Located in the central North Island, Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand, and the fourth established anywhere in the world. There are a number of Maori religious sites within the park, and many of Mount Tongariro's summits of which there are at least 12, including Ngauruhoe (NZ's most active volcano with 61 eruptions since 1839) and Ruapehu, are tapu, or sacred. It is home to the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as one of the world's best one-day hikes. Hiking around an active volcano would have to be one of life’s most memorable experiences. And if you decide to climb to the summit, the feeling of achievement is even more uplifting.
Tongariro National Park
Updated: Dec 10, 2023