Mt Ruapehu & Tongariro Region

world heritage area

Hiking, skiing or scenic touring all can be accessed at the Southern End of the lake, and just a short distance from Turangi and Taupo.

Using Turangi as an accommodation base you can easily access the Tongariro National Park off SH47. This part of the region is just spectacular. Because of both its powerful beauty and enormous cultural significance, Tongariro National Park is one of only a handful of sites in the world to be given dual World Heritage status. It covers 79,598 awe-inspiring hectares.

Ngati Tuwharetoa, the Tangata Whenua (people of the land), are very much a part of what makes the Lake Taupo region so special. Here you'll find their vibrant, living culture plus many opportunities to enjoy the famous manaakitanga (hospitality) of all the people of Lake Taupo.

The southern end of the Lake Taupo Region is bordered by the Tongariro National Park, a Dual Heritage site, and is only a 30 minute drive from Turangi. Within the park you'll find three ski areas including the two largest in the country - Whakapapa and Turoa. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has been described as 'the best one day hike' in New Zealand. Exquisite bush, streams and sub-alpine hiking tracks can all be found here. This area is also huge in Maori culture and heritage.

Mt Ruapehu/Tongariro National Park must do's

Put your hiking boots on and set out across the spectacular landscapes of the Tongariro National Park. With tramps ranging from 2 hours to 6 days, cover desolate fieldsof volcanic ash and scori, scrublands and tussocklands, glacial valleys and tranquil lakes. For more info contact DOC phone +64 7 892 3729.

Ski or snowboard New Zealand's largest ski areas - Whakapapa and Turoa. The ski fields of Mt Ruapehu cover over 1,800 hectares of lift accessed terrain. The best snow months are July to October.

Mountain bike the 42nd Traverse - Considered by many to be the best one day mountain bike ride in New Zealand. Not for the faint - hearted, bone shattering downhills and lung busting uphills combine to make this an experience not to be forgotten! For map information and track grading go to biketaupo.org.nz.

In summer you can take a chairlift ride up Mt Ruapehu and enjoy lunch at the highest cafe in New Zealand.