Tongariro National Park - North Island, New Zealand

Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's first major public reserve after it was gifted in 1887 by the Tuwharetoa chief, Te Heu Heu Tukino IV at a time when the European settlers were on a land grabbing spree.

The chief donated it to the nation on the condition that it could not be settled or spoiled, to preserve the sanctity of the sacred lands. Tongariro National Park became a World Heritage Site in 1991 because of its unique landscape and cultural significance.

The Maori chief who bequeathed the park to the nation was inspired by a deep spiritual need for the protection of the mountains. As per Maori tradition, the mountains that form the heart and soul of the Tongariro Park have distinct personalities and a genealogy that reflects on links between the community and its environment. These mountains are extremely sacred to the Tuwharetoa people.

To its north, the Park has Mt Pihanga and Lake Rotopounamu. The main area of the park is dominated by the three great volcanoes of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe.

The park is home to some stunning scenery and the volcanoes featured in the Lord of the Rings movie. The landscape is a heady diverse mix of plains, volcanic areas ejecting hot smoke and gases, clear lakes and streams, virgin rainforests and ice and snow.

This amazing setting forms the basis of two incredible mind blowing walks, the one day long Tongariro Crossing and the three to four day Tongariro Northern Circuit, a headliner of New Zealand's Great Walks.

The area to the west of the volcanoes is covered with tussock and bushland. The eastern side has the Rangipo Desert, an impressive barren landscape. Mt Ruapehu exploded in 1995 creating world headlines and thankfully minimal damage.

The northern approach to the park is through Turangi. Access to Mt Ruapehu can be made from the service town of National Park and the Whakapapa Village. The southern entry point is through Ohakune.

The southern limit of the park is marked by the Army Museum at Waiouru and ends in its lower half at the town of Taihape, the highest bungy jumpng spot in the North Island.

Tongariro National Park Activities

The park is an unending source of joy to trampers and skiers, with most staying at the small villages at the base of the mountains. There is a good network of minibuses covering the popular spots but a rental vehicle is a big help.

The whole region is located at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, so warm clothing is a must even in summer.

LooknbookNZ can arrange your Tongariro National Park accommodation and Tongariro National Park activities bookings giving you and your family an amazing insight into the adventures and activities that Mt Tongariro has to offer.