Mountain Heights Lodge
State Highway 4, National Park, New Zealand

Activities

National Park Village National park Village is located in the North Island of New Zealand, near the base of Mt Ruapehu, at the intersection of SH 4 & Sh 47 on the volcanic plateau. Discovering the secrets of the volcanic wilderness and experiencing where adventure happens, staying in the National Park area is what destination Ruapehu is about. It is naturally an ideal base for your summer and winter explorations. It borders the World Heritage Tongariro National Park to the east and the Whanganui National park, to the west. In 1887 Te Heu Heu Tukino IV gifted the nucleus of The Tongariro National Park to the people of New Zealand. One hundred years later the Whanganui National park was designated, providing us with N.Z's oldest and newest National Parks. Sitting in such a backdrop of untouched wilderness, with elevations ranging from 80m above sea level to the mighty volcanic peak of Mt Ruapehu 2671m make National Park Village the center for this natural adventure playground. Extensive media coverage of Mt Ruapehu's volcanic activity of 95/96 have made it the most photographed mountain in the southern hemisphere. During summer months, chair lifts operate on Mt Ruapehu for sight seeing, in fact you can make your own way or be guided to the brim of the crater lake. When winter arrives, late June through to October, both local ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa attract winter fun seekers. Picture wild mountain flowers, volcanic tundra, native trees adorning the walkways and sulphuric multi coloured lakes. You can see all of this within the famous Tongariro Crossing.

Mountain Bike Hire Enjoy one of the many lovely rides that the area is renowned for. Gentle Pine tracks are adjacent to Mountain Heights lodge and maps are available. Or Bike the 42 Traverse! The 42 Traverse is a mountain bike ride through State forest 42, and is one of the premier MTB rides in New Zealand. Renowned for the long and often rutted down hills, to test even the most ardent Kamikaze MTB freak. The track surface varies from gravel to mud, some stream crossings, and with all good things there is normally some bad and yes it is true there is the inevitable uphills. The scenery is absolutely spectacular – from wide vistas of all three Volcanoes to lush unspoiled bush. This is a very unique track as you can either enjoy the magnificent beauty with your family on a more relaxed and peaceful outing or tear the knobs offyour tyres with your friends.

	Tongariro Crossing 1 day walk (7-8 hours) 17km. Known widely as 'The Best One Day Walk' in New Zealand, The Tongariro Crossing really is a very special walk. From lava strewn valleys to very active volcanic vents to boiling springs crystal lakes, lunar like landscapes mixed with thick podocarp forest this walk has some amazing and diverse beauty. The steep climb from the Mangaetepopo saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe is rewarded by views of Tongariro and on a clear day, Mt Taranaki to the west. Although only a one day walk The Crossing does have a very cruel side to its spectacular and harsh scenery and therefore like any alpine tramp you must be prepared for this walks deceptively quick and severe weather changes. November through May is probably the normal season for the walk.
	Hunting & Fishing Huge surrounding areas of remote farmland, native bush, tundra, and rugged terrain, provide boundless opportunities for the hunter, fisherman or photographer. The many mountain streams and rivers hold stocks of wild trout, (both brown and rainbow). The surrounding bush and native grasslands has good populations of Red Sika deer, feral goats and wild pigs. There is also an abundance of small animals and protected bird life.
	Whakapapa Ski Field 20 mins drive from National Park Village. N.Z. largest, most developed ski area. Within the 600 acre boundary, there are a myriad of options that cater for beginners right through to advanced skiers out to challenge their limits. There are plenty of marked trails but the off piste skiing at Whakapapa is superb.   Snow Reports

Other activities available locally
		Kayak JetBoat Combos Canoeing & Kayaking Ruapehu Walks Northern Circuit Crater Lake Whakapapaiti Taranaki Falls Ngauruhoe Summit Tama Lakes Tawhai Falls Whanganui Walks Mangapurua Track Lake Hawke Matemateaonga Mountain Biking Fishers Track 42 Traverse Climbing Indoor & Outdoor 4WD Quad Bike Tours Caving Okupata Caves Hunting & Fishing Mountaineering Horse Trekking Raurimu Spiral Scenic Flights Abseiling Rafting Thermal Hot Pools Bungy Jumping Geysers

© Copyright Mountain Heights Lodge 1996 - 2004 - All Rights Reserved