Things to do in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest national park. It is also a World Heritage Area and that for its natural volcanic landscape. Back in 1887, the park was declared New Zealand's first national park. It is home to three volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. You might also know Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. With its variety of landscapes, from desert to volcanic rocks, craters, snow fields and beech forests, Tongariro National Park won't disappoint―but will certainly distract you very easily; everywhere you look is different and even more interesting than the bit you've just seen. There's a good chance you'll pass through Tongariro National Park on a North Island road trip. The park is located in the centre of the North Island, and SH 1 leads right through it. Plenty of things to do right in the centre of the North Island. Best to start with one of the best known attractions: a spectacular hike through volcanic landscapes.