The opportunities for mountain biking in Ruapehu abound with numerous trails easily accessible from any of the towns & villages of the region. Whether you are a first timer or downhill demon, there are trails to suit in and around the Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park. Ruapehu is proudly home to two of […]

Visitors are strongly recommended to not park their vehicles at either end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing but park and ride with our licensed operators from the townships nearby such as National Park Village & Whakapapa Village. There is now a 4 hour parking restriction in place at Mangatepopo road end to allow for those doing shorter walks. […]

From yesterday to today Tongariro was the first national park formed in New Zealand, and the fourth in the world. It was the first national park in the world to be gifted by a country’s indigenous people, on 23 September 1887. When established the original size of Tongariro National Park was 2,640 hectares. It has gradually increased to […]

Backcountry huts and hiking tracks There are eight serviced backcountry huts along two multi-day circuit hiking tracks. It is a fantastic experience going on an overnight hiking trip. Journey through dramatic (and active!) volcanic landscapes, glacial valleys, native beech forest, alpine meadows and emerald coloured lakes. This path winds its way past Mt Tongariro and […]

Events Conservation Week events are organised across the country. These provide opportunities to join in, get active and show your love for our nature. They also showcase the special species, features, and people involved with particular places; the historical and cultural information about the area; and the steps you can take to contribute towards conservation […]

2018 is a very exciting time for RAL (Ruapehu Alpine Lifts) after heavy investment into Whakapapa Ski Area last year & the workings toward constructing NZ’s first ski area gondola this summer. Both Tūroa & Whakapapa have a stacked events calendar lined up for the 2018 winter season & Whakapapa holds New Zealand’s longest season […]

Mt Ruapehu’s Whakapapa is set to be transformed with a new luxury gondola – one of only two of its design in the world – with the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund assisting with financing of the project. Fifty gondola cabins will feature floor to ceiling glass for breath taking views, internal ski racks, wi-fi, audio […]

Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand’s premier one day hike winds its way 19.4km through the country’s oldest National Park and a dual World Heritage Area. The volcanic terrain is unique and dramatic landforms and a range of endemic flora and fauna this world renowned day hike is full of excitement. Having recently completed the […]

  How to plan your perfect trip in the Tongariro National Park. With endless of activities to choose from – self guided or a well organised/ guided trip. Trip advisor Tongariro National Park Forum cover the question you need to answer. Need to know about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – When is the best months […]

The Ruapehu region is the home of stone giants -Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. They present a distinct volcanic cluster, marking the southern limits of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Covering nearly the entire circumference of the Pacific Ocean, a horseshoe shaped series of volcanic pattern that make up the “Ring of Fire” are […]