Tongariro National Park - NZ's first national park

In 1887 Tongariro National Park became New Zealand's first national park and the fourth globally. This 80,000 hectare national park has the privelege of having dual UNESCO World Heritage Status due to both its Maori cultural values and natural wonders. Located within the park are the three volcanoes of Mount Ruapehu (2797m), Mount Ngauruhoe (2291m) and Mount Tongariro (1968m) - all of which are active!

Tongariro National Park lays claim to New Zealand's best one day hike and one of the best in the world - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The skifields on Ruapehu are the only legitimate ones in the North Island and also the largest in the country. Many think of the area as being a winter attraction but more people actually visit in summer.