Whakapapa Village short walks
Located in Tongariro National Park and Whakapapa Village area in the Central North Island region
Introduction
These short walks are either accessible on foot from Whakapapa Village or require a short drive to the start of the track.Dog access
Whakapapa Nature Walk
Time: 15 min loop track
Track category: Easy access short walk
This sealed loop track gives a glimpse of the unique flora of Tongariro National Park. A series of on-site information panels explain the various vegetation zones in the park.
Getting there: Begins 250 m above Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre on SH48.
Mounds Walk
Time: 20 min return
Track category: Short walk
Debris avalanches during Ruapehu’s periods of volcanic activity are believed to have formed these mounds thousands of years ago. The top of the track offers good views of the volcanoes and surrounding area.
Getting there: Begins 5 km below Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre on SH48.
Tawhai Falls
Time: 20 min return
Track category: Short walk
The falls, which tumble over the edge of an ancient lava flow, are reached after a short stroll through mountain toatoa and beech forest.
Getting there: Begins 4 km below Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre on SH48.
Ridge Track
Time: 30–40 min, 1.2 km return
Track category: Walking track
After a short climb through low beech forest, the track emerges into alpine shrublands with panoramic views of Mt Ngauruhoe and the surrounding landscape.
Getting there: Begins 150 m above Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.
These walks all start near Whakapapa Village, on SH48.
Contacts
| Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 7 892 3729 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | tongarirovc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Whakapapa Village State Highway 48 Mount Ruapehu |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 71029 Whakapapa Village Mount Ruapehu 3951 |
| Full office details | |