Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park, is also the fourth place on earth to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park features three prominent volcanoes: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngauruhoe. Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu are two of the world's most active composite volcanoes, with notable eruptions from Ruapehu in 1995 and 1996, and Tongariro in 2012. Despite this activity, the volcanoes are closely monitored to ensure visitor safety. When visiting Tongariro National Park, take advantage of the incredible outdoor activities available. In the winter, you can ski or enjoy snow play on Mt Ruapehu Ski Field. In the summer, the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must-do. This one-day hike, taking 6 to 8 hours, is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and will lead you past the stunning Emerald and Blue Lakes and unique volcanic landscapes. For those looking for other hiking options, the park offers a variety of tracks and trails suitable for all abilities, including shorter walks and a guided 3.5-day Tongariro Northern Circuit. You can also experience true isolation by exploring deep canyons and ancient forests along the Whanganui River or walking along ancient lava flows and glacier streams to the Taranaki Falls. After a day of exploring, stop by Pataka Café at Whakapapa to enjoy a meal with an incredible mountain view.
Premium Half Day Tongariro Alpine Tour with Adrift
Begin your journey on the Tongariro Crossing track and immerse yourself in its splendour as you hike through the volcanic landscape, culminating at the picturesque Soda Springs waterfall. Mt. Ngauruhoe’s cold water springs create a small oasis adorned with lush yellow mountain buttercups and white foxgloves. The pristine Soda Springs provides an opportunity to refill our water bottles with pure Tongariro spring water while enjoying morning tea. Learn several aspects of Tongariro and New Zealand, including recent and historical eruptions, geology, flora and fauna, and the settlement of New Zealand.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.
Tongariro White Water Rafting
You'll start your unforgettable adventure with an on-shore safety briefing and paddle instructions with your experienced guide. You and the rest of the crew will then begin your white water rafting journey on grade 3 rapids - an ideal grade for experienced paddlers or first-time rafters. In 2.5 hours you navigate over 60 heart-pounding, roller coaster rapids with an expert guide at the helm. Throughout the trip you'll be treated to sights only accessed by raft. Rafting the Tongariro River offers spectacular unspoilt wilderness and adrenalin-pumping action!
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
2 Hour Pre Sunset Guided Walk with Adrift Tongariro
This is a superb way of experiencing Tongariro National Park and enjoying this stunning time of day. The sunset tour is an easy 2 hours in amongst the Tongariro Volcanoes. Your guide will pick and choose the exact route to suit the level of ability of the group. Walk for approximately 50 minutes before selecting the ideal spot to enjoy a glass of New Zealand bubbles as we watch the sunset. The preferred route is the Taranaki Falls loop track, other route options are a return trip starting on the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing track, and a return route out to sunset ridge or Meads Wall. Your guide will talk about the area with their local knowledge of geology, volcanology, and New Zealand's cultural history. A memorable way to see the National Park with sunset lighting up a majestic Alpine setting.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.
The Park Hotel Ruapehu to Train Station
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the Train Station.
Tongariro Crossing day hike
Often described as the best one day walk in New Zealand, The Tongariro Crossing provides an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic volcanically active areas of the park. The Tongariro Crossing is challenging and can take up to 8 hours covering a distance of 19.4 km one way. It is not a round trip and transport must be arranged at one or both ends of the track. Your hotel reception will be able to help you book a shuttle transport.
The Crossing is classed as a 'tramping track'. A demanding one day hike, you will need to have reasonable fitness. Traversing a mix of formed track and rough volcanic rock at alpine altitude, some sections are steep, rocky and muddy. However, the track is well marked with signs, poles and markers.
To book the crossing and for more information, including what to bring, visit the Department of Conservation website.
Tongariro Family Float Rafting
This leisurely two-hour trip down the soft, tumbling waters of the Lower Tongariro brings the magic alive for first time rafters and especially children. For those who want to experience white water rafting but prefer a gentler pace. You still get to paddle and there are some small rapids to navigate but nothing too wet or wild.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
Walking tracks in the park
There are a plethora of walks in and around Whakapapa Village and Tongariro National Park. From short 15 minute hikes to longer 5 hour treks, there is something for every level of fitness. All established tracks are maintained by the Department of Conservation and before heading out on a walk, it is best to check the track conditions and suitability at the local DOC information office in the centre of the village. Below are a selection of the best walks to do:
- Whakapapa Nature Walk,15 min loop track
- Mounds Walk, 20 min one way
- Tawhai Falls, 20 min one way
- Ridge Track, 40min return
- Taranaki Falls, 2 hour return
- Whakapapanui Walk, 2 hour return
- Tupapakurua Falls Track, 5 hour return