Waikato · Manawatū-Whanganui · New Zealand

Taupō and Tongariro

The largest lake in New Zealand, in a volcanic crater, and Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage site, with three active volcanoes, the alpine crossing and skiing on Ruapehu.

Central North Island

In the photo: Mount Ruapehu

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The destination sits at the heart of the volcanic plateau of the North Island. To the north, Lake Taupō, about 616 km², is the country’s largest lake and occupies the caldera of a supervolcano, formed by major eruptions tens of thousands of years ago and renewed by an eruption around the year 232. On the northern shore, where the Waikato River leaves the lake, is the town of Taupō.

Around Taupō, the river and underground heat create attractions just minutes from town: the Huka Falls, the Aratiatia rapids and the fumarole field Craters of the Moon. On the lake, boats and kayaks reach a rock face carved with the face of the Māori navigator Ngātoroirangi.

South of the lake, about 100 km from Taupō, is Tongariro National Park, the country’s first national park, created in 1887 from a donation by the Māori chiefs of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural values and for the cultural significance of the mountains to Māori. Three active volcanoes dominate the landscape: Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu, the latter the highest point on the North Island at 2,797 meters.

Whakapapa, a small village at about 1,100 meters of elevation, is the park base: trails start there, as does the road to the ski area and transport for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the country’s best-known day hikes.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Taupō, Whakapapa Village.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Taupō and Tongariro is

Boundaries: Stats NZ / geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Taupō and Tongariro

✈ Aeroporto de Taupō (TUO) · 8 km to Taupō

Taupō is about 280 km from Auckland, a 3.5-hour drive, and 80 km from Rotorua, with regular buses and an airport serving domestic flights. Whakapapa is about 100 km from Taupō. The train between Auckland and Wellington stops at the village of National Park, 15 km away.

Suggested arrival point: Taupō

Waikato · Taupō and Tongariro Suggested arrival point

Taupō

Taupō sits on the northern shore of Lake Taupō, the country’s largest lake, where the Waikato River begins. A few minutes from the center are Huka Falls, the Aratiatia rapids, which fill when a dam gate is opened, and the steam field Craters of the Moon. On the lake, boats and kayaks reach the Mine Bay Carvings. It is the most used base for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Manawatū-Whanganui · Taupō and Tongariro

Whakapapa Village

Whakapapa is a small village at about 1,100 meters elevation inside Tongariro National Park, at the foot of Mount Ruapehu. It has the park visitor center, a few accommodations, and the trailheads for routes such as the Taranaki waterfall. From there the road climbs to Ruapehu’s ski area, and vans take visitors to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The local experience

Things to do in Taupō and Tongariro

Taupō · Waikato · Waterfall

Huka Falls

The Waikato River drop shortly after leaving Lake Taupō: the river narrows into a rock canyon and plunges into turquoise-blue waters, with a bridge and viewpoints above the current.

Whakapapa Village · Manawatū-Whanganui · Trail

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

A one-day hike of about 20 km through Tongariro National Park, across craters, lava fields, the Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes, with a climb up to about 1,886 meters.

Whakapapa Village · Manawatū-Whanganui · Waterfall

Taranaki Falls

A roughly 20-meter drop over the edge of an ancient lava flow near Whakapapa, on a loop of about 6 km through shrublands and beech forest.

Taupō · Waikato · Natural formation

Aratiatia Rapids

Gorge of the Waikato River near Taupō, normally almost dry, which fills with rapids when a dam’s gates are opened, several times a day.

See 3 more places in Taupō and Tongariro

Taupō · Waikato · Geothermal area

Craters of the Moon

Field of fumaroles and steam craters north of Taupō, traversed by boardwalks on a circuit of about 45 minutes through scrub and hot ground.

Whakapapa Village · Manawatū-Whanganui · Volcano

Mount Ruapehu

The highest point of the North Island, an active volcano at 2,797 meters with the country's largest ski area and the Sky Waka gondola, which rises to about 2,020 meters even outside the snow season.

Taupō · Waikato · Māori art

Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

Carved face of the Māori navigator Ngātoroirangi on a cliff by Lake Taupō, about 14 meters high, visited by boats, sailing vessels and kayaks departing from Taupō.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

For the alpine crossing and the trails, December to April, when there is a greater chance of stable weather. For skiing on Ruapehu, the season usually runs from late June to October. Lake Taupō is popular from December to March. Weather on the mountain changes quickly in any month.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Three days: one for Taupō, Huka Falls, Aratiatia and Craters of the Moon; one for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; one for short walks from Whakapapa or for Ruapehu. With two days, do Taupō and the crossing.

Which city to stay in

Taupō has the largest selection of accommodation and restaurants on the lakeshore, and transport for the crossing departs from there. In the park, Whakapapa has few lodging options, and the village of National Park and Ohakune further south supplement the mountain-area accommodation, especially in winter.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Taupō and Tongariro

How many days to stay in Taupō and Tongariro?

Three days allow you to see Taupō and its surroundings, do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and a short hike in the park. With two days, prioritize Taupō and the crossing.

What is the best time for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

From December to April, when weather is usually more stable. Outside that period, the crossing requires mountain equipment and experience.

Do you need a car in Taupō and Tongariro?

It helps a lot. Attractions around Taupō and in the park are spread out; for the crossing, it is recommended to use van transport from Taupō or from National Park.

What is the distance between Taupō and Tongariro National Park?

About 100 km to Whakapapa, a little over an hour by car.

Can you ski in Tongariro National Park?

Yes, on Mount Ruapehu, which has two ski areas. The season generally runs from late June to October, depending on snowfall.

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Taupō and Tongariro

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.