Tongariro National Park

[[file:WV banner Tongariro Natp Mt. Ruhapeu - unesco=yes|caption=Mount Ngauruhoe in late summer}} Mount Ruapehu January2005 - Mount Ruapehu from the Desert Road in mid-January (summer)

Tongariro National Park, in the central North Island of New Zealand, contains the three active volcanoes of Mount Ruapehu (the island's highest peak), Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. It is one of the North Island's most popular areas for day Tramping in New Zealand|tramping, multi-day tramping and snow sports. The island's two main skifields are on Ruapehu. The park was New Zealand's first national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage site.

Tongariro National Park Halal Travel Guide

Established in 1887, Tongariro National Park was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It began with 250 km², and has been expanded twice (in 1922 and 1975) to today cover nearly 800 km². It is also a dual UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. In 1993 it became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised criteria describing cultural landscapes. The mountains at the heart of the park have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people and symbolize the spiritual links between this community and its environment. The park has a diverse range of ecosystems and some spectacular landscapes.

Dominating the landscape are the three volcanoes of Ruapehu (2797 m), Ngauruhoe (2291 m) and Tongariro (1967 m). Geologically, Ngauruhoe is a secondary vent of Tongariro but is otherwise universally accepted as a separate mountain. All are active, with Tongariro last erupting in November 2012, Ruapehu in 2007 and Ngauruhoe in 1977. Ruapehu also has a crater lake which can occasionally overflow into nearby rivers and create lahars; on Christmas Eve 1953, 151 people were killed when one such overflow wiped out the Tangiwai rail bridge moments before an overnight Wellington to Auckland express was due. There are also a large number of dormant and extinct volcanoes dotted across the landscape.

It is a place of extremes and surprises, a place to explore and remember. From herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes. The landscape has served as a backdrop for many New Zealand films, most notably serving as Mordor (with the help of computer graphics) in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Travel as a Muslim to Tongariro National Park

The nearest towns to the park are National Park Village, Ohakune, Raetihi, Turangi, and Waiouru. These can be easily reached by car, as they lie on the four highways encircling the park. State Highway 1 (SH 1) goes through Turangi and Waiouru, over the Desert Road in between to the east of the park. State Highway 4 passes west of the park through National Park village and Raetihi. State Highway 49 forms the southern link, connecting SH 4 several kliometres north of Raetihi with SH 1 at Waiouru via Ohakune. State Highway 47 forms the northern link, from SH 4 at National Park to SH 41 at Turangi, with a short section of SH 41 through Turangi to SH 1. There is also SH 46, which forms a shortcut between SH 47 and SH 1 south of Lake Rotoaira. Whakapapa village is 6 kilometers up SH 48, a spur branching off SH 47.

National Park village and Ohakune can also be reached by train, on the main trunk line between Wellington and Auckland.

The nearest airport is at Taupo, 50 km north of Turangi.

How to get around in Tongariro National Park

-39.23|175.57 The Department of Conservation (DOC) no longer likes people to leave their cars at the Mangatepopo end of the Tongariro Crossing due to a high number of thefts, so the shuttles from Ketetahi at the end of the day do not drop people off at the Mangatepopo carpark. They will only drop you on the primary street which is 7 kilometers from the carpark. Instead DOC is trying to encourage people to leave their cars at Whakapapa Village and get a shuttle to the start of the track and the shuttles from the end drop you back to Whakapapa village for $15.

What to see in Tongariro National Park

• Whakapapa Visitor Centre - Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre | Whakapapa Village -39.2013, 175.5400 ☎ +64 7-892 3729 | Opening Hours: December - Mar 8AM Monday - 6PM; April - Nov 8AM Monday - 5PM; closed 25 Dec Free entry. A small charge for two audio-visual shows Get current info on tracks, ski fields, weather and avalanches. See displays on the volcanoes, flora and fauna, and history of the park. Buy maps, souvenirs, postcards, books and clothing. Get hut tickets, hunting and fishing permits, and book Great Walks. Foyer is open 24 hours with public telephone, weather and track information.

What to do in Tongariro National Park

Turoa Base - Turoa skifield Lavaline - Lava line sign

• Skiing and other snow sports - Opening Hours: Winter There are two ski fields on Mt Ruapehu: Whakapapa (near National Park) and Turoa (near Ohakune). Hiking to the top of Mt Ruapehu from either ski field is well worth the effort. The view into the crater is breathtaking.
• Short summer walks on Ruapehu - Top o' the Bruce Road -39.2372, 175.5570 - Short (up to 2 hours) summer volcanic walks.
• Ruapehu Crater climb -39.2753, 175.5632 - Climb to the Dome summit overlooking the Crater Lake. The crater may erupt at any time. As of May 2016 the Department of Conservation recommends not going beyond the Dome equipment shed, or inside the crater basin within 400m of the lake.

• Walking - There is a range of walks, from the very short to a week long. From the Visitor Centre there are several short treks (half day or less). Taranaki Falls (roughly 3 hours) is a great walk that takes you through forest and across scrubland and even across the lava line of past volcanic explosions.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Thecentral-north-island/ruapehu/tongariro-alpine-crossing/ Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4-km walk across the volcanic landscape of Mount Tongariro, taking 6 to 8 hours. It has steep climbs, great views and colourful lakes, and some say it is the best one-day walk in the world.

Mount Tongariro is at high altitude and the weather is very changeable all year round, and there is no shelter on most of the walk. Summer days can start warm, sunny and calm and then turn cold, wet and windy. From autumn through to spring (Apr–Nov) it can be snowy and icy. Check the weather forecast before departing. Take warm clothing, even in summer. At all times of the year, you may need clothing for wet weather and cold biting wind. Much of the track is rocky and uneven, so wear hiking shoes or boots. Don't be one of the people who get hypothermia and have to be rescued by emergency services because you didn't take enough clothing.

The walk is usually done from the Mangatepopo Road end to the Ketetahi Road, as the Ketetahi end is at a lower elevation (760 m vs 1120 m) and therefore requires less uphill walking. The walk is crowded in summer, with up to 2000 people a day. The only water en route is at two huts; one at the start of the track and the other at the end.

A side trip to the summit and crater of Ngauruhoe adds two hours of mostly hard, steep climbing, and provides excellent views on a good day. You can run down the scree slopes on the way back, but the scree is sharp and may cut if you hit it with bare skin.

A short and easy side trip (one hour return from Red Crater) can be made to the much less spectacular summit of Tongariro. Red Crater can be entered from near the Emerald Lakes by walking up the steaming slope south of the lakes. Frodo and Sam walked up this slope during their vacation in Mordor. Blue Lake is sacred to Maori and is tapu, so treat it with respect. A short scramble off-track to the left leads to North Crater. A sidle around the massif to the right from near Ketetahi takes you to the Te Maari craters.

The crossing can be done in winter, but alpine skills, ice axe and crampons are crucial. In winter, a high standard of navigational skill may be required as the poles marking the track may be buried in snow and mist may reduce visibility to 10 m or less. Several companies provide guided walks and these are particularly useful in winter if you are not an experienced alpine trekker.

Mount Tongariro is an active volcano and, although eruptions are infrequent and they can occur without warning. The track reopened in May 2013 after being closed by eruptions in 2012.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Thecentral-north-island/turangi-taupo/tongariro-northern-circuit/ Tongariro Northern Circuit is a 43.1 km hike that takes 3 or 4 days and can be walked in either direction. The clockwise walk usually begins at Whakapapa and heads to Mangatepopo. From there it follows the Alpine Crossing as far as Emerald Lakes. Camping is feasible in the north end of South Crater; there is usually water flowing from a spring here, though not in very dry weather. A short side-walk can be made to Blue Lake. The Circuit leaves the Crossing and goes down to Oturere Hut. Lava formations make Oturere Valley fantastic in miserable weather. Oturere Hut has a great waterfall nearby.

From Oturere head across desert and then through beech forest to Waihohonu Hut. Another side trip leads to the stunning Ohinepango cold springs (15 minutes from the hut) and then the track heads over the gentle Tama Saddle and back to Whakapapa. A side trip on this section leads to two deep explosion craters which form Tama Lakes.

Emerald Lakes pano - Hikers passing Red Crater (on right) and approaching the Emerald Lakes

There are camping spots by the stream or cold springs (to the north of Waihohonu Hut, not Ohinepango Springs, which are to the south) in Waihohonu Valley, and beside Upper Tama Lake (a bit hard to get to).

If hitch-hiking and the easiest way to the circuit is from the Desert Road (State Highway 1 and the main Auckland-Wellington road), taking the track to Waihohonu Hut (1 to 2 hours). The start of the track is just south of the Rangipo Intake Road intersection, 30 km north of Waiouru (SH49 turnoff) and 22 km south of Rangipo (SH46 turnoff).

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Tongariro National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tongariro National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Tongariro National Park and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Tongariro National Park. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Tongariro National Park. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTongariro National Park: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Tongariro National Park.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Tongariro National Park: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Tongariro National Park, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Tongariro National Park.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Tongariro National Park, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Tongariro National Park, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Tongariro National Park and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Tongariro National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Tongariro National Park, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Tongariro National Park without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tongariro National Park is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Tongariro National Park.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Tongariro National Park is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Tongariro National Park, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Tongariro National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Tongariro National Park

eHalal Group Tongariro National Park is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Tongariro National Park. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Tongariro National Park.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Tongariro National Park ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Tongariro National Park. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Tongariro National Park, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Tongariro National Park are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are several ski lodges on Mount Ruapehu, and the Department of Conservation operates a number of back country huts in the park. The nearby towns also make good bases, with National Park Village and Turangi being the closest to the Tongariro Crossing.

• Tongariro Holiday Park - State Highway 47 -39.046, 175.604 ☎ +64 7 386-8062 - $17-160An excellent place from which to do the Crossing without spending ages on a bus, as it is half way between the start and finish points. Has tent sites, powered sites for campervans, cabins ranging from basic to en suite, and two self-contained units with TV, shower, queen bed and cooking facilities. Site facilities include hot showers, laundry, communal kitchen with oven, hobs, TV and games room and a spa.

Stay Safe

The weather in the Tongariro National Park can change very quickly. Don't take any weather warnings lightly; in 2008, six Auckland high school students and their teacher died in a flash flood after they didn't heed a heavy rain warning. MetService publishes regular weather updates for Tongariro on their website.

Be very careful drinking water in the park. All of the huts have tanks to store rain water but in some, this is contaminated with giardia. Stream water can contain heavy metals from the volcanoes. The positive of this is that the stream beds can obtain spectacular colours.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Tongariro National Park

• National Park Village
• Ohakune
• Raetihi
• Turangi

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