Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tongariro, Urewera & Cent-
ral North Island
Why Go
From the spare, volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park to the dense, mountainous
forests of Te Urewera, the central region of the North Island contains diverse and rewarding
tramping terrain.
Relatively close as the crow flies, two national parks and two forest parks offer visitors an
opportunity to tick off many classic New Zealand wilderness experiences: summit a bald,
volcanic peak rent with steaming vents, then stride down a scree slope; visit a historic tramp-
ing hut, now converted into a mini-museum; traverse an open ridge with nonstop views, then
loop back through a valley following an ever-changing river bed; spend several days skirting
a bluff-lined lakeshore, deep in an untouched wilderness; row a boat across a pristine lake, to
a hut where you can spend the night; explore ancient forest, internationally recognised for its
unique ecological make-up; and see the landscape through the eyes of both Maori and
Pakeha, whose stories are retold along the way.
When to Go
With plenty of mountains in their midst, the tramping areas in the North Island's centre-east
are prone to unpredictable weather patterns. What is predictable, however, is heavy rain ap-
pearing at some point or another, which often renders river crossings impassable. Alpine
areas may also be snowbound as late as the start of summer. Strong winds on peaks and
ridges are an added hazard.
The substantial alpine sections of Tongariro's Northern Circuit and Alpine Crossing mean
they are best attempted November to March. This is also the most pleasant time to complete
other tracks in this region, although they can be completed at any time of year in favourable
conditions.
Best Sights
A
Ngauruhoe Summit (
Click here
)
