Tongariro National Park is located on the North Island of New Zealand and is the oldest national park in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, including active volcanoes such as Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. The most famous hike in the park is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a challenging day hike that takes you past steaming vents, colorful crater lakes, and mesmerizing volcanic terrain.
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit for hiking is during the summer months from November to April. For information on working hours and other inquiries, you can contact the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre at +64 7-892 3729.
There is no entrance fee to enter the national park, but there is a transportation fee if you are taking a shuttle to the trailheads for activities like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Shuttles can be booked in advance through various companies in nearby towns like National Park Village, Ohakune, and Turangi. Additionally, there are accommodation options within and around the park for those looking to stay overnight and explore more of the surrounding area.
