Mount Tongariro is a volcano in Tongariro National Park, on the North Island of New Zealand, in the Manawatu-Wanganui region. The address given for the park is Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui 3951. It is a complex andesitic volcanic massif, which means that rather than a single cone, it is made up of several craters and vents spread across its slopes.
What you will see
- Emerald Lakes: small lakes whose green colour stands out against the dark volcanic rock around them.
- Red Crater: a crater whose reddish walls give it its name.
- Active geothermal areas: steaming vents and warm ground that show the volcano is still active.
The landscape is open and rugged, and the colours of the craters and lakes change with the light and weather. Because the terrain is volcanic and exposed, conditions can shift quickly, so it is worth checking the weather and carrying warm, windproof clothing.
The mountain and its people
Mount Tongariro is considered sacred by the Maori people. It forms the heart of New Zealand's oldest national park. Visitors are encouraged to treat the area with respect, keeping to marked routes and following any guidance from park staff.
For a contact number before you go, the park can be reached on +64 7 892 3729. Plan your visit around the park's own information, as conditions on the mountain can change.
