Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance. It is New Zealand's oldest national park having been established in 1894, and offers a diverse array of natural wonders, from volcanic peaks and emerald lakes to lush forests and alpine meadows.
The area around the majestic volcanos Ngauruhoe, Tongariro, and Ruapehu has been held dear by the indigenous Māori for far longer than the Park has been established. Being tapu, or sacred, the mountains were not explored or summitted until the arrival of Europeans to New Zealand. The first non New Zealand native known to explore and summit one of the mountains was John Bidwell in 1839.
Today, while still considered sacred, it is possible to enjoy the park and mountains through hiking, skiing, biking, photography, birding, and other activities, though summiting may be frowned upon (though not to a great degree, so far as we can tell) and drone usage is prohibited.
Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool)
Accomodations and Towns
By Car:
From Taupō: ~1.5 hours (100 km)
From Rotorua: ~2.5 hours
From Wellington: ~4.5 hours
When visiting the park, a good first stop is the Tongariro National Park Visitor Center in the small village of Whakapapa, at the foot of the mountains. Several hikes start in or near the village, like the Taranaki Falls loop. Whakapapa is small, but it is a good place to get an accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the park or find a quick coffee; don’t look here for groceries or shopping. On the road to Whakapapa (SR48, off of SR47) you can pull off for a quick, 15-20 minute hike to Tawhai Falls, the spot used for filming Gollum’s Pool in the Lord of the Rings. When you reach the falls, you can see another famous scene from the movies in the background: Mount Ngauruhoe, or as it is called in the movies, Mount Doom.
Another place to base yourself out of is National Park Village, which is a little town on the western edge of Tongariro where SR4 meets SR47. If you are planning on hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, skiing at one of the resorts, or taking in the sights, it’s a great place to be close to everything but nearer to a few amenities like a gas station, market, and a few restaurants. National Park is a quiet town, with a very small resident population.
Nearby Ohakune has a few more amenities if you need a grocery or are looking for a restaurant, cafe, takeaway, or an iSite (Visitor Center) to pick the brain of a local liaison. This is the best place for many miles around to make simple purchases for necessities, and is therefore excellent as a base of you operations.
Mount Ruapehu
If you are looking to stay in nature and away from anything remotely urban, camping, whether in a ten, RV, or van, is extremely popular in New Zealand. You will notice as you drive that there is no dearth of designated areas to set up. While free camping, or setting up wherever you please more or less, has been popular in New Zealand for many years, increase popularity and tourism has made this liberty a bit irksome where the campers have been a nuisance or abused the facilities, land, and residents. So if you camp, do so in designated areas only and give campers a good name. Another note on camping: while campfires are a staple of the American experience, they are much less common in New Zealand due to a general lack of trees in some areas and a danger of wildfire in many others. You will not help but notice fire danger signs as you drive about, and they are prevalently against fire of any sort in the summer and fall months.
Popular Hikes and Their Difficulty
Tongariro National Park is a hiker's paradise, featuring trails that cater to various skill levels from novice trekkers to seasoned adventurers. Below are some of the most popular hikes:
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Difficulty: Hard
Description: The Alpine Crossing specifically is billed as of the best one-day hikes in not only the country, but the world. At 19.4-kilometers (12.1 miles) in length, the route passes the Emerald Lakes, Red Crater, the Blue Lake, and crosses some very rugged, haunting, and beautiful terrain including the Mount Tongariro Summit. Because the AC is a one way hike, not a loop, there are a number of shuttle services available to take you to and from the beginning and end. If you plan on doing the Crossing, be sure to schedule a shuttle well ahead of time to avoid missing out in the busy season. The trek requires a good level of fitness and preparation due to its length and altitude changes.
Tama Lakes
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This 17 km round-trip hike offers stunning views of the Lower and Upper Tama Lakes, with panoramic vistas of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. The track is well-marked and provides a less crowded alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Taranaki Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A family-friendly 6 km loop that begins and ends at Whakapapa Village, this trail leads you through alpine meadows to the beautiful Taranaki Falls, which cascade over a 20-meter lava flow.
Tongariro National Park
Some of the best and largest eclairs we have ever had the pleasure of eating came from the aptly named Chocolate Eclair Shop, in our opinion the best cafe in Ohakune.
We highly recommend renting bicycles and taking a spin around some of the biking trails in the area. The Old Coach Trail is a great option, but if you rent bikes for the day or bring your own, there are plenty of trails to spin the tires on.
Taranaki Falls
Lord of the Rings Filming Locations
Tongariro National Park served as a dramatic backdrop for several scenes in the "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy. Fans of the series can explore these iconic locations:
Mount Ngauruhoe: Known as Mount Doom in the films, this volcanic cone is a must-see for enthusiasts.
Emyn Muil: The rocky terrain portrayed in the trilogy is captured beautifully within the park's rugged landscapes.
Tawhai Falls: Also known as Gollum's Pool; The falls where Frodo along with Faramire capture Gollum in the Two Towers.
Best Months to Visit
The ideal time to visit Tongariro National Park is during the summer months, from December to March, when the weather is warmer and the hiking trails are accessible. However, each season brings its own unique charm:
Spring (September to November): Witness blooming wildflowers and enjoy fewer crowds.
Autumn (March to May): Experience the park's vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures.
Winter (June to August): The park transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing and snowboarding at Whakapapa Ski Area.
Tongariro National Park is a gem of New Zealand, offering a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Whether you're an avid hiker, a "Lord of the Rings" fan, or simply seeking tranquility amidst stunning landscapes, this national park promises an unforgettable experience.