The volcanic plateau is unique in New Zealand with four volcanoes and thermal areas, which are still active. Mount Ruapehu is highest mountain in the North Island at 2797m and has the two largest ski areas in the country with 1800 hectares of skiable terrain. There is a heap of scope for skiers and snow boarders as well as excellent facilities and packages for beginners. For those who simply want to play in the snow, to ride the chair lifts and to enjoy the spectacular scenery, Ruapehu has it all. In the summer months the mountain walking trails and forest trails are popular with young and old alike. Transport runs daily in the summer to Tongariro Crossing from National Park Village as well as the mountain bike trails. Winter Sport Mount Ruapehu has three ski areas; Whakapapa, Turoa and Tukino (which is a small club run area). The Mount Ruapehu boasts the highest lift in New Zealand, the largest lift accessed terrain in NZ and the longest vertical drop in Australasia, all this and ~~~ world class learners facilities. From National Park Village it is an easy 20minute drive to Whakapapa or 35 minutes to Ohakune. There are several rental shops in the village plus a regular bus service to Whakapapa Ski Area. Should the mountain access roads be closed and there are chain hire & fitting services available. More Ski Area info Tramping, Trekking, Walking Short Walks near National Park Village
Raurimu Spiral viewing platform 10 minutes
Fishers Track 2 hours
Taranaki Lookout 2 hours Short walks near Whakapapa Village. More info
Mounds walk 20 minutes
Tawhai Falls 20 minutes
Ridge Track 20 minutes
Skyline 1 hour
Silica Rapids 2 hours
Taranaki Falls 2 hours Longer Walks
Ruapehu Crater 5 hours. More info
Tongariro Crossing one day. More info
Round the Mountain Track 4-5 days. More info Short Walks Tongariro
Te Porere Redoubt 1 hour More info
Lake Rotopounamu 2 hours More info Walks near Ohakune More Info
Mangawhero falls 10 minutes
Lake Rotokura 1 hours
Rimu Track 1.5 hours
Waitonga Falls 1.5 hours
Lake Surprise 5 hours
Old Blyth Track 5 hours Mountain Biking There are many old logging trails all around the area to explore. Some popular ones are: The Pines, Fishers Track and the well known 42 Traverse. Local transport is available for groups to access and return from these trails where required. Bikes are available for hire as well. More info Whanganui River A canoe trip down the Whanganui River provides for a unique three day journey through a remote wilderness with the opportunity to visit the Bridge to Nowhere and stay overnight at the Tieke Marae. A one day trip is available with a canoe down and a jet boat return to suit those with less time to spare. All equipment is supplied. More info Volcano Flights Sightseeing flights over the volcanoes are a special way to quickly get an overview of the Tongariro National Park and to see just how many craters and features there are. More info Lord of the Rings The volcanic plateau was home to the most sinister of the Lord of the Rings locales, Morder stronghold of the dark lord Saurian. Several filming sites included Emyn Muil at Whakapapa ski area, Mt Ngauruhoe featured as Mt Doom and Ithilien camp was near the Mangawhero Falls. More info Railway heritage The village of National Park (originally known as Waimarino) was first established as a camp settlement during the construction of the Main Trunk Railway. This was finally opened in November 1908 after 23 years of construction through some very rugged bush country with deep ravines necessitating some remarkable engineering construction feats including several viaducts, tunnels and the famous Raurimu Spiral. More info Fishing Ruapehu and the surrounding areas boast world class wilderness trout fishing. Offering angling of all types, from trophy fishing such as Lake Otamangakau 20 min east of National Park Village to the ever challenging wilderness backcountry head waters. You can choose between sight fishing for large trout in streams almost small enough to jump over, to targeting the evening rise on large boulder strewn rivers. Whakapapa River is the largest tributary of the Whanganui River and one of New Zealands finest trout fisheries. In the upper reaches water clarity usually exceeds 15 metres. The Whakapapa flows through native forest alternating between turbulent rapids, deep pools and long boulder runs. There are a few easy places to cross and some caution is required. The fishing in the lower reaches around Kakahi is good with fish averaging 1.5 kg | 
