National Park Village
National Park Village sits at 825 metres above sea level and has panoramic views of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Located at the juncture of SH 4 and SH47 plus on the main train line, it a popular base for hiking, biking and kayaking within Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks.
A compact village handy to the many activities on offer, National Park Village has a good range of accommodation, restaurants and bars. It is approximately ten minutes' drive to Whakapapa Village and twenty minutes' drive to Whakapapa ski area.
Whakapapa
Whakapapa ski area on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu is typically open from late June to late October. Accommodation is available at various club lodges at the top of the Bruce access road.
At the base of the Bruce Road is Whakapapa Village. From here you can join a guided tour on the Tongariro Crossing, Mount Ruapehu Crater Lake or start the Tongariro Northern Circuit hike.
Horopito
The scenic drive to Turoa ski area on the south-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu travels through the small settlement of Erua and passes historic Horopito. Here you will find the starting point for the Ohakune Old Coach Road walking and bike track, and the vintage car museum that starred in the 1982 movie 'Smash Palace'.