Climbing
There are a range of fantastic mountaineering and climbing opportunities in the park in all seasons. Winter climbing to the mountain summits is suitable for experienced hikers and climbers only. There are also many rock-climbing opportunities in the summer season.
Heritage sightseeing
Visit these heritage sites in the park and experience history right where it happened:
Skiing
Mount Ruapehu is the spectacular location of New Zealand's two largest ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa. Visit the Ruapehu Alpine Lifts website.
Each ski field is approximately 550 ha in size, and include a wide range of terrain types suitable for beginner to advance skiers and snowboarders. There is also a smaller ski field on the eastern side of the mountain called Tukino. Visit the Tukino website.
Special events
More information about events in the region: National Park Village website | Visit Ruapehu website
Mahi Aroha summer programme
Hikers on the Tongariro Taupo
Summer Programme
What: A series of guided trips in and around the Tongariro National Park region. The summer programme is a unique and special part of the Tongariro National Park, from its beginnings in the 1960s to the present day.
The trips allow you to learn more indepth information about parts of the region, or visit a new place you would not otherwise have gone to, meet like-minded people who love the area, and meet some of the DOC staff and dedicated volunteers who love to share their knowledge.
When: December - January
Tussock Traverse competitors and Mount Ruapehu
Tussock Traverse
What: A selection of running and walking races of different lengths, from Tukino mountain road on the eastern side of Ruapehu, along a section of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk, finishing at the Chateau hotel in Whakapapa Village.
When: Late January
Find out more on the Tussock Traverse website.
The Goat
What: A popular alpine adventure race from Whakapapa to Turoa on the Round the Mountain Track.
When: Early December
Find out more on The Goat website.
T42 mountain biking competitors
T42
What: A selection of mountain biking, running and walking races of different lengths along the 42 Traverse, through the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area.
When: Early May
Find out more on the T42 website.
Peak to Powderkeg
What: A multisport event involving skiing or snowboarding, running and cycling, from Turoa ski field to the Powderkeg hotel in Ohakune.
When: October
Find out more on the Peak to Powderkeg website.
Taupo events
What: There are a variety of sporting, artistic and cultural events in and around the Taupo region
When: Year round
Find out more on the Taupō District Council website.
Volunteer for conservation in the Central North Island
What: Get involved in a local community conservation project – see amazing places, meet great people!
When: Year round
Find out more: Volunteering opportunities in the Central North Island