Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is a breathtaking destination combining cultural significance and stunning natural beauty. It’s home to three active volcanoes—Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu. The park offers world-class hiking, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, skiing at Whakapapa and Turoa, and cultural insights into the Māori spiritual connection to the land. Its dramatic scenery has also featured in major films.

History

Gifted by Māori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV in 1887, Tongariro became New Zealand’s first national park and the fourth in the world. It holds deep spiritual significance for the Māori people. The park’s volcanic peaks represent ancestral links and deities in Māori culture. Recognized for both cultural and natural values, it was declared a dual UNESCO World Heritage site.

What To See

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Mount Ngauruhoe
• Mount Ruapehu
• Emerald Lakes
• Blue Lake
• Whakapapa Ski Area
• Taranaki Falls
• Tawhai Falls.