Discover Whakapapa Village

Whakapapa Village is located on State Highway 48 and is the main gateway to Tongariro National Park. When choosing your destination, the village is defined above all by its combination of walking trails, volcanic landscapes and winter activities. The national park visitor centre is in the village and features exhibitions about volcanoes, Māori mythology, flora and fauna.

Walking trails and waterfalls

The Taranaki Falls Walk is a loop trail to a 20-metre-high waterfall. Along the way, varied terrain alternates with mountain views. At the waterfall, water cascades over an andesite lava flow that erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. The walk is also part of the Te Araroa Trail.

The Tama Lakes Track starts in Whakapapa Village via the Taranaki Falls Walking Track. It passes through rolling tussockland and alpine herb fields; the track is well formed and marked. As a day hike, it offers a different time frame from the Round the Mountain Track, which can be completed in two or three days along a section between Whakapapa Village and Ohakune Mountain Road, on either the western or eastern side of Ruapehu.

The Whakapapanui Walk is in Whakapapa Village on State Highway 48 and follows the Whakapapanui Stream through protected forest. Along the way, you can look out for the endangered whio. The nearby Silica Rapids Walk offers a different experience: it starts 250 metres above the visitor centre, in the vicinity of the village. A boardwalk crosses boggy terrain; the seepage pools are home to freshwater crayfish known as kōura. The landscape also features diverse vegetation and creamy-white silica terraces.

Getting oriented and longer hikes

There is a car park opposite the visitor centre for the Round the Mountain Track. The trailhead is on Ngauruhoe Place, 100 metres below the centre. From there, it takes approximately five hours and 30 minutes to reach Waihohonu Hut; walking times depend on the weather. In winter, parking along State Highway 48 in Whakapapa Village is limited to three hours. Factor this seasonal rule into your plans and check parking conditions before you travel.

Mountain views and winter activities

The Sky Waka gondola takes you on a 1.8-kilometre ride to an elevation of 2,020 metres. Along the way, enjoy aerial views of the volcanic terrain of Mt Ruapehu, as well as views across the mountain and Central Plateau. The Whakapapa Ski Area has a dedicated beginner area with covered conveyor belts and a slow-moving chairlift. For both activities, it is advisable to check the latest operating information, as operating periods and conditions can change.

The western half of Tongariro National Park lies within the wider Ruapehu District; the park is a dual World Heritage site. Most of Mount Ruapehu is also in the Ruapehu District.

Discover more destinations: Raetihi, Ohakune, Taumarunui, Kakahi, Matiere, Retaruke, Erua, Raurimu

View the main travel guide: Ruapehu District.