Local Region

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.  Discover the secrets of the volcanic wilderness and experience amazing adventures from National Park.  Base yourself  at Mountain Heights Lodge and you'll find out what destination Ruapehu is all about.

National Park is naturally an ideal base for both 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 access to both NZ's oldest and newest National Parks.

A backdrop of untouched wilderness with elevations ranging from 800m above sea level to the mighty volcanic peak of Mt Ruapehu at 2797m makes this area truly magnificent.  National Park Village is the centre 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, chairlifts 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, 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 when walking the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, said to be NZ's best one day walk.  Mountain Heights Lodge can arrange transport and a guide if you wish to take on this amazing walk.  If mountain biking is more your thing,  enjoy one of the many lovely rides that the area, from the more gentle Old Coach Road to  the 42 Traverse - one of the premiere mountain bike tracks in NZ.

From easy going walks to adrenalin fueled adventures - this region has got something for everyone!

See www.visitruapehu.com for more things to see and do in the region.