The Visitor Centre provides a range of visitor information and services

The Whakapapa Visitor Centre (also known as Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre) is located at Whakapapa Village, the main gateway to Tongariro National Park - New Zealand’s first national park and dual world heritage area.

The centre was first established in the 1960s and was redeveloped and re-opened in March 2001.

Opening hours

• Open every day - the only day we close is Christmas day
• Summer: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (December – March)
• Winter: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (April – November)

Information and services you can find here

• hiking track information and current conditions
• weather, ski field, and avalanche reports
• exhibits on the volcanoes, maori mythology, flora and fauna
• a relief map model of the national park
• two audio-visual shows detailing the park's history and features
• quality merchandise including books, postcards, clothing and gifts
• hut tickets and Great Walk reservations
• topographical maps
• hunting and fishing (Taupo region) permits
• 24 hour access foyer with public telephone, weather and track information

Stories portrayed in the centre

The original gift of the park in 1887 by Te Heuheu Tukino, the paramount chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa
The unique volcanic history of the park and its three volcanoes Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro
These two themes are linked by the dual World Heritage status of the park.

Find out more in our audio-visual shows

You can see two audio-visual shows detailing the park's history and features. We play them on request throughout the day, so just ask us if you want see them.

The Sacred Gift of Tongariro

Discover the unique story of Tongariro National Park in a journey from its mythical origins to the creation and recreational development of New Zealand's first national park. A combination of sound, graphics and spectacular landscape images conveys the diverse and special nature of this World Heritage area.

Volcanoes of the South Wind

Experience the violent and unpredictable nature of Tongariro National Park's volcanoes. Special effects bring to life the earth's inner core, plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions.

Related link

Whakapapa Visitor Centre teaching resource

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