Tongariro National Park
Tongarro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest National Park. Besides being a park it is a World Heritage Area. It is a spectacular alpine park with 3 active volcanos in it: Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. The landscape contains lava flows, active craters, hot springs, lakes, grasslands, forest and alpine herb fields. Year round tramping is possible in Tongariro National Park. In winter skiing and mountain-, ice- and Rock Climbing are popular activities in this park.
Outdoor
Aerial sight seeing
It is very spectacular to see this volcanic area from the air. Inquire at the tourist center in the area.
Canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting
Whanganui River is a nice river for some Canoeing, Kayaking and White Water Rafting. Tours are offered by several companies. Day and multiple day tours (the latter only applicable to canoeing and kayaking) can be booked.
Golf
There is a nice Golf court in this national park.
Skiing
Tongariro National Park has two ski areas. Whakapapa Ski Area lies above Whakapapa Village. Te Tukino Ski Area lies on the eastern side of Ruapehu. The latter area is only accessible by use of a 4 wheel drive. Most skiers will spend the nights at Whakapapa Village, National Park Town of Ohakune.
Tramping
There are excellent tramping opportunities in this area; it is a Walhalla for trampers. A very nice multiple day tramp is Tongariro Northern Circuit, this is a Great Walk (look at Tramping). This tramp is rated as moderate concerning its difficulty and takes 4 days to walk. The best time to walk this tramp is from December till March. This tramp will lead you to past volcanoes and trough spectacular thermal areas. You can also walk the Tongariro Crossing, this is often called the best day walk in New Zealand (it is a part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit). This tramp will take approximately 7 hours. For more information about the abundance of great tramping opportunities in this magnificent national park, please visit a DOC in the area of this park.