Tongariro is a World Heritage site in New Zealand
which revolves around its centre attractions
namely, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. A donation of
Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV in 1887, the
Tongariro National Park is also a large skiing
and hiking destination in New Zealand. Do not
be afraid of active volcanoes as the backdrop
since the eruption warning system is an effective
one. You wouldn’t stop going to the Alps
for fear of avalanches, would you?
The legend of Tongariro National Park
New Zealand
Like any other natural resource in New Zealand,
the mountains of Tongariro National Park are
also associated with Maori legends. According
to this tale, the high priest Ngatoroirangi
went to explore avenues of Tongariro. Instead
of snow falling gently on his mane, he obtained
a snowstorm that froze over him. And like any
high priest in his situation would do, he called
for Hawaiki (his ancestral home in Polynesia)
to send the fire in its way as it could again
be free to handle Tongariro’s snow. His
wishes were answered and the Pacific Ring of
Fire was born.
Tourist attractions in the Tongariro
National Park New Zealand
Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe are legendary
volcanic mountains that have hosted fans of
adventure sports-loving every moment of their
stay on the snow-covered slopes. The classic
cone-like crater Ngauruhoe is another Tongariro
wind which makes them more exciting for a hike
in the Tongariro National Park. Besides appearing
in a number of documentaries and home movies,
the mountain has recently made its debut appearance
in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The flora and fauna in the Tongariro
National Park New Zealand
While the summit of the mountains are dotted
with steam vents, massive lava flows and ancient
thermal pools and lakes, the lower reaches of
the mountains are draped in thick forest cover
which appear as a sea of black ink Point. In
addition to being the house of animals and birds
of New Zealand, it is also the home of the famous
short-and long-bats to tail.
Activities in the Tongariro National
Park New Zealand
The Tongariro Crossing is popular with hikers
looking for a difficult journey each summer.
The steaming crater, old lava flows and thermal
pools are welcome challenges while overlooking
Lake Taupo surrounded by volcanic vegetation
in refreshing sight. From the top, you can even
see Mount Taranaki, which escaped the wrath
of Tongariro, standing in the middle of the
natural heritage for Egmont National Park.
The walks can last anywhere between a few hours
(walks to waterfalls) to a number of days (around
the mountain track). Ski fields on Ruapehu,
and rafting and fishing on the Tongariro River
are other popular tourist activities in Tongariro
National Park, with visits in New Zealand packages.
Accommodation in Tongariro National
Park New Zealand
You can camp at many campgrounds or in the hiker’s
huts provided by the Department of Conservation,
New Zealand. You can also stay in hotels and
motels available at Turangi, National Park and
Ohakune, with visits to New Zealand packages.
