Tongariro National Park: A Holiday Destination for the Adventurous
by Kathy Murdock

Located in the South Pacific in a region known as the Ring of Fire, New Zealand is famous for its vast natural beauty. At one time, 80 percent of the land was covered in forest; now, 30 percent of New Zealand remains as national parks and protected areas. Surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, New Zealand includes two larger islands, the North and South, along with many smaller islands.

Situated in the heart of the North Island is Tongariro National Park, whose scenery was made famous in the movie The Lord of the Rings. Tongariro boasts three volcanoes (Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro) that have been active for nearly 2 million years, several beautiful turquoise-colored lakes, glacial mountains, and boiling mud. The diversity of scenery makes Tongariro National Park a perfect spot for travelers seeking an adventurous vacation in a land of stunning beauty.

Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest National Park and the fourth National Park in the world. In 1887, Chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV gave the mountain summits to the people of this land in hopes that they would prevent the area from being exploited by farmers and loggers. By 1975, the park had been enlarged to its current size. While Tongariro is known for its natural beauty, this park is also a spiritual land for the Maori, a group of people indigenous to New Zealand. Religious sites still exist within the park and several mountain summits are considered highly sacred. In 1990, UNESCO designated Tongariro National Park as a World Heritage Site to recognize its cultural and natural importance.

Winter arrives in Tongariro in June and remains through December. At this time, skiers and snowboarders flock to one of the two ski areas on Mount Ruapehu: Whakapapa and Turoa. Turoa is less populated, boasts the steepest vertical drop in New Zealand, and offers access to the Mangahuehu Glacier. The more adventurous skier will want to check out the gullies and cliffs, while the freestylers have a newly designed Terrain Park to tackle. In contrast, Whakapapa is the largest ski area in New Zealand, offering thirty trails that can accommodate beginning to advanced skiers. One pass allows access to both areas.

Tramping (hiking) is also a popular activity in Tongariro National Park. The Tongariro Northern Circuit encompasses Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe and is considered one the ‘Great Walks’ of New Zealand. Allow three to four days if you are planning to travel the entire route, and check the weather before departing. The Circuit can be hiked any time of the year, but December through March are the most popular months as winter can make the trip more difficult. If you do choose to tramp the circuit during the colder months, be prepared. Carry along ice axes and crampons and complete a few short winter hikes before embarking on this trail.

Another well-known hike in Tongariro is the Tongariro Crossing. This day-trek covers a portion of the Northern Circuit but takes only 7-8 hours. Though it begins as a gentle walk through the Magatepopo Valley, the landscape rises upward as it climbs between Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe to Red Crater, which is the highest point on the trail. Red Crater is a vertical dyke through which lava once flowed; it remains active today. The land then descends, passing the Emerald Lakes (three large craters filled with turquoise-colored water) and Blue Lake, before emerging into a hardwood forest. Weather is a large factor in tramping the Crossing, as it can change with alarming speed. Pack clothes for both hot and cold weather along with food, drink, and first aid supplies. Always remember that volcanic activity can occur at any time and without prior warning.

Several mountain biking adventures are available outside of the Tongariro National Park. The 42 Traverse is a ride through State Forest 42. It includes both uphill and downhill areas and surfaces that vary from mud to gravel to stream crossings. The biker is able to enjoy the beauty of the volcanoes and unspoiled bush while completing the 3-7 hour trail. Another popular adventure is Fisher Track. This downhill trail drops from 840 to 500 meters along a mixed surface that includes grass and pavement.

Both the Whanganui and Tongariro River offer whitewater rafting adventures. Several companies in the area are available for guided tours.

From skiing in the winter to tramping year around, Tongariro National Park on the North Island of New Zealand offers the adventurous holiday a variety of options. Visit Tongariro and explore what many have described as the most stunning scenery in the world.

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