Tongariro is one of New Zealand’s most famous national parks, situated in the central part of the North Island. You can reach it by heading south from Auckland.
The entire national park holds significant Maori cultural importance and features remarkable volcanic landscapes. It was a gift to the nation from Maori tribal leader Te Heuheu Tukino IV in 1887. Established in the same year, the park covers an area of 796 square kilometres and is New Zealand’s first national park.
It’s also the only dual World Heritage site within New Zealand’s borders. The core of the park consists of three active volcanoes, in order of height: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro.
You should visit the park’s information centre, where you’ll find everything you need to know about the weather, trail maps, timing, and more. The most famous trail is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is 19 kilometres in length. If you come in the summer, it’s definitely worth trying.
Every route in the park is stunning, with unique vegetation at each altitude. It’s an endless wilderness that opens your heart.
The Doom Volcano Tongariro
This place served as the inspiration for Mount Doom, as any Lord of the Rings fan would know. Additionally, this national park is perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
The Doom Volcano in the ancient land of Mordor, stands as the crucible of Sauron’s dominion, the most powerful place in “The Lord of the Rings” movies. In reality, there is indeed such a volcano, and it’s in Tongariro.
Do you remember the fantastical scenes from “The Lord of the Rings,” with emerald lakes, lush alpine meadows, and steaming hot springs that seemed otherworldly? These scenes were filmed in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand’s North Island.
Hiking Tips
You need to pre-book a shuttle bus, drive your car to the finishing point’s parking lot, and then take a shuttle back to the starting point before beginning the hike. If you’re in a larger group and want to save money, it’s advisable to designate one person to drive over while the others wait at the entrance for the representative to return. When we climbed in late May, it was freezing waiting for the others as we left a little after 5 in the morning.
Without stopping, you can complete the hike in approximately 6-7 hours. We took a lot of breaks for photos and meals, which consumed a lot of time, so it took us close to 9 hours. If the weather is good, it’s not a difficult hike, and you can take your time!
Where to stay
There aren’t many motels in the park, but Plateau Lodge is a good choice. The rooms are clean and spacious, with a fully equipped kitchen and utensils. The heating facilities are also good, and the staff is very welcoming. There’s a supermarket and gas station nearby, where you can buy noodles, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Some restaurants may be closed due to the winter season and fewer tourists.
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