Guide to Tongariro National Park

What to do in Tongariro National Park

Hike through volcanic terrain, past prehistoric lava fields and steaming volcanic vents is one of New Zealand's most spectacular national parks. While the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be visited all year round, March offers the perfect window of warmer weather and smaller crowds.

1. Hike Tongariro Crossing

This full-day hike (or tramp as they call it in New Zealand) is one of the greatest things you will do. Stretching a huge 19.6km this hike isn't for the faint-hearted. Those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with mountains, volcanoes, and natural wonders at every turn.

The Emerald lakes is a huge highlight of the day and you will be in awe every step of the way. Be sure to go prepared, book your shuttle in advance, and if you are keen on a winter adventure ensure you travel with a qualified mountain guide.

2. Ski down an active volcano

Yep, you heard us right. Here in New Zealand, you can casually spend the day slip-sliding down the ski slopes of Mount Ruapehu, one of New Zealand’s largest ski fields and a mecca for winter activity in the chilly months.

With a huge range of lift-accessed terrain, Whakapapa ski field is good for beginners right through to intermediates. On a clear day get ready to witness unparalleled views down into the valley below. Plus you get to sip coffee at New Zealand's highest café.

Check out the best campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu!

3. Take in the views on a scenic flight

They say you can never truly appreciate the beauty and vast scale of New Zealand until you take to the skies. Soaring high in the sky unlocks a world of terrain that would be impossible to see on foot.

Get your cameras at the ready as you will fly over and around the three active volcanoes, great lakes, and a landscape like no other. Mt Ngauruhoe's perfect volcanic cone shape is even more perfect from the sky and Lord of the Rings fans will be pleased to see the iconic mount doom from the trilogy series.

4. Float your troubles away

Tongariro National Park is home to crystal clear rivers, lakes, beautiful wetlands, and a whole heap of water-based activities to keep you and your crew busy for days.

If floating down the rivers sounds like absolute bliss then you should join the Whanganui River experience or if you need a little adrenaline spike then knuckle down and hit the whitewater taking on 60 high-intensity, adrenaline spiking rapids on the Tongariro river with an expert guide, of course.

Where to stay

You can stay, play and explore this region for days on end so we have found three places to park up and rest your head after a full day of adventure.

1. Tongariro Holiday Park

This park welcomes you with open arms to their slice of paradise. Nestled on the edge of the park this is a gateway accommodation spot for adventures in the National Park.

Relax surrounded by the native bush and know you are only a stone's throw away from your next activity. Open for all seasons and offering all the comforts of home, this place is the perfect place to park your home on wheels.

• $25 per person, per night || Powered and unpowered sites available

• A fully equipped holiday park with showers, kitchen, and even a spa pool

• All vehicles are welcome here

2. Discovery Lodge Tongariro

Escape the hustle and bustle and get back to nature at Discovery Lodge. Boasting incredible views from your camp doorstep this nature retreat is a real treat for those who love to sip their morning coffee with a view of the volcanos.

Relax in your pitch and watch the sunsets as you dust off another day in this epic region.

• $20 per person, per night || powered and non-powered sites available

• Shared bathrooms, camp kitchen, and other communal facilities

• Great place to stay for Tongariro crossing hiking with shuttles available to book

3. Whakapapa holiday park

Back to basics is sometimes all you need. This Department of Conservation campground offers exactly that. Camp in a mountain beech forest at the bottom of Mount Ruapehu and base yourself here in winter to be close to the ski fields.

Open 365 days a year with friendly staff who love a good yarn about adventuring over a cold beer or two.

• $22 per person per night || Powered and unpowered sites

• Hot Showers, Laundry, BBQ, and waste station

• A destination within a destination, you are getting a real bang for your buck here

Find a van for your Tongariro camping trip

Your Tongariro adventure awaits, are you ready? Hire a van on the North Island and hit the road. To learn more, head over to our guide to camping in New Zealand's National Parks or check out the best Tongariro National Park camping grounds.