Explore Tongariro National Park: Your Ultimate New Zealand Adventure Guide

We stayed in Tongariro for three days and two nights. I’ll skip the chronological details and get straight to the point:
【Accommodation】
My teammate was visiting for the second time and still chose Skotel Alpine Resort, which we found out is the highest altitude hotel in New Zealand.
The hotel has a wooden cabin structure.

For those who value the view, there are scenic rooms (P3 shows the room, P4 the view from the small balcony). For those who prefer cost-effectiveness, there are dormitory-style accommodations with bunk beds.
The hotel restaurant offers three meals a day. Breakfast is a buffet at 27 NZD per adult, which I found to be very reasonable.

We didn’t try lunch or dinner because the hotel has a communal kitchen, which is super practical! P5 shows a corner of the kitchen, which is available for all guests to use. If you’re confident in your cooking skills, I strongly recommend bringing your own ingredients.
Since most travelers to Tongariro are hikers, the hotel caters to a range of needs, from budget to luxury.

Highly recommended!
【Hiking Route 1: Silica Rapids (P2 Green Line)】
It rained all morning on our second day, but as soon as it cleared up in the afternoon, we rushed out and chose the easy green line. The scenery along the way was stunning (see the first image and P6-P8).
Avoid: Ridge Track, which has no views and is just a walk that doesn’t reach the summit and requires backtracking.

【Hiking Route 2: Tama Lakes (P2 Yellow Line)】
On the third day, it was clear, so we set off early for Tama Lakes.
The path to Tama Lakes is right outside the hotel’s main entrance, to the right. It’s a gentle slope, and seeing the snow-capped mountains getting closer was very motivating. We saw Taranaki Falls (P9) halfway through, and if you don’t want to go to the lakes, you can loop back here.

The walk to Lower Tama (P10) is not difficult, and the two restrooms along the way are also quite interesting.
Then comes the challenging part! The sign indicates that Upper Tama is only 1.5 km away, and we thought, “Let’s go for it!” But it turned out to be a steep climb with rocky terrain, extremely difficult.

Each flag along the way was a challenge. As a beginner hiker, it felt like starting in hell… but we gritted our teeth and kept going. Once we reached the top and walked along the ridge, the feeling of being on a high mountain peak was amazing! Finally, we saw Upper Tama (P11).
We started at 8:00 AM and arrived after 2.

5 hours, making us one of the first groups. The others who came later had professional gear, while we arrived with minimal equipment (P13), which made us feel quite accomplished.
I highly recommend the viewpoints at P14 and P15. The climb was tough, but the views were fantastic!
The return trip was the real challenge, without the scenery to motivate us, and with tired legs, it took us 3 hours to get back to the hotel.

【Summary】
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking diversity of Tongariro’s landscapes and varying weather conditions by planning a three-day stay. This duration allows ample time to explore a range of trails, each offering unique experiences. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, there are routes suitable for every level of adventurer. Tongariro National Park is an absolute must-visit destination!