Tongariro National Park
Tongariro was the first national park to be established in New Zealand in 1887, and just the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area; recognition of Tongariro's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as outstanding volcanic features.
Tongariro has several mountains over 2,500m formed by many ex-volcanoes, though there have been few eruptions in the last 20 years. There are several glaciers on these mountains, which provide a good all year round water source, and the North Islands only commercial ski-fields.
Wildlife highlights:
- Birds - North Island robin, fantail, kereru (native pigeon), North Island Brown Kiwi, Kaka, Blue Duck, North Island Fernbird, Double-banded Plover, Karearea, Tui, New Zealand Bellbird, Southern Boobook, Grey Warbler, Silvereye.
- Bats - Short-tailed & Long-tailed Bat.
- Invasive species -Black Rat, Stoat, Cat, Rabbit, Hare, Possum and Red Deer
Location & how to get there: Tongariro National Park is mostly surrounded by well-maintained roads providing easy access. Highway 4 passes, State Highway 1, State Highway 47 and State Highway 49 all edge the park and provide access.
Accommodation: A variety of accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury options, is available in the towns surrounding the park. These include Whakapapa Village, Turangi, National Park, Ohakune, and Raetihi.
You can also stay in Department of Conservation managed campsites and huts.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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