KUBO

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The Tongariro National Park answers the “burning” question: how many ways can you enjoy a volcano? If you wish to see the extremes of New Zealand's harshest scenery, then this is the place to explore. With its ruggedly diverse landscape, from volcanic peaks to lush native bush and rivers, the Tongariro National Park World Heritage Site is a natural wonder that beams quintessential New Zealand.

The Whanganui River winds its way from its birth as an alpine stream high on Mount Tongariro to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. It is the longest navigable river in New Zealand and attracts cyclists, hikers, canoeists and day trippers. The river and road are part of Te Araroa (a walk stretching the length of New Zealand) and is one of the NZ's Great Walks. It is also part of the Mountains To Sea Cycle Trail.

Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Without a Paddle, Smash Palace and Hunt for WilderPeople are some of the movies shot nearby. Here are sights near Whakapapa from LOTR, you can use moviemaps to browse the region to see other spots.

You don't need to go all the way to Waitomo just to see glow worms. The New Zealand glow-worm is one of the most interesting insect of the New Zealand fauna, it occurs throughout the country in limestone caves, unused mining tunnels, along stream banks, in damp bush-clad ravines, in damp shady tree lined roads, and under tree-fern fronds in rain forests.

things to do

Mount Ruapehu is the winter playground of the north island, it has two main ski field - Turoa on the south slope and Whakapapa on the north slope. Offering over 700 hectares of patrolled skiable terrain on 52 groomed trails, with almost the same area off trail. A third ski field - Tukino, is located on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu which offers the rare combination of adventure and lack of crowds, coupled with the friendliness and camaraderie that’s only found on club-operated fields.

With an abundance of rivers, streams, wetlands and lakes, Ruapehu lends itself to a wide range of water based activities. Whether it's whitewater rafting or a family friendly float down the Tongariro River. Stand-up paddle boarding on a serene lake or your pick of river canoe, kayak or jet boat on the Whanganui River. The region also offers many swimming spots, these popular sites often include additional facilities such as picnic areas, bush walks, and toilets, making them a great place for a day out with family.

Ruapehu district is also home to a number of hunting lodge, if you fancy a trophy. If you've got a permit to hunt on public conservation land, there are many places to go and plenty of different species to hunt. Lake Otamangakau is the second most fished lake in the Taupo District, and is renowned for producing very big fish.

Ruapehu has a huge range of bike trails and mountain bike tracks like "The Pines" catering for cyclists of all levels. If you're into road cycling you might want to the try the 1000 meter ascent along Ohakune Mountain Road (‘Hors category’) rated as NZs ‘No 1 climb’ (NZ Road Cyclist magazine). Choose to do a trail or a road ride. See the beautiful scenery and enjoy being a part of it with a rental cycle or mountain bike. If you want some competition, check out this year's activities below.

There are plenty of walks around Ruapehu. If you fancy chasing waterfalls, we got them too! But when it comes to this part of the country there's only one item on everyone's bucket list - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, NZ's greatest single day walk. There are also two Great NZ Walks in the area - Tongariro Northern Circuit lets you explore the volcanic heart of Tongariro National Park, a landscape of stark glacial contrasts and alpine views. While the Whanganui Journey explore the scenic beauty paddling up the Whanganui River, a landscape of remote hills and bush clad valleys.

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