Tongariro National Park
★ 4.9🇳🇿 TongariroSuggested visit 1 dayBest season November to April, when the crossing is in best condition
World HeritageVolcanoHiking
New Zealand's oldest national park, where volcanic terrain and emerald lakes make a famous day walk.
Overview
In the central North Island and donated by a Māori chief in 1887, Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and joined the World Heritage List in 1993. Three active volcanoes — Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro — stand within it. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing runs 19.4 kilometres past the South Crater, the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake, usually taking six to eight hours.
History
The peaks were gifted by the Māori chief Te Heuheu in 1887, the park was gazetted in 1922 and inscribed as World Heritage in 1993 for both natural and cultural values.
Highlights
- •The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- •The Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake
- •The Ngauruhoe cone
- •Hot springs around Ruapehu
Practical tips
- •Conditions change fast — carry windproof waterproofs and spare food
- •Winter crossings need snow experience and equipment
Practical information
- Best time
- November-April
- Tickets
- The park is free; shuttles about NZD 45
- Opening hours
- Open all day; start the crossing early
- Local food
- New Zealand lamb, pavlova, craft beer
- Getting around
- About 4.5 hours by car from Auckland, four hours from Wellington.
- Visa
- A visa is required; a NZeTA can be applied for online.
Traveller reviews
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