Ruapehu New Zealand

Located at the junction of the Wanganui and Ongarue Rivers, Taumarunui is the launching point for canoe trips into the Wanganui National Park. With waterways in every direction, it’s also a popular trout fishing destination.

In winter, the town is a cost-effective place to stay if you aim to ski Whakapapa on Mount Ruapehu. Taumarunui has a comprehensive range of shops and services, a good choice of accommodation and a tasty selection of eating places. The local golf course is often praised for its scenery.

28 kilometres south of Taumarunui is the Raurimu Spiral - a most amazing feat of railway engineering. It’s best appreciated from the train.

The almost-alpine village of National Park is situated between the Tongariro World Heritage Park and the Wanganui National Park, 809 metres above sea level. The village has amazing views of the mountains and the Hauhangatahi wilderness. It is a base for outdoor adventures.

In winter, Mount Ruapehu’s snow fields are buzzing with skiers and snowboarders. Hiking, rafting, climbing, mountain biking and kayaking are all go at other times of the year. During summer months, Mount Ruapehu’s chair lifts operate for sightseeing. You can even hike to the rim of the crater lake. National Park offers mostly lodge accommodation and a limited choice of eating places.

Enjoy excellent skiing and boarding at Mount Ruapehu's ski areas - Whakapapa and Turoa. Whakapapa, on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu, is New Zealand’s largest developed ski area. Within the 550 hectare (1360 acres) boundary there is excellent skiing and boarding for all levels. Whakapapa boasts all services and amenities that you would expect to find at any international ski area. Happy Valley is a complete learner’s area that is separate to the main ski area so beginners can progress in a safe environment.

For non-skiers there is tobogganing and tubing or just drive up to see the spectacular view! The ski season usually begins in July and often runs until late spring. In summer, at Whakapapa, scenic chairlift rides and guided hikes to Ruapehu's Crater Lake are also available.

Mount Ruapehu is one of the world's most active volcanoes and the largest active volcano in New Zealand. It is the highest point in the North Island and includes three major peaks: Tahurangi (2,797 m), Te Heuheu (2,755 m) and Paretetaitonga (2,751 m). The deep, active crater is between the peaks and fills with a crater lake between major eruptions.

The Tongariro National Park encircles the volcanoes of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. It was gifted to the nation by Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV in 1887. Just over a hundred years later, the park was awarded World Heritage Site status.

The fact that the volcanoes are active doesn't deter people from skiing down their slopes and hiking to their craters. A monitoring system provides early warning of eruptions.

The park's most celebrated activity is the 'Tongariro Crossing', a day trek that traverses the otherworldly landscape between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Steaming craters, old lava flows and thermal lakes make the walk an unforgettable experience.

At 2797, 2291 and 1968 metres respectively, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro are sizeable volcanoes. Tongariro's huge massif extends over 18 kilometres in length - classic, cone-shaped Ngauruhoe is actually one of Tongariro's vents. Ruapehu had the honour of playing Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The mountains of this national park have deep spiritual significance for the Maori people. Legend has it that the high priest Ngatoroirangi was frozen in a snowstorm while exploring Tongariro and called to Hawaiki, the traditional Polynesian homeland of the Maori, for fire. His prayer was answered, via the channel we now call the Pacific Rim of Fire, and the mountain erupted.

The lower slopes of the mountains are blanketed with forest, which provides a habitat for many native birds. New Zealand's only native mammals, short and long tailed bats, also live in the park.

The Tongariro Crossing, completed by about 70,000 hikers every summer, features phenomenal volcanic scenery and fine views of Lake Taupo and Mt Taranaki. Overnight challenges include the four-day Northern Circuit and the six-day Round the Mountain track - one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The park also offers many shorter walks to waterfalls and fascinating volcanic features - including the crater of Ruapehu.

The Tongariro River provides an invigorating dip into the world of white water rafting. A succession of grade 3 rapids promises an exciting trip. Fly fishermen enthuse about the rainbow trout that are prolific in the streams and rivers around the park.

Whakapapa Village is located at the base of the access road to Whakapapa ski field on the western side of Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano. The settlement is dominated by the elegant Chateau Tongariro, a large heritage hotel that was built in 1929. The village also offers less expensive accommodation, including camp sites.

In winter, shuttle buses operate to and from the ski field, which has more than 30 runs, gear rental, ski schools, cafés and crèche facilities. Summer is a time for canoeing, white water rafting and hiking in the Tongariro National Park. Expeditions include the Tongariro Crossing, Tongariro Northern Circuit and the Crater Rim.

First settled by the Ngati Rangi (Sky People) and Ngati Uenuku (Rainbow People), Ohakune is the southern gateway to the Tongariro National Park. The ski fields of Mount Ruapehu are close by, so the town is well-equipped with accommodation, restaurants and snow-related retailers.

During the warmer months, Ohakune looks after those who come to hike and climb in the national park. Other local adventure activities include mountain biking, white water rafting, horse riding and canoeing. Ohakune is also known as a market gardening area. The 10 metre carrot that welcomes you to the town is unforgettable, and every year in early August there’s a lively carrot festival.

Founded in 1893, Raetihi originally relied on the Wanganui River for access. Nearly 15 years later, the town was finally connected by road to Wanganui.

This friendly historic town has the oldest theatre in the southern hemisphere. It’s also a place to source a wild kiwi encounter in the nearby Waimarino Forest. Close to both the Tongariro and Wanganui National Parks, Raetihi is a handy base for hikers, kayakers and snow sport enthusiasts.

Waiouru is primarily a military base, however visitors stop daily to visit the highly regarded Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum. The history of the New Zealand Army is explained with an extensive collection of artefacts, audio visuals and realistic displays. Open daily from 9am until 4.30pm, the museum honours times of war as well as peacekeeping operations. Look for the large grey building with tanks out the front. At 815 metres above sea level, Waiouru has severe winters and seriously hot summers. The township includes hotels, cafés, basic shops and service stations.