Whakapapa Visitor Centre
The Whakapapa Visitor Centre is situated at the main gateway to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's first national park and presently attracting in excess of one million visitors per annum. It is also often referred to as the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.
The Whakapapa Visitor Centre
provides a range of visitor inofrmation
and services to the park visitor
The opening hours for the Centre are:
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Summer: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm in the summer (November - March)
- Winter: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in the winter (April - October)
A 24 hour emergency helpline can be accessed from a phone in the foyer.
The Centre was first established in the 1960s and was redeveloped and re-opened in March 2001.
The centre offers:
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high quality visitor information and orientation,
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interpretative displays,
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two audio-visual shows,
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quality merchandise.
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weather and ski reports,
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track updates,
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hut tickets
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maps
- walk information
There are two primary stories portrayed in the centre:
- the original gift of the park in 1887 by Te Heuheu Tukino, the paramount chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa
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the unique volcanic history of the park and it's three main mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
These two themes are linked by the World Heritage Status of the park and are further illustrated by the following two audio-visual shows which are played on request:
The Sacred Gift: Features aspects of early history of the region, and brings to life the maori myths of the Park's volcanoes, european settlement of the area, spectacular landscapes and recreational activities within the park.
Volcanoes of the South Wind: This dynamic presentation describes the power and unpredictable nature of volcanoes and the earth-building which has shaped the National Park and it's surrounds. You will discover how volcanoes are created and why they are so important to all of us.
Charges to see shows are:
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Each show:
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$3.00 (Adult)
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$1.00 (Child)
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$7.00 (Family)
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Both Shows:
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$5.00 (Adult)
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$1.50 (Child)
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$12.00 (Family)
Discounts are available for schools and large groups.
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