Tongariro National Park

With active volcanoes, moon-like landscapes, hot mud pools, icy lakes and thick forests, Tongariro National Park has New Zealand written all over it.

Tongariro, smack-bang in the middle of the North Island, was one of the world’s first national parks and now has dual World Heritage status. And with three volcanic peaks and stunning glacier lakes it’s special alright. You may recognise Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings movies, Ruapehu has the Whakapapa and Turo ski fields and Tongariro itself looms over Lake Taupo. Summer is great for alpine crossing, mountain biking and swimming.

Where to stay in Tongariro National Park

The Park Hotel Ruapehu

6 Millar StreetTongariro National Park, Tongariro National Park

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this hotel is 9.8 mi (15.8 km) from Taranaki Falls and 12 mi (19.3 km) from Mangatepopo Trail Head. Whakapapa Ski Area and Tongariro Alpine Crossing are also within 25 mi (40 km).

Chateau Tongariro Hotel

State Highway 48Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ruapehu

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Tongariro National Park hotel is located in a national park, within a 5-minute walk of Tongariro National Park and Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre. Taranaki Falls is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) away.

Judges Pool Motel

92 Taupahi Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located near the slopes, this Turangi motel is in the mountains, 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and close to winter activities such as cross-country skiing and skiing lessons. Tongariro National Trout Centre is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away.

Skotel Alpine Resort

Whakapapa Village, SH 48Nagauruhoe Place Mt Ruapehu, Nagauruhoe Place Mt Ruapehu

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located near the slopes, this Tongariro National Park hotel is in the mountains, within 1 mi (2 km) of Tongariro National Park and Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre, and close to winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snow tubing. Taranaki Falls is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) away.

Adventure Lodge & Motel

21 Carroll Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly National Park Village bed & breakfast is located in the mountains, 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Tongariro National Park, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Taranaki Falls and Mangatepopo Trail Head. Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre is 9.9 mi (15.9 km) away.

Turangi Bridge Motel

4600 State Highway 1

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the riverwalk, this motel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and 3 mi (4.9 km) from Tongariro National Trout Centre. Lake Taupo and Tokaanu Thermal Pools are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Howard's Lodge - Hostel

43 Carroll St

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

Conveniently located near the ski slopes, this National Park Village hostel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Tongariro National Park and within 12 mi (20 km) of Taranaki Falls and Mangatepopo Trail Head. Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre is 10.1 mi (16.2 km) away.

Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge

4-6 Foyle Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located near the slopes, this Ohakune hotel is next to a golf course, within 12 mi (20 km) of Ohakune Old Coach Road and Turoa Ski Area, and close to winter sports such as skiing lessons and sledding.

Parklands Motorlodge

25 Te Arahori Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Turangi, this golf motel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and within 3 mi (5 km) of Tongariro National Trout Centre and Lake Taupo. Tongariro National Park and Tokaanu Thermal Pools are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Settlers Motel

24 Te Arahori Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Turangi motel is located near the airport, within 3 mi (5 km) of Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre, Tongariro National Trout Centre and Lake Taupo. Tokaanu Thermal Pools and Tongariro National Park are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Ohakune Court Motel

101 Goldfinch Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ohakune, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and Tongariro National Park. Mountain Bike Station and Ohakune Old Coach Road are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Station Lodge - Hostel

60 Thames Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the historical district, this hostel is 8 mi (12.8 km) from Ratana Church and 10.3 mi (16.5 km) from Turoa Ski Area.

Plateau Lodge

17 Carroll Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly National Park Village motel is located in a national park, 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Tongariro National Park, and within 25 mi (40 km) of Whakapapa Ski Area and Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Tongariro Lodge

83 Grace Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this lodge is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and within 6 mi (10 km) of Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo. Tongariro National Trout Centre and Tokaanu Thermal Pools are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Tussock Grove Boutique Hotel

3 Karo Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the mountains, this hotel is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Mountain Bike Station and 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from Ohakune Old Coach Road. Ratana Church and Raetihi Show Ground are also within 9 mi (15 km).

River Birches

19 Koura Street

Rated 5.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated on a river, this luxury lodge is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Tongariro National Trout Centre and 4 mi (6.5 km) from Tokaanu Thermal Pools. Kuratau Jetty and Tongariro Alpine Crossing are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Turangi Trout Lodge

237 Taupahi Road

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Turangi, this cottage is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and within 3 mi (5 km) of Tongariro National Trout Centre and Lake Taupo. Tokaanu Thermal Pools and Tongariro National Park are also within 6 mi (10 km).

LKNZ Ohakune

1 Rata St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Conveniently located near the ski slopes, this Ohakune hostel is in the mountains, within 2 mi (3 km) of Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and Ohakune Old Coach Road, and close to winter sports such as skiing lessons and sledding. The Dinosaur House and Waitonga Falls Walk Trailhead are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Oreti Village Resort

Mission House DrivePukawa, Pukawa

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this resort is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Taupo and within 6 mi (10 km) of Kuratau Jetty and Tongariro National Park. Tokaanu Thermal Pools and Pureora Forest Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Clyde Accommodation

68-70 Clyde Street

Rated 2.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Ohakune, this spa hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Tongariro National Park. Mountain Bike Station and Ohakune Old Coach Road are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Ruapehu Views Motel

4 Moore Street

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ohakune, this hotel is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mountain Bike Station and Ohakune Old Coach Road. Tongariro National Park is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) away.

Alpine Motel

7 Miro Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ohakune, this hostel is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Ohakune Old Coach Road and 11.5 mi (18.4 km) from Turoa Ski Area. National Army Museum is 17.1 mi (27.5 km) away.

Kelly's Riverside Motel

10 River Road

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Taumarunui, this golf motel is within a 15-minute walk of Rangaroa Domain and Taumarunui Domain. Taumarunui Golf Course is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) away.

Tongariro Holiday Park

State highway 47

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Tongariro Forest Park, this campground is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Tongariro National Park and within 9 mi (15 km) of Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Lake Rotopounamu. Mangatepopo Trail Head and Mount Tongariro are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Motuoapa Bay Motels

58 State Highway 1

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Motuoapa, this motel is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Lake Taupo and within 9 mi (15 km) of Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and Tongariro National Trout Centre. Tokaanu Thermal Pools and Tongariro National Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Oasis Motel & Holiday Park

426 State Highway 41, R.D. 1

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Tokaanu, this campground is 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from Tokaanu Thermal Pools and 3.1 mi (5 km) from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre. Tongariro National Trout Centre and Lake Rotopounamu are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Alexander Motel

6 Marae Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Taumarunui, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Taumarunui Domain and Rangaroa Domain. Taumarunui Golf Course is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) away.

Ossies Motels and Chalets

59 Tainui Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ohakune, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mountain Bike Station and Tongariro National Park. Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and Ohakune Old Coach Road are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Rainbow Motel Tokaanu

434 Tawera StreetState Highway 41 Tokaanu RD 1, State Highway 41 Tokaanu RD 1

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the mountains, this spa apartment building is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Tokaanu Thermal Pools and within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park. Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and Tongariro National Trout Centre are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Snowhaven

92 Clyde Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ohakune, this motel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mountain Bike Station and Tongariro National Park. Ohakune Old Coach Road is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) away.

Tongariro River Motel

Corner State Hwy 1 & Piri & Taupahi RdPO BOX 2, PO BOX 2

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Turangi, this motel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Tongariro National Trout Centre. Lake Taupo and Tokaanu Thermal Pools are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Canoe Safaris Lodge

6 Tay Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Conveniently located near the ski slopes, this Ohakune motel is in the mountains, within 2 mi (3 km) of Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and Ohakune Old Coach Road, and close to winter sports such as skiing lessons and sledding. Mountain Bike Station and Tongariro National Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Sportsmans Lodge

15 Taupahi Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the riverwalk, this hotel is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Tongariro National Trout Centre. Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo are also within 6 mi (10 km).

The Hobbit Motorlodge

80 Goldfinch Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ohakune, this eco-friendly motel is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from Tongariro National Park. Mountain Bike Station and Ohakune Old Coach Road are also within 2 mi (3 km).

The Peaks Motor Inn

128 Mangawhero TerraceCnr of Shannon St & Mangawhero Tce, Cnr of Shannon St & Mangawhero Tce

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located near the slopes, this Ohakune motel is in the city center and within 1 mi (2 km) of Mountain Bike Station, Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, and Tongariro National Park. Ohakune Old Coach Road is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) away.

Snowy Waters Lodge

58 Ward Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Raetihi, this eco-friendly hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Raetihi Show Ground and The Dinosaur House. Ratana Church is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) away.

Powderhorn Chateau

194 Mangawhero Terrace

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a regional park, this eco-friendly hotel is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Mountain Bike Station and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Ohakune Old Coach Road. Ratana Church and Raetihi Show Ground are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Braxmere

88 Waihi Road

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Tokaanu hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Lake Taupo and Tokaanu Thermal Pools. Pureora Forest Park and Tongariro Alpine Crossing are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Ruapehu Country Lodge

630 Raetihi-Ohakune Road

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ohakune, this luxury lodge is 3 mi (4.9 km) from Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and within 6 mi (10 km) of Ratana Church and The Dinosaur House. Raetihi Show Ground and Mountain Bike Station are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Bradleys Garden Bed & Breakfast

26 Totaranui Drive

Rated 4.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Taumarunui, this romantic bed & breakfast is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Rangaroa Domain and within 6 mi (10 km) of Taumarunui Domain and Taumarunui Golf Course. Whakapapa and Whanganui River Confluence and Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Tongariro Suites at The Rocks

27 Hutiwai Road, Horopito

Rated 5.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the mountains, this bed & breakfast is 10.2 mi (16.4 km) from Ohakune Old Coach Road and within 25 mi (40 km) of Waitonga Falls Walk Trailhead and Turoa Ski Area. Taranaki Falls and Whakapapa Ski Area are also within 32 mi (52 km).

Things to do in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Shuttle from Taupo

By Adventure HQ Taupo

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Let us take you on a journey to experience for yourself the world famous and spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek. This is a door to door shuttle

Duration: 11h

Tongariro River Rafting - Grade 2 Suitable for Families

By Tongariro River Rafting

Every rapid tells a story - you've just got to know how to read it. To discover the land, follow the river in this leisurely 1.5 hour trip down the soft,

Duration: 3h 30m