Things to do in Tongariro National Park

Top Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Tongariro National Park.

Top Attractions in Tongariro National Park

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Davies F
    Cambridge, UK6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did this 1st March 2024 in on Bluebird day! Absolutely mega.

    Arriving 6:45 at the shuttle carpark and then setting off at 7am in the shuttle so we started our walk crica 7:45 once they dropped us off.

    The walk itself has lots of warning signs, as well as our shuttle company warning you of all the dangers. To be honest, it was easier to walk than Scafell Pike in the UK, but I guess they've got to be overly communicative of the risk to a tourist based audience, but the ground was firm at all times bar coming down to the blue pools. It took us 6:45, taking our time and spotting for lots of mega pics - We're regular-isk hikers, so reasonably fit.

    The last 25% of the walk is descending to the road and then carpark through the bush up the mountain and then the forest down below. This felt like it took ages, but still beautiful in its own way, but the first 1/2 of the walk pays back quickly with views, ticking off all the main POI.

    Would do it again, thankfully we had brilliant weather, so could see for absolute miles.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jasan05
    Hiroshima, Japan20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In all honesty it was great !!! Throughly enjoyed it albeit physically taxing (coming from a woman in her mid 50s who hasn’t done mtb ever before ).
    If you want more details read on below ….
    Just a brief note to the department of conservation - there seems to be some areas that they have forgotten to pave - significantly sized “cobblestones” to ride over, slushy areas where one could bog down…
    Apparently this is “literally tech” according to my MTB afflicted 15yo son who could have done the course in 45mins if he wasn’t waiting for his parents and siblings.

    Furthermore , we protest at the number of uphills - there are a couple - there is no indignancy in walking the bike up. The white wine at the end still tasted great whether one walked or rode up. My husband thought he was 18yo (late 50s) was hero riding and came to grief when one of the rocks came up and tried to bite him. The Apple Watch , turns out, has a falls assessment and offered to call emergency services . We declined - as only injury was to ego.

    Would thoroughly suggest. Views are amazing (we had a sunny day). We hired bikes through TCB - very helpful and informative. They tricked us to the start of the ride and even took family (proof of life) photos !!!
    Written 7 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve D
    Staines, UK36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great climb. There are no paths so you have to scramble over boulders and loose gravel so be careful of the climb down where two of us slid backwards 5 times but survived! Watch the cloud cover. It can change very quickly. Down risk going down in the cloud you will lose your sense of direction. The terrain is incredible. Go to the cafe at the top of the cable car and the gorge to the left of the bottom.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Diane W
    Adelaide, Australia330 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easy walk on well maintained path. Undulating with some rocks and tree roots.
    Not a huge fall but a good walk to undertake.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 907JLeMay
    Anchorage, AK169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The visitor center was an excellent start to our experience. The rangers were friendly, and we asked questions about the hikes that we planned to do.
    Written 5 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • moonlotus18
    Hamilton, New Zealand1,754 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easy walk from the road to this lovely waterfall. Worth the drive to get here, easy access and car parking too. Very refreshing. Could stay here for hours. Highly recommended.
    Written 23 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Liz F
    Taupo District, New Zealand25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing walk. Spectacular views. Needed clothing for all temperatures. Walking sticks good coming down from 2nd lake.
    Written 4 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sebastian M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hone knows the area like the back of his hand and has some wonderfully trained horses that will look after you. Not a single dull moment when you’re wading through rivers, weaving through bushland or cantering off the beaten path.
    Written 16 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ben B
    Austin, TX21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We hiked the Northern pass over 2 days camping 1 night at a hut. It was a beautiful and scenic experience well worth the hike. Loved every minute of it. Pack warm clothes as the weather can change quickly. Bring more food than you think and a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes. If it’s wet it can be boggy and slippery.
    Written 11 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cdn n
    New Plymouth, New Zealand2,064 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This walk is, perhaps, most interesting for people with a bit of an interest in geology and/or chemistry. As it is at high altitude, the patches of native bush come and go, you go through an interesting wetland, and I enjoyed reading the explanatory panels that the Department of Conservation put up. There is quite a lot of tussock - but there, you are at about 1100 - 1300m above sea level, and only the hardiest of plants survive.

    You will see the Golden Rapids in the bed of the Whakapapanui Stream en route, made of iron, and the Silica Rapids themselves - in the bed of the Waikare Stream - are of aluminium. Again, helpful signs talk about how this happens, and I think that's a great thing - you're looking at some thick, cream coloured deposits on rocks, which is not especially interesting until you know the story behind it - that silicates and aluminium leach from the old lava flow at the head of the valley. Similarly, the Whakapapanui Stream is rich in iron from the rocks along its own valley. It was a bit to ponder during the walk.
    Written 24 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Azz
    Auckland, New Zealand12 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    The views wer amazing. BUT. Nothing on the website to tell you that there was no snow or sledding available at happy valley. Had to pay over $170 for a family pass to go higher up the mountain so kids could play in the snow. If you make it cheaper we may have actually spent money in the overpriced cafe, but Mcds got our money there. And maybe work something out that you can take a decent photo out of the gondola without having to look out badly scratched up perspex.
    Written 7 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Foliagenz
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An excellent getaway even on a gloomy day, the tree canopies keep you dry for sure, the misterious dark atmosphere with background birds chirping makes this easy walk makes it exciting. Don't forget to stop time to time sit at the benches to enjoy the view of the lake.
    Written 12 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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