Things To Do Around Tongariro
Thinking of exploring the Tongariro National Park? Now’s the perfect time to kick it off your bucket list.
New Zealand’s oldest national park, established in 1887, Tongariro National Park is anchored by three iconic Kiwi volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu. It’s home to some of the most dramatic landscapes, from desert to volcanic rocks, craters, snowfields, and forests.
Chances are, if you’re travelling through the North Island, you’ll find yourself drawn straight into its heart. SH 1 threads past this UNESCO World Heritage site, making it both a road trip essential and a destination worth lingering over. So, here’s your insider’s guide on what to do, where to eat, and the best places to stay in the region.
1. MUST DO ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
2. WHERE TO EAT
3. ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
1. MUST DO ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
Drive the Desert Road
If you start your road trip in Auckland, the North Island charm will ease you in: sub-tropical pockets, rolling green hills, the spectacular geothermal area around Rotorua, and the beautiful Lake Taupo. Then, the mood changes: flat, sandy, dry nothingness, broken only by the silhouettes of the three mountains.
Explore Mount Doom in all its glory
Lord of the Rings fans will appreciate one of the North Island’s most recognisable filming locations: Mount Ngāuruhoe. Even if you’re not obsessed with LOTR, the mountain is striking in its own right: the clean symmetry, the stark colours, the big open vistas, and it can all be experienced from the comfort of your own vehicle. Well worth a visit, with loads of opportunities for photos (LOTR costumes optional).
The Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing earns its reputation as the best day hike in New Zealand. Stretching approx. 20km, it takes about seven to eight hours to finish the track. If you base yourself in Taupo, get in touch with local operators who run guided trips or book a shuttle-only option to start at one end and finish at the other (the track is not a loop).
On the trail, expect steam vents near the craters, scrub and boardwalks, the spectacular Emerald Lakes set against volcanic rock.
The best time to conquer the trek is spring and autumn: spring brings in cooler temperatures and autumn delivers more settled weather without the peak summer heat. While the track is open during winter, the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to plan outside the winter months.
View our selection of holiday homes in Taupo NZ by clicking here.
Check out Taranaki Falls
Often featured in New Zealand’s Must-See Waterfalls List (and rightly so), Taranaki Falls is framed by rugged volcanic rock and native beech forest. The six-kilometre loop track takes approximately two hours to finish and you’re rewarded by spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngāuruhoe, and Mt Tongariro.
Bike the Old Coach Road
Take a trip back into New Zealand’s rail heritage as you explore the Old Coach Road. This 15km (one-way) trail is accessible by bike (2 hours, 20 mins, Grade 3) or by foot (4.5 hours) and follows a remnant of the original coach route, weaving through native forest, past railway relics, and views over the rural countryside.
2. FOOD, FOOD & MORE FOOD!
THE STATION CAFE
The perfect spot to grab a bite, The Station Cafe is located in the National Park Village’s restored historic railway station. You’ll be spoilt for choice with a great breakfast and lunch menu, accompanied by homemade baking and some delicious coffee. Open Wednesday to Monday, 9am to 3pm.
SPIRAL RESTAURANT & BAR
Named after the historic Raurimu railway spiral that winds its way up the central plateau, the Spiral Restaurant & Bar has a warm, hospitable atmosphere, with a ton of character. A local (and guest) favourite, the al fresco dining features seasonal menus and is a popular hangout spot after a big day out on the mountain. The restaurant also offers packed lunches (available on request) as part of their adventure packages.
Open daily for breakfast from 6:30am to 9:30am and for dinner from 5pm to 9pm. The bar opens from 4pm.
3. Accommodation options
Cosy Alpine HQ – Ohakune Holiday Home
8 People | 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom
Newly built in 2017, this stylish alpine option has plenty of modern comforts to complement your Ruapehu stay. Featuring a cosy wood-burning fireplace, a spacious drying area to store gear after a long day at the slopes, and a Chromecast for slow evenings spent streaming your favourite movies after a big adventurous day, this holiday home is ideal for families looking for an easy, comfortable stay.
Kaho – Ohakune Holiday Home with Spa
6 People | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
With views of Mount Ruapehu, experience Ohakune in this Scandinavian-inspired yurt, providing a charming and luxurious base.
Featuring neutral colours and wooden tones, this holiday home sleeps up to six guests and works well for families or friends’ getaways. Gather in the stylish open-plan living area, or spill onto the circular deck for long lunches at the picnic table and BBQ sessions under the starry sky.
Cosy Cabin with a View
4 People | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom
A quiet retreat surrounded by farmland and sweeping mountain views, the Cosy Cabin is a simple two-bedroom hideaway made for switching off. Set amid working farmland, it offers a rural charm: big skies and birdsong in the mornings. Just a short drive from Ohakune, it’s an ideal base for alpine adventures, rides on the Old Coach Road, or walks in Tongariro National Park
That’s all, folks! We’d love to host your next Tongariro escape. If you’re not quite ready to lock it in, dip into a few more reads
Free things to do in Auckland
Things to do on Waiheke Island
Things to do during the winter in New Zealand
