[2024 Waiouru Military Area Attraction] Travel Guide for Tongariro National Park (Updated Oct)
No.1 of Best Things to Do in Manawatu-Wanganui
National Parks
UNESCO World Heritage - Natural Sites
Volcanoes
Address:
Manawatū-Whanganui 4691, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time:
0.5-1 day
Phone:
+64 7 892 3729
What is Tongariro
Tongariro is actually the oldest national park in New Zealand, and it was only the 6th in the world to be established.It was created in 1887 and now holds dual world heritage status, recognizing both its significance in Maori culture and religion, as well as its diverse and dramatic volcanic landscape.
The park covers 80,000 hectares of land, which is 796 square kilometers (307 square miles).However, you’ll find glaciers, ancient lava flows, rivers, cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes, and even ski fields here.This striking and widely varied landscape is why Tongariro National Park was chosen as a filming location for several of the Lord of the Rings movies. In fact, Mount Ngauruhoe was actually used for Mount Doom in the film (with some digital alterations, of course). Meanwhile, among other locations, Mount Ruapehu was the setting for Emyn Muil and two waterfalls were used for Gollum’s Pool. New Zealand is celebrated for its natural beauty, adventurous outdoor activities, and Maori culture – you’ll find all that (and much more!) when you visit Tongariro National Park.#awesomepic #couplestrip #mytripvlog #nationalpark #bucketlistreboot #2023travelwish #2023travelwish #newzealand #newzealandtravel #trekking
LeeJae
The Unforgettable Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
If you’re feeling adventurous and looking for the best thing to do on North Island, New Zealand, then the Mount Tongariro National Park is waiting for you!
Within the National Park, there are several routes to take, but the most popular one is the Day Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
With an average of 8 hours to complete the hike, it’s definitely not a stroll in a park, especially for a person like me who has zero experience in hiking and Low/moderate fitness level.
If you are someone like me, a suggestion is to reach early and take it slow, so you can hike at a comfortable pace and not ending it off too late!
There are several vantage point such as Emerald Lake and Red Crater, but words can never describe how phenomenal the whole place look!
If you’re a lord of the ring fan, you can even catch “Mount Doom” here as it was shot with one of the mountain here!
A true amazing experience that everyone has to try at least once in their lifetime!
Getting here: From my experience, it’s best to look in their official website for the most updated information as their carpark and bus schedules do change from time to time!
#nationalpark #hiking #scenicspotguide #newzealand #travelinspiration
Seanjunhao
Moments at Tongariro National Park, NZ
Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the park's important Māori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.
Tongariro National Park is one of three World Heritage sites in New Zealand. The other two are Te Wahipounamu in the South Island, and the Sub Antarctic Islands. Te Wahipounamu is a massive area covering the south west of the South Island, and containing Fiordland, Westland, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring National Parks.
The mountains at the heart of the park have cultural and spiritual significance to Ngāti Tuwharetoa and symbolise the spiritual links between this community and their environment. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro is the guardian hapū (sub-tribe) of Ngāti Tuwharetoa as the hau kāinga (true people of the homeland) for the Tongariro territory. Their continued existence in this environment ensures the cultural, spiritual and environmental values are protected and shared with all those that encounter this dynamic landscape.
The park has active volcanoes, a diverse range of ecosystems and some remarkable landscapes - each deeply enriched with stories of the hau kāinga and the significance to their people.
#travelinspiration #unforgettableexperiences #scenicspotguide #couplestrip #awesomepic #historicculture #beautifulsunsets #naturalwonders #hiking #nationalpark #lakes
#travelinspiration#unforgettableexperiences#scenicspotguide#awesomepic#couplestrip#historicculture#beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#hiking#nationalpark#lakes
Agatha Christie
Tongariro: Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings.
Mount Doom is where the hobbits threw the One Ring.
The trail is 19.4 kilometers long (possibly longer). On the day of the hike, temperatures ranged from 4°C to -7°C.
It rained the day before, and there was snow on the summit. The trail may not always be open the next day.
Check with the counter at 7 AM to see if the shuttle bus is running. Since we only stayed one night, we decided to go regardless. Luckily, we didn't book the shuttle bus. Driving ourselves for 15 minutes cost 1100 per person, saving 4400 for food. 😆
The parking lot has a maximum stay of four hours. If you plan to reach the summit, the round trip will definitely exceed this time, so booking the shuttle bus is necessary. When we returned to the parking lot and saw our car, we were relieved it wasn't locked or ticketed. We felt immense gratitude at that moment.
Starting the hike felt like embarking on the quest from The Lord of the Rings. The surroundings were dry yellow grass due to the volcanic activity, with black and rust-red stones and soil. From the initial desolation to the misty and snowy plains, then icy paths leading to the snowy summit, the changing scenery in the volcanic terrain was truly a marvel of nature.
KJ Kao
The highlight of my life!! NZ Tongariro crossing
The tongariro crossing was honestly incredible. You get the chance to hike up an active volcano, It was around a 10 hour hike. The hike is not easy but the views you have along the way are breathtaking and 100% worth it. Once you get to the top you realise what you have achieved and everything feels so surreal! #newzealand #newzealandtravel #Hiking #Volcano #Tongarirocrossing #Travel
Ruby..
You must see Tongariro in New Zealand at least once
Finally achieved a big dream:
Complete Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
The total length is 19.4km, about 22km in total, completed in 7.5h!
I have seen too many azure seas and lush mountains in Auckland, it's time to see the famous Tongariro National Park to see the volcanoes. Actually, for me who usually do physical work and occasionally exercise, the overall difficulty is not particularly large, but it tests patience.
After climbing to the top and seeing the emerald lake, there is nearly two hours of mountain road looking at the winding downhill road of Lake Taupo, which is very torturous to the knee, so you can consider running downhill appropriately.
Phoenix_Wildewood_10
Went tramping to Tama Lakes. It was so spectacular views. Definitely will be back here. 100 recommended.#newzealand
Arfieson Warnt
The Tongariro volcano group, which is often seen in the Lord of the Rings, is a totem of the local Maori, a natural heritage of the world. It includes a number of trails that run from a 20-kilometer day to more than 70 km. One day through the trail through the smoky crater, multiple colored lakes overlooking the highest peak of the North Island, and is considered to be New Zealand's most exciting day walk. However, if there is plenty of time, it can also withstand the climatically ridiculous hikers. It is worthwhile to spend a few days on the ring line. Over the towering ridges, meet the blue lake, and plunge into the rushing waterfall. The jungle of the stream, and finally back to the starting point, all the exhaustion is relieved. For the ring walkers, the village of wakapapa is a suitable pre-departure accommodation in the Tongariro National Park and the completion of the loop.
OO-OO.
New Zealand's Tongariro National Park is a rare world heritage of nature and culture. It is located on the south side of Rotorua and the Taupo geothermal area in the heart of the North Island. It has spectacular volcanic groups and indigenous Maori culture. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's top ten hiking trails.
If you really can't rush to challenge the volcanic road of nearly 20 kilometers, you can try a few kilometers of small hiking routes around, such as the waterfall line we walked.
Although New Zealand is already in the midsummer, the mountain still retains a little snow, so it is a reward for visitors coming from afar.