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 its present size of 79,596 hectares.
Today, approximately one million people visit Tongariro National Park each year. Despite the popular ski fields on Mount Ruapehu, there are more visitors in summer than winter due to the excellent hiking opportunities.
The park’s central location means it is easy to access from both Auckland and Wellington and other locations in the North Island.
Mountain summits
Tongariro National Park is centered around three active volcanoes:
- Tongariro 1967 m
- Ngauruhoe 2287 m
- Ruapehu 2797 m
Mount Ruapehu has several peaks:
- Tahurangi 2797 m (the summit and highest point in the North Island)
- Paretetaitonga 2751 m
- Te Heuheu 2732 m
- Girdlestone 2658 m
- Mitre 2591 m
