Sights & Activities
Unforgettable sights
Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaruhoe - a triad of volcanoes on the North Island's high-altitude Central Plateau.
Adrenaline-rush
Navigate over 50 roller-coaster rapids as you go white water rafting on the Tongariro River (
www.trr.co.nz).
Relax & indulge
Enjoy a wine or cocktail in the stylish and historic surroundings or Chateau Tongariro at Whakapapa Village (
www.chateau.co.nz).
Top Picks
Culture
Horse Trax to the Max – Horse treks guided by tangata whenua (people of the land), where you will experience the sights, sounds and smell of our native New Zealand bush wilderness whilst hearing stories of local history and Maori legends (
www.horsetraxtothemax.com).
Road Trip
Drive the Volcanic Loop - this scenic and memorable day trip circles the majestic volcanoes in Tongariro National Park as you traverse from alpine tussock and scoria through fertile farmland to the desolate and vast plains of the Rangipo Desert.
Luxury
Bayview Chateau Tongariro, Whakapapa Village – spend a night in this luxuriously well-appointed four-star neo-Georgian hotel surrounded by lavish furnishings and décor (
www.chateau.co.nz).
Inexpensive or free
Traverse Tongariro National Park via the famous alpine Tongariro Crossing or explore the many shorter walking tracks where you can hike to a spectaclular waterfall and cross a variety of landscapes from open herbfields to majestic podocarp forest.
Great for groups
Stay in an igloo on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu – get a group of your ski or snowboard buddies together and spend a night in a real igloo, complete with separate igloo bedrooms and a three-course catered dinner around an ice table (
www.mtruapehu.com)
Culinary experiences
Eat freshly caught Rainbow Trout from the Tongariro River, one of the most famous trout fishing rivers in the world.
Exclusive dining
Ruapehu Restaurant, Bayview Chateau Tongariro – dine with style and sophistication under the chandeliers at this elegant restaurant featuring superb Pacific Rim dining and first-rate service.
Casual dining
The Station Café, National Park Village – cosy surroundings, an all-day menu and amazing Atomic coffee at this warm and friendly restaurant situated in a historic railway station (t. +64 7 892 2771).
Café
Utopia Café, Ohakune – excellent service, great food and the best carrot cake you’ll ever have in this casual and comfortable local eatery (t. +64 6 385 9120).a
Swishy Bar
Altitude 585 Bar and Lounge, Ohakune – extensive range of spirits and cocktails in a log cabin lodge you would expect to see in Aspen or Whistler (
www.altitude585.co.nz).
Cosy pub
Schnapps, National Park Village – relax with panoramic views and enjoy the open fire and the great pub and bistro meals (t. +64 7 892 2788).
Shop or gallery
The Old Post Office Gallery, Ohakune – souvenirs and gifts to remember your trip to New Zealand , with friendly helpful assistance.
