Tongariro National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Established in 1887, it was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. The park is located in the central North Island of New Zealand and is easily accessible from State Highway 1. It is also a dual World Heritage area, recognized for its important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including herb fields, forests, tranquil lakes, desert-like plateaus, and active volcanoes. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most popular hikes in the park, taking visitors through a stunning volcanic landscape with views of Mount Ngauruhoe, famously known as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The park includes many towns around its boundary, including Ohakune, Waiouru, Horopito, Pokaka, Erua, National Park Village, Whakapapa skifield, and Turangi. The park also features the only two native mammals of New Zealand, the short and long-tailed bat (Mystacina tuberculata and Chalinolobus tuberculatus). The Tongariro National Park also teems with insects like moths and wetas. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, hunting, game fishing, mountain biking, horse riding, rafting, and scenic flights. The Tawhai Falls Walk, also known as Gollum's Pool, is another popular hike that takes visitors to the iconic waterfall featured in the movie.
Accommodation options in the park range from camping and backpackers to luxury lodges. The Tongariro Crossing Lodge is a popular choice, set in tranquil surroundings with large landscaped grounds and a picturesque garden terrace with mountain views. In addition to Tongariro National Park, the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand offers many other attractions, including the Whanganui National Park, which is slightly smaller than Tongariro National Park and was established 99 years later when a series of reserves were incorporated into one area and given national park status. There are also two state forest parks in the rugged, bush-clad Ruahine Range and Tararua Range. The region's main population centers are the cities of Palmerston North and Whanganui, which are administered by the Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Council, which operates under the name Horizons Regional Council.
Overall, Tongariro National Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. With its diverse landscapes and range of activities, it offers something for everyone.