Welcome to Wanganui
Tongariro National Park
The region was created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, and is still the heart of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Cast your eyes over the crystal-clear lake and look across to the gentle giants of Tongariro National Park - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. The park was gifted to the country by the local Ngati Tuwharetoa people, who recognised that a treasure so precious needed to belong to all New Zealanders. It is the oldest of New Zealand's 14 national parks and a world heritage area, recognising its natural and cultural values. Depart from Taupo on a scenic drive on the Volcanic Loop Highway, or get even closer to nature on the 17km Tongariro Crossing, one of the best one-day hikes the country has to offer. The track has magnificent views and passes over spectacular volcanic terrain. Explore the nearby Kaimanawa and Pureora forest parks, with dozens more walking tracks through the hundreds of hectares of ancient, untouched rainforest which are home to some of New Zealand's oldest and rarest flora and fauna. From herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateaux and active volcanoes, Tongariro National Park has them all.
Of course, if it's the mountain experience you're seeking you won't be disappointed. Mt Ruapehu offers the North Island's best ski experience. Together, Turoa and Whakapapa skifields make up the largest ski area in New Zealand, with 1800 hectares of snow at the season's peak, between June and October. Ruapehu's main settlements are the towns of Ohakune (20 minutes from Turoa skifield), Turangi (45 minutes from Whakapapa skifield), Waiouru, the township called National Park and the rural service centre of Taumarunui. Plenty of accommodation is on offer, from exquisite boutique hotels to budget lodges and backpacker hostels.
Mount Tongariro, Wanganui