Trips: Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, two of the “Nine Great Walks of New Zealand"

We headed south from Rotorua, prepared for a long day of driving. We needed to make Whanganui National Park, at the southwest end of the island by nightfall. 

We made a pit stop at Huka Falls:

The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Just before the Huka Falls it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The effect is nature's large-scale equivalent of a fire hose feeding into a very fine nozzle.

The previously placid waters roar and rumble at great speed along the ravine before bursting into space out over Huka Falls to crash into the turbulent pool 11 metres below. A foot bridge right at the top of the falls puts you in a prime position to get up close and witness the frightening display of more than 220,000 litres of water blasting by every second.

From there, it was past the charming down of Taupo, along the lake, and south to Tongariro National Park (Whakapapa Village). It’s hard to tell in this photo, but one of those cloud puffs is actually a smoking column rising from the top of the mountain. We are in volcano country!

We stopped at the visitor’s center to bone up on regional history and take a short tramp along the ridge.

The visitor’s center is above 3,500 feet in elevation and the vegetation is strikingly different than the lush forests at sea level. 

Lord of the Rings Fans will recognize the non-CGI version of Mt. Doom (below):

From Tongariro, we continued south, eventually turning off the highway in Raethi and heading into the Whanganui National Park. This is a spectacular drive, which begins with very pretty pastures and a view of Tongariro in the distance. 

We quickly left the sheep and cows behind for the wild NZ forest. Whanganui is also listed as one of the “Great Walks” although in this case it’s a paddle down the river, not a tramp through the countryside. Two or three day canoe trips can be arranged with overnights in Department of Conservation huts along the way. 

This is definitely a trip you’ll want to do during daylight hours, both for the view and driving as the road is twisty, narrow, and perched above the steep gorge. It’s also unpaved for approximately 20km, although that may change in the coming year. 

At last! Our little cottage for the night. The only neighbors are the sheep next store. 

xo, 

Sonja

Up Next:

Part 8: Waitomo: Glow Worms Galore! 

All New Zealand Posts: 

Part 1: New Zealand Travel Route: The North Island in 8 Days

Part 2: Auckland: the cosmopolitan heart of the North Island

Part 3: Waipoua Forest: giant trees and pretty views

Part 4: Bay of Islands: Swimming with Dolphins

Part 5: Karangahake Gorge: an abandoned gold mine in a stunningly beautiful valley

Part 6: Rotorua: The Yellowstone of New Zealand

Part 7: Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks: Two of the “Nine Great Walks of New Zealand”

Part 8: Waitomo: Glow Worms Galore! 

Part 9: Planning Your New Zealand Driving Tour

If You Go

Places to Stay

Kohu Cottage 

Sleeping three people (one queen and one single), this tiny cottage in the equally tiny hamlet of Korintini is bare bones but comfy and equipped with a killer view. Full kitchen, linens, and tea supplies provided. Bring books and dvds because there aren’t many activities in the immediate vicinity. Also, the nearest store is 45 minutes away so stock up on groceries before heading out to the cabin. The owner, Lois, lives close by and is a charming host.

 A good-jumping off point for those wishing to do a jet boat tour. Also check out the Maori pa across the street. The cabin is well-signed and located on the Whanganuai Road, approximately 45 minutes north of the town of Whanganuai. At the time of this writing, it was $100 NZ for the first night, $80 NZ for each additional night. We had one mishap with the cottage that I’m a bit hesitant to write about as I’m sure that it’ll be rectified immediately: a family of possums had moved into the attic and we had quite an exciting night as they were hosting a jolly party above our heads. They quieted down in the morning but it lead to a rather sleep-less night on our part. Contact: Lois Gilbert: kohu.cottage@xtra.co.nz. No website. Here is the google street view.

Flying Fox Retreat

 This place looks fantastic and is close by to Kohu Cottage. At the time of this writing it was closed; in the event that it reopens in the future, it might be worth checking out. http://www.theflyingfox.co.nz/

Things to Do

Pipiriki to Whanganuai - This drive is considered one of the most scenic in the country and it’ll be even better once it’s fully paved. It follows the Whanganuai River as it twists and turns it’s way to the ocean. There aren’t many view points so make the most of the ones you spot along the way. Currently portions are unpaved and it’s a rough two hour trip.

Huka Falls - a nice place to stretch your legs, use the (pay) toilet, and admire the view. Just north of the town of Taupo.

Ridge Walk at Tongariro National Park - Go for as little or as long you’d like; the views are amazing once you leave the bush. Trail entrance just above the visitor’s center in Whakapapa Village. 

Additional Activities to Consider:

Jet Boat to the Bridge to Nowhere and Canoe Ride Back - Really wish we could have done this - but there are a number of rapids on the river and we ultimately decided that it wasn’t the best pregnant lady option

Tongariro Crossing: One of NZ’s 9 Great Walks, it’s an all-day, 17km tramp across stunningly barren scenery. http://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/tongariro-alpine-crossing/

Taranaki Falls: If a long alpine hike isn’t your thing, consider the 6km falls hike, leaving from the visitor’s center at Whakapapa Village.

Taupo: We were charmed by this little town by the lake. Wish we’d spent more than an hour exploring the shops and lake-based activities. As it was, we popped in to buy Ben an official All Blacks rugby ball and then continued south along the lake shore.