The Tongariro National Park has a dual World Heritage Status in recognition of its outstanding natural features also the cultural spiritual values to Maori. The National Park was established in 1887, it was the first National Park in New Zealand and the fourth in the World.
The peaks of the National Park, Tongariro (1978 Meters), Ngauruhoe (2291 meters) and Ruapehu (2797 meters) were until recently regarded by the local Maoris, as strictly tapu (sacred, forbidden). Ngati Tuwharetoa paramount chief, Te Heuheu Tukino IV gifted the 2630 hectares to the people of New Zealand, this gift ultimately means the area is now secure, meaning everyone can enjoy these wonderful mountains.
The most popular walk in the Park is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing you hike across the main craters of Mt Tongariro. Other Hikes in the park include the Tongariro Northern circuit one of the nine great walks inNew Zealand and the 3-6 day Round the Mountain walk (Ruapehu). For those less energetic there are plenty of short walks 20 minutes to two hours throughout the park.
Mt Ruapehu has the two popular ski fields Turoa, as Australiasia’s longest drop and Whakapapa is New Zealand’s Largest Ski field.