Things to do in Tongariro National Park
Top Things to Do in Tongariro National Park
Things to Do in Tongariro National Park
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Tongariro National Park.
Historic Walking Areas • Biking Trails
Waterfalls
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- GortyGUrk, The Netherlands9 contributionsAfter myself, my wife, and our adopted little Hobbit - Mike - from the Auckland International Airport men's bathroom got done with Hobbiton and the Weta Workshop tour, we decided it would be good for his cultural education to see where Frodo threw the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. It was very easily accessible and a nicely distanced hike - the fact that the volcano is now having a little nap after what happened when the Ring was destroyed is a big plus, as I wouldn't have wanted our Hobbit to have burned his feet on the way up. We found him wearing shoes but we've since confiscated them - this was a good thing because at first his feet weren't very tough and he complained a lot, but now its much better. He works better when we motivate him with sweets and minature cars for some reason. His nose has also become a bit beaky, which we attribute to the cold and because we've been training him for the altitude of the chimneys back home. Tongariro is beuatiful, much prefer the new name as "Mount Doom" was forboding and a bit of a mouthful. Lovely weather in the summer too! Would recommend for anyone who likes a good hike, but our Hobbit was complaining a lot at the end. A creche or parking area for Hobbits would be appreciated at the bottom of the mountain - we can provide a leash if needed.Written 19 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dooley7147Wellington, New Zealand44 contributionsThis is definitely one for al to enjoy, especially now that e-bikes allow those with a different level of fitness to also enjoy. This ride has everything, and is topped with well explained history boards along the way. The track is ideal for biking, running and walking, with Ohakune the town at road end with its variety of food and drink to enjoy. Hugely recommend Kune Shuttles to get you there for this excellent and achievable adventureWritten 28 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Phil N Robbie MToowoomba, Australia90 contributionsAmazing and informative insight into the massive forces that have made this area so special. Anyone with an interest in Vulcanology will spend a good while in here with the excellent displays and learning the history of the area, both geological and manmade.Written 8 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mandy CoombsNorth Petherton, UK548 contributionsNice drive up to the busy ski centre where we walked up as far as we could, even got to walk on some snow! lovely views, very busy with ski folk (as you would expect!)Written 24 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WCOBPaekakariki, New Zealand387 contributionsThe Taranaki Falls Track is an easy two hour walk through tussock and alpine shrublands walking along good tracks with informative signs and boardwalks cumulating with the Falls. It is very peaceful and there are plenty of native birds to be seen and keep you company. Due to a lack of time and wanting to explore trails that day I did not go onto the Tama Lakes trail.Written 17 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mdc12963Wellington, New Zealand48 contributionsi enjoyed my walk to both tama lakes and glad that i climbed up to see the top lake it was a good day with great views and i enjoyed the walk to taranaki falls on the way backWritten 14 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ben BAustin, TX18 contributionsWe hiked the Northern pass over 2 days camping 1 night at a hut. It was a beautiful and scenic experience well worth the hike. Loved every minute of it. Pack warm clothes as the weather can change quickly. Bring more food than you think and a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes. If it’s wet it can be boggy and slippery.Written 11 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JPYLondon, UK578 contributionsSo easy to access with well maintained path that's relatively short distance from the car parking area.
The falls are very pretty and well worth the visit.
The parking area is very small so be prepared to park on the road side.Written 1 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - katyquinn74 contributionsMyself and my friend booked in with Hone and his wonderful family to do a two day overnight trek with Horsemtrails in December.
We went with no expectations but we’re absolutely blown away by how special the whole experience was.
The riding itself was in beautiful untouched scenery- the horses were really healthy and loved their job, very forward going if you would like a horse with a bit of character! They also have quieter horses if you are more of a novice rider. Myself and my friend are both very experienced riders (both have owned our own horses for years in the past and competed to a high level). Hone was able to cater to this too- we had lots of canters and went through the track at a good fun pace. It was such an adventure. The river crossing is a real highlight- something very different and fun.
The hut that we stayed in was really well kitted out. We got lunch and dinner provided the first day and breakfast and lunch. The second day. The food is simple but fresh and delicious.
Hone and all the staff at HorseM trails are very knowledgeable about the native plants and animals of New Zealand as well as the culture and food. We had traditional Māori bread made with potato water by Hone’s family. We were told all about the natural healing values of the plants in the native bush and even made tea with one of them!
The staff at HorseMtrails were warm, welcoming, thoughtful, knowledgeable and accommodating. They went above and beyond to make sure we had a spectacular adventure.
This was my last weekend in New Zealand after living here for a full year and it was honestly the highlight of my whole year. If you love the outdoors, nature, culture, horses and good people, this one is most definitely for you!Written 8 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - cdn nNew Plymouth, New Zealand2,061 contributionsThis walk is, perhaps, most interesting for people with a bit of an interest in geology and/or chemistry. As it is at high altitude, the patches of native bush come and go, you go through an interesting wetland, and I enjoyed reading the explanatory panels that the Department of Conservation put up. There is quite a lot of tussock - but there, you are at about 1100 - 1300m above sea level, and only the hardiest of plants survive.
You will see the Golden Rapids in the bed of the Whakapapanui Stream en route, made of iron, and the Silica Rapids themselves - in the bed of the Waikare Stream - are of aluminium. Again, helpful signs talk about how this happens, and I think that's a great thing - you're looking at some thick, cream coloured deposits on rocks, which is not especially interesting until you know the story behind it - that silicates and aluminium leach from the old lava flow at the head of the valley. Similarly, the Whakapapanui Stream is rich in iron from the rocks along its own valley. It was a bit to ponder during the walk.Written 24 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AzzAuckland, New Zealand12 contributionsThe views wer amazing. BUT. Nothing on the website to tell you that there was no snow or sledding available at happy valley. Had to pay over $170 for a family pass to go higher up the mountain so kids could play in the snow. If you make it cheaper we may have actually spent money in the overpriced cafe, but Mcds got our money there. And maybe work something out that you can take a decent photo out of the gondola without having to look out badly scratched up perspex.Written 7 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Foliagenz13 contributionsAn excellent getaway even on a gloomy day, the tree canopies keep you dry for sure, the misterious dark atmosphere with background birds chirping makes this easy walk makes it exciting. Don't forget to stop time to time sit at the benches to enjoy the view of the lake.Written 12 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jaimies625Auckland, New Zealand115 contributionsIt’s a short and rocky trail over steep cliffs, starting from Whakapapa ski area. It’s a famous filming location from LOTR.Written 18 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stewarts Vacation1,003 contributionsThis is a very short walk along a path suitable for push chairs and wheelchairs. There is an option to branch off along the river but this section is not push chair or wheel chair friendly. There are some plant identification tags and information panels along the way. The walk provides a glimpse of the vegetation of the area and offers a shady retreat on a hot day!Written 7 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Darryn GLower Hutt, New Zealand192 contributionsThis short walk up through the bush out onto a tussock field is a good way to fill in an hour. It doesn't really go anywhere as such but is a nice easy stroll.Written 30 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tongariro National Park
- The top attractions to visit in Tongariro National Park are:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Taranaki Falls
- Tama Lakes
- Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre)
- Mt Ruapehu
- The best outdoor activities in Tongariro National Park according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Tongariro National Park on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Tongariro National Park according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk
- Premium Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau Guided Group Hike
- Private Tongariro Crossing Guided Walk
- Private Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau Guided HIke
- 2 Days Snow, Ski Tours to Mt.Ruapehu from Auckland (Winter Only)
- The most popular things to do in Tongariro National Park with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Ohakune Old Coach Road
- Taranaki Falls
- Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre)
- Mt Ruapehu
- Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour
Tongariro National Park Attractions Information
Attractions | 37 |
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Attraction Reviews | 5,942 |
Attraction Photos | 5,961 |
Local Time | Sunday 4:37 am |