Tongariro National Park

A volcanic lake in Tongariro National Park.

An extinct crater in the park.

Tongariro National Park is a volcanic area.

Tongariro National Park, in the central region of North Island, preserves approximately 194,200 acres and is the oldest national park in New Zealand. It is also a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage area and the fourth national park to be created in the world.

Tongariro National Park is a volcanic area. There are three volcanoes in the park, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. They form the southern limits of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. This zone has experienced volcanic activity for the past 2 million years that continues today, with Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe among the most active volcanoes in the world.

The park's landscape offers intense contrasts with lava flows, winter snowfields, active craters, hot springs and beech forests. Wildlife in Tongariro includes the only mammals native to New Zealand — short and long-tailed bats.

There are roads around the park that also provide access to key areas. Whakapapa village is located within the park. Here, there are various lodging options including campsites, cabins and hotel rooms.

The park offers one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing. There are also shorter walks. Other activities include mountaineering and rock climbing. The park also contains two of New Zealand's largest ski fields.