tongariro+national+park

HIKING

National Park Village borders the World Heritage Tongariro National Park to the east and the Whanganui National Park, to the West. National Park Village is located near the base of Mt Ruapehu, at the intersection of SH4 & SH47 on the volcanic plateau. Discovering the secrets of the volcanic wilderness and experiencing where adventure happens, National Park Village is naturally an ideal base for your summer and winter explorations.

SKIING AND SNOW BORDING

Accommodation is available at the base of Mt Ruapehu your choice from B&Bs (Bed & Breakfast), backpackers, Ski lodges, motels 20 minutes from National Park Village is New Zealand's largest, most developed whakapapa ski area on Mt Ruapehu. Within the 600 acre boundary, there are a myriad of options that cater for beginners right through to advanced skiers out to challenge their limits. There are plenty of marked trails but the off piste skiing at Whakapapa is superb.

RIVER ACTIVITES The rivers flowing from the mountains boast world-class wilderness fishing, with its crystal clear waters flowing through remote native bush away from the madding crowd. Offering angling of all types, from trophy lake fishing in Lake Otamangakau to sight fishing for large trout in smaller streams and rivers. There are great fishing spots throughout Ruapehu with the main rivers being the Whanganui River, Whakapapa River, Manganui o te Ao River, Mangawhero River, Retaruke River and Ongarue River. The best time to swim in the many waterholes is during summer however canoeing, kayaking or jet boating is possible most of the year round, with both freedom and guided river trips available. While the Whanganui River is graded 1 to 2, most of the river is very remote. Suitable outdoor skills, equipment and clothing are essential. Guides can help provide a safe environment as well as enhance your experience with intimate knowledge of the Ruapehu region, its culture, history, flora and fauna. They can also arrange transport, accommodation, permits, food and equipment. The magical waters of the Tongariro River provide one of nature's finest, fun-filled roller coaster rides. Imagine rafting grade three rapids and long, lumpy glides through pristine pools and breathtaking gorges. Between the paddling and excitement, observe the native blue duck, the mystical ancient beech forest, the fantails and swallows flitting for surface insects. Listen to the chortling of a veritable potpourri of birds above the music of rushing water. See stealthy trout dart for cover as you pass. Enjoy the thrill and beauty of the Whakapapa River. This is the pristine headwaters of the Whakapapa River. The scenery is stunning!

FISHING

Ruapehu and the surrounding areas boast world class wilderness fishing. Offering angling of all types, from Trophy lake fishing (Otamangakau 20 min east of National Park Village) to the ever challenging wilderness backcountry head waters you can choose between sight fishing for large trout in streams almost small enough to jump over, to targeting the evening rise on large boulder strewn rivers.
 * **Trout Fishing our Local Wilderness Rivers & Streams**

Trout FishingWhakapapa River is the largest tributary of the Whanganui River and one of "New Zealands finest trout fisheries". All year round - in the upper reachers water clarity usually exceeds 15 metres. The Whakapapa flows through native forest alternating between turbulent rapids, deep pools and long boulder runs. There are a few easy places to cross and some caution is required. The fishing in the lower reaches around Kakahi is good with fish averaging 1.5 kg.

The middle reaches around Owhango fish well, access through Owhango reserve is good, from Owhango up river there is considerable private land. It is advisable to seek access permission from the landowners. Or use a reputable guide who has legal access. Other wilderness rivers Manganui-o-te-Ao Whanganui Waimarino Ongarue and Retaruke Locally, Licenses at The Department of Conservation Offices. ||

MT RUAPAHOU

ARMY MUSEAM
 * Whakapapa is home to New Zealand's premiere beginners' area, Happy Valley. It's a big complete learner’s area in its own valley away from the worry of faster skiers/boarders putting you off. It has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope is nice and long, giving you plenty of time to really get the hang of your new sport and there is a slow-moving chairlift that takes you to the top of the slope while giving your legs a rest between runs. ||

Explore The Army Museum at Waiouru with the outstanding displays of the nation’s military heritage. Enjoy a scenic flight over the Central Plateau’s majestic volcanoes they look breathtaking from the ground, but they’re even more stunning from the air. Or come fish Ruapehu 30 or so lakes, rivers and streams offering “World Class Trout Fishing”. The abundance of wild trout in the mighty Whanganui, Whakapapa, Manganui-o-te-Ao rivers and others are incomparable.

Mt Ruapehu is the largest of three magnificent volcanoes that make up the Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage Park. The majestic slopes accommodate New Zealand’s largest and most developed ski areas, **Whakapapa** and **Turoa**.

The world-class facilities cater for all levels from the beginner to the advanced and adventurous.