alpine scenery, located 3.2km from Tongariro National Park. The Centennial Chair and Rockgarden Chair ski lifts, both providing thrilling access to the slopes, enhance the adventure vibes, perfect for adrenaline seekers.

Nightlife

In Tongariro National Park, the nightlife is tranquil yet captivating, with stargazing opportunities in the clear skies. Local lodges often host intimate gatherings, while nearby cafes offer warm atmospheres for evening chats over hot chocolate. Enjoy nature's serenity after a day of adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park offers a wealth of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, making it a must-visit for any traveller. Explore iconic sites like Mt Tongariro and tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing for breathtaking views. Don’t miss the historic sites and the visitor centre, which provide valuable insights into the park's natural heritage. Accommodation options are available within the park, making it easy to immerse yourself in this magnificent landscape.

  • Mount Ruapehu: A majestic mountain renowned for its stunning outdoor scenery and thrilling adventure activities. Whether skiing in winter or hiking in summer, Mount Ruapehu offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.
  • Taranaki Falls: This enchanting waterfall is perfect for a romantic outing or an adventurous trek. With a picturesque setting, Taranaki Falls captivates visitors with its natural beauty, providing a serene spot to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre: A fantastic hub for families, offering insights into the park's unique environment. The centre provides adventure opportunities and essential information for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Tongariro National Park.

Best time to go to Tongariro National Park

The best time to visit Tongariro National Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Tongariro National Park falls in January, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Tongariro National Park falls in July, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
February46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
May34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
June31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
July29.1°F (-1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August30.2°F (-1.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September32.5°F (0.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October35.8°F (2.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tongariro National Park

To save money on your trip to Tongariro National Park, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May or October to November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure better rates, with Tuesdays typically being the cheapest days to stay. Check out last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings, and consider combining your accommodation with flights and activities for added discounts. Explore free activities in the park, and use public transport where possible to keep travel costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tongariro National Park are May and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Tongariro National Park about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tongariro National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Tongariro National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your hotel stay in Tongariro National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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