This post is part of my New Zealand trip series. To learn more about the trip as a whole, check out my previous post: How we Planned a Three Week Trip to New Zealand with a Five Month Old.

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Tongariro National Park

    Unfortunately, we were only able to spend a few hours in Tongariro National Park. If we ever get the chance to visit Tongariro National Park again, I would absolutely plan on staying here for a few days. Tongariro National Park is one of the most beautiful sites on the North Island. I am really sad that we only were able to spend one day here. However, we made the most of our day. There were four relatively easy hikes that we went on while we were there. The first being The Ridge Track. The second being The Mounds Walk. The third being Tawhai Falls. Ending the day with the Waitonga Falls Track.

First, be prepared, The Ridge Track is the only hiking tail that has a restroom at the trail head. The other three (Mounds Walk, Tawhai Falls, and Waitonga Falls Track) do not have restrooms at the trail heads. Nor do these three walks have any out houses on the trail. Be sure to plan these hikes/walks accordingly.

The Ridge Walk, The Mounds Walk, and the Tawhai Falls are relatively easy. These were our first true hikes in New Zealand. They ended up being perfect trial runs. The Ridge Walk was relatively easy. The trail head for this walk was right next to the visitors center. It was a very easy walk up a slight grade and about 30 minutes round trip (that was with a short impromptu photo shoot at the top).

The next walk we went on was the The Mounts Walk. This was an even easier walk with almost no grade (until the end). At the end there are some steps that give you some great views of the mounds and the volcanoes. This walk was about 20 minutes total.

Finally, Tawhai Falls was our last “prep” walk prior to attempting something longer and more challenging. Tawhai Halls is a relatively short waterfall at the end of the trail. The walk itself is about 20 minutes total. However, just know, that there is a very good chance that this hike might take longer. Once you reach the end of the trail, you will most likely find yourself wanting to climb around on the rocks or swim in the river. If you are spending more time in the National Park than we did, this would be the perfect afternoon activity for you and your family.

The last hike we took in Tongariro National Park was the Waitonga Falls Track. This hike is two hours long, it is a little bit of a drive from the visitors center. There is no restroom at the trail head or anywhere on the trail (plan accordingly). We enjoyed this hike, it was a little rough at times (due to medium grade in a few areas). However, there were various different sights to see. You hike through forests, over rivers, grasslands, and tarns (ponds high in the mountains). Then at the end of the trail you will see an incredible waterfall and stoney brook. If we had more time, I would have loved to have spent more time at the final destination (Waitonga Falls).

Accommodation (Aspen Court Taihape)

   Because we needed to catch the ferry in Wellington the next day, we continued our journey to Taihape for an over night stay (there is a 4-5 hour drive from Tongariro National Park to Wellington so we chose somewhere between the two). Our accommodations were Aspen Court Taihape. These accommodations were quite comfortable and resemble what you would find in an American Hotel. Furthermore, it is right next to the highway and easy to access. We definitely recommend this hotel. However, if you are planning on staying in Tongariro National Park for a few days, here are some accommodations you might enjoy.

Hostel: YHA National Park

Boutique: Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Luxury: Tongariro Lodge