Ruapehu / National Park

Located on the central plateau of the North Island & home to ancient rainforests, active volcanoes, sacred mountains, tranquil rivers and two of New Zealand’s cherished National Parks, Tongariro & Whanganui.
  • PROXIMITY
  • 4 hour drive from Auckland
  • 4 hour drive from Wellington
  • 1½ hour drive from Taupo, 2¼ hour drive from Rotorua and 3 hours from Napier.
The Northern Explorer train has 2 stops in the region, National Park and Ohakune STAY Wherever you stay, be it mountain lodges, local campsites, motels & hotels and B+B’s you’ll enjoy easy access to the wilderness. Some of our favourite places to stay include:
  • Chateau Tongariro Hotel
  • Fernleaf B+B
  • Skotel Alpine Resort
  • The Park Hotel Ruapehu
  • The Inn At The Convent

  • SEE + DO With a range of alpine and on-water activities this region caters to all levels year round.
  • Walk the Tongariro River Crossing
  • Take the Sky Waka Gondola to NZ’s highest eatery
  • Enjoy a timeless Western experience at Mellonsfolly Ranch
  • Visit the “Lord of the Rings” film scenes
  • Take a rail car ride with Forgotten World Railways
  • Visit Lauren’s Lavender Farm
  • Get close up to alpaca’s on New Zealands largest alpaca farm
  • Take a flying adventure over Mt. Ruapehu for some spectacular scenery
  • Mountain bike one of NZ’s great rides – The Timber Trail and follow old logging tramways through fantastic native forest
  • Join a guided quad bike or buggy tour over farm land, native bush and natural stream crossings, over looking the famous Tongariro National Park
  • Enjoy a fun-filled roller coaster rafting ride navigating rapids with an expert guide at the helm