FAQ & Best Travel Tips
Is Plateau Lodge good for families and travelers?
Yes — Plateau Lodge is well suited to families of all sizes. We offer spacious rooms and apartment-style accommodation, making it easier to stay together and feel at home. Our quiet village location is ideal for families who want access to nature without busy city crowds.
Do kids stay free at Plateau Lodge?
Yes. Plateau Lodge offers kids stay free deals during selected times of the year, including school holiday periods and seasonal promotions. These offers allow children to stay free when sharing with adults, helping families enjoy a more affordable break near Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu. Availability and conditions vary by season.
Things to do nearby with kids and travellers
Families staying at Plateau Lodge enjoy being close to:
Short walks and forest tracks
Scenic lookouts and easy nature trails
Mountain bike trails
Seasonal snow activities on Mt Ruapehu
Outdoor adventures suitable for different ages
There’s plenty to do without spending hours in the car.
Accommodation options for families and travelers
Plateau Lodge offers a range of accommodation options that work well for families, including rooms and apartments with space for everyone. This flexibility makes us a popular choice for:
Families with young children
Multi-generation trips
Groups travelling together
A relaxed place to come back to
After a day exploring, Plateau Lodge offers a comfortable, no-pressure environment where families can relax, recharge, and plan the next day’s adventure. Our focus is on making your stay easy and enjoyable.
Book your stay at Plateau Lodge
Plateau Lodge is a friendly, practical choice for travelers and family accommodation near Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu. Book direct to view current availability and check whether kids stay free offers apply to your dates.
We are nested in the foothills of the Tongariro Park, our region is the mecca for biking, hiking and skiing. This is our home here at Plateau Lodge and we are experts on what you can do at anytime of the year. We can even talk about the weather... our forever changing conditions!
⛳ Mini Golf – Schnapps Bar, National Park Village
Enjoy a fun 18-hole mini golf course with stunning views of Mt Ruapehu. Great for families, couples, or groups, it’s located right next to Schnapps Bar—perfect for a round before grabbing food and drinks.
Open daily | Prices: Kids from $6, Adults $11, Family pass $28
🧗 Indoor Rock Climbing – National Park Backpackers
Test your skills on an 8-metre-high indoor climbing wall featuring 55 routes and 29 top ropes for all abilities (grades 10–26). Gear hire and instruction included.
Open daily 9 am–8 pm | Prices: Adults $15, Children $10, Climbing shoes $3
🏞️ Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre – Whakapapa Village
This DOC-run center is your go-to for track info, safety advice, and cultural insights. Explore interactive displays on volcanoes, native wildlife, and Māori heritage. Staff can assist with hike planning, hut bookings, and more.
Open daily 8:30 am–4 pm | Location: Tawera Place, Whakapapa Village
🌄 One Day & One Night Teaser
🚶♂️ Hiking (Short & Sweet)
Start exploring straight away with short walks ideal for arrival or departure day:
Taranaki Falls Loop – 1.5-hour alpine loop through beech forest and tussock
Ridge Walk – 1.5-hour scenic walk with mountain views above Whakapapa Village
More options are available on the DOC website: Walks in Tongariro National Park
Wear sturdy footwear and bring a rain jacket – weather can change quickly in alpine areas.
🚴♀️ Biking (Ride with a View)
Two fantastic trails leaving from Plateau Lodge:
Marton Sash & Door Trail – 2-hour loop with a mix of native bush and old tramlines
Fishers Track – Downhill ride through farmland and forest with epic views
Grade 3 – suitable for most riders with moderate fitness.
Bike hire is available locally. E-bikes and child seats can be arranged in advance.
🎢 Experience (Half-Day Highlights)
Sky Waka Gondola – Ride to 2020m on Mt Ruapehu for incredible views and alpine access
Mini Golf – 18-hole course next to Schnapps Bar, great for all ages
Indoor Rock Climbing – 8m high wall with beginner to advanced routes
Tawhai Falls Walk – Short 20-minute return track to the iconic “Gollum’s Pool”
All activities are within 5–10 mins’ drive or walking distance from National Park Village.
🌧️ Wet Day Options
Whakapapa Visitor Centre – Indoor displays, maps, and DOC staff to help plan your day
Tupapakurua Falls Track – Native bush track with waterfall views, partly sheltered
Tokaanu Thermal Pools – Natural geothermal hot pools near Turangi
Lake Rotopounamu Walk – Peaceful lake circuit through ancient forest
Forgotten World Adventures – Rain-proof rail cart tours and heritage experiences
Bring a warm jacket and a sense of curiosity!
🏞️ Relax with Two Nights or More
🥾 Full Day Hiking Adventures
Tongariro Alpine Crossing – One of the world’s best one-day hikes (allow 6–8 hrs)
Tama Lakes Track – Full-day return walk with stunning dual crater lakes
Shuttle services are available from National Park Village. Pre-booking recommended, especially in summer.
🚠 Experience More
Sky Waka Gondola – Open year-round for sightseeing and access to high alpine terrain
Whakapapa Ski Field & Happy Valley – Winter snow fun for all skill levels (June–October)
Jet Boating on the Whanganui River – Combine with a paddle tour or bush walk
Forgotten World Adventures – Unique rail experiences, tunnels, and historic landscapes
Some experiences require advance booking, especially in winter and summer holidays.
🚵♂️ Epic Biking Trails
Old Coach Road – Ride through native bush and historic viaducts, suitable for families
Bridge to Nowhere Trail – Remote ride through Whanganui National Park, jet boat return available
Some trails require a shuttle, jet boat, or return transport—ask locally for options.
🌧️ Wet Day Options
Indoor Rock Climbing – Great family-friendly indoor fun
Whakapapa Visitor Centre – Learn about volcanic geology and Māori history
Tupapakurua Falls Walk – Can be done in wet weather with proper footwear
Tokaanu Hot Pools – Relax in geothermal waters
Lake Rotopounamu – Sheltered bush walk to a beautiful hidden lake
🍽️ Local Dining Tips
Schnapps Bar – Laid-back pub food with mountain views
Spiral Restaurant & Bar – Cosy dining with hearty New Zealand meals
- The Station Cafe - Open for breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
- Food carts - Coffee to a quick bite to eat
🚍 Getting Around
Walking distance – Most attractions are accessible from central Waimarino -National Park Village
Shuttles available – For Tongariro Crossing, Whakapapa Ski Field, and biking trails
Driving – Car rental or private transfer is best for exploring further afield