Adventure Magazine Issue 220

HOMEGROWN
CENTRAL PLATEAU
Hiking:
The Central Plateau offers a range of hiking options; from the
shores of Lake Taupo through to the Kaimanawa Forest and
Pureora Forest Park, but nothing quite beats the draw of the
Tongariro National Park.
Tongariro National Park is a land of volcanic wonders –
steaming craters, alpine rock gardens, surreal lakes and
tumbling waterfalls. Its hiking trails offer spectacular winter trips
complete with solitude and a backdrop of snowy peaks.
The 600-hectare national park is centred on three volcanoes,
Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. In their foothills,
Okahune, National Park and Whakapapa Village make great
bases for exploration, as do other little Ruapehu region towns
within easy reach.
Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park, established
in 1887. It holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for its
cultural significance as well as its outstanding natural features.
The park’s striking natural beauty is the result of two million
years of volcanic activity. Ruapehu and Tongariro are two of the
most active composite volcanoes in the world.
Winter crossing of the Tongariro National Park
Image compliments of Visit Ruapehu
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