Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. It is a place of extremes and surprises, a place to explore and remember. From herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes - Tongariro has them all.
Location
This 79598-hectare park is located in the central North Island. The nearest towns are Owhango, Turangi, National Park and Ohakune. All roads lead to Tongariro National Park.
Roads surround the park and lead in to key access points and the ski fields.
The main trunk railway runs through the townships of National Park and Ohakune.
A number of daily flights operate into and out of Taupo Airport.
Sightseeing and regular flights operate from Turangi and Mt. Ruapehu airstrips.
Regular bus services also run to Ohakune, National Park and Turangi.
A variety of shuttle services run to Whakapapa from the nearby towns.
Forest Lodge Owhango... Gateway to the Tongariro National Park
Whether it be 5 minutes or 5 days, there is something suitable for everyone. Forest Lodge is ideally situated as a gateway and staging point for those venturing into the Tongariro National Park. Tongariro National Park was the fourth National Park established in the world. The active volcanic mountains Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro are located in the centre of the park.
Tramping / Hiking Guide
For your convenience we have listed some of the more prominent walks in and around Forest Lodge. If you require more information, we can provide extensive knowledge of the surrounding area as well as advise you on what's suitable for you and your party.
Tongariro Northern Circuit - Approximately 30 min's from Forest Lodge.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit winds its way over Mt Tongariro and around Mt Ngauruhoe. This walk passes through unique and stunning landforms, which include volcanic craters and glacial valleys.
A range of trips can be planned around the Tongariro Northern Circuit. Day trips including an overnight trip to one of the four huts, or a three to four day walk around the complete circuit.
Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake walk - Approximately 30 min's from Forest Lodge.
The traditional route for the ascent starts at the top of the Whakapapa Ski Field. Take the chair lift, which starts, at the top of Bruce Road o Knoll Ridge Chalet. The lift staff have a small map with a suggested route - stick to it as it is easy to get lost on the mountain. At Knoll Ridge Chalet (which serves as a restaurant), there's a photo exhibition of the eruption which you may wish to have a quick look at.
At first, follow the ski lift to the right of the chalet. The lower route branches off to the right rather soon, whereas the upper route leads via the top of the ski lift. Neither route is signposted, so you need to pay good attention to the map or follow the people in front of you. After about 3 hours, you will reach the Dome Shelter overlooking the Crater Lake. The area beyond the Dome Shelter has seen major "landscaping" during the eruptions in 1995 and 1996.
Dome Shelter is also one of the seismological survey stations for the volcano. The actual equipment is in a concrete vault beneath the shelter - for a good reason: the shelter was extensively damaged during the eruptions.
Traditionally people return to the ski field via the upper route.
Plan about five hours for the return trip.
5 Day round the Mountains - Approximately 30 min's from Forest Lodge.
The round the mountain track takes in a complete circuit, which encompasses all three of the prominent volcanoes Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Ruapehu, as well as passing by all of the historic huts etc. This walk enables the keen tramper to enjoy all of the parks wonders on a more relaxed time table. A good level of fitness is necessary to enjoy this walk.
Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve - Approximately 2 min's from Forest Lodge.
A loop track starts just before the bridge over the Whakapapa River. The track takes you through lovely bush and across a short boardwalk over a lagoon.
Allow about 1.5 hours.
Silica Rapids Walk - Approximately 40 min's from Forest Lodge.
This 2 to 3 hour loop track starts about 200 metres above Whakapapa Village. The track follows an unusually coloured stream taking you to the rapids which have been coloured by mineral deposits. Silica track boasts great views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. The track returns via the Bruce Rd about 2 km's above the Visitors’ Centre.
Allow 2 to 3 hour return.
Taranaki Falls - Approximately 40 min's from Forest Lodge.
Starting near three hundred metres below Whakapapa Visitor centre, at the end of Ngauruhoe place. This is a fantastic walk, which has a great display of both native bush and tussock vegetation, extensive lava formations over 15,000 years ago, not to mention the Taranaki Falls the best viewing is from the falls picnic area.
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours return.
Ridge Track - Approximately 40 min's from Forest Lodge.
Begins 3.5 km below Whakapapa Village on SH 48. After a short climb through low beech forest, the track emerges into alpine shrub lands with panoramic views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and the surrounding National Park.
Approximately 20 minute walk returning on the same track.
Whakapapa Nature Walk - Approximately 40 min's from Forest Lodge.
Begins 200m above Whakapapa Village. Formally known as the Alpine Garden, the sealed loop track provides wheelchair access for a glimpse of the unique flora of Tongariro National Park.
Allow 20 - 30 min's.
Other Points of Interest
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here to view pictures from our Tramping / Hiking photo
gallery.
