Volcanic Plateau - National Park, Whakapapa Village, Raurimu

The Volcanic Plateau covers the eastern part of the Ruapehu District and centres on the dual listed Tongariro National Park.

National Park Village

Located at the juncture of SH 4 and SH47 plus the main train line, it is a convenient location to access the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and view the magnificent volcanoes of Mounts Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. 

National Park Village is New Zealand's highest urban settlement (825 metres).

     ►Take the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to trek Ruapehu

Whakapapa Village

This small settlement is at the base of Mt Ruapehu, only a short ten minutes drive from the top of Whakapapa ski area. 

Dominating the landscape is the iconic Bayview Chateau Tongariro hotel.

The Department of Conservation Visitors Centre provides detailed information on the walks, treks and hikes available in the area.

     ►Go skiing & snowboarding at Whakapapa ski field

Raurimu

This village is named after the world famous railway spiral, an engineering masterpiece that made access up the steep inclines of the Volcanic Plateau possible.  It was completed in 1908.  

The Raurimu Spiral can be viewed from a platform on SH 4.