Photography becomes compulsive here.
kiwi Says: Well you find you just can't help yourself, every direction you look, you want to take photos. Don't let the uneducated or boring people convince you to stop taking photos. Take more!!! Especially if you have good weather or even interesting clouds. Inclement weather or...
Dig your heels in on the scree slopes.
kiwi Says: When you find yourself on a scree slope as you do once or twice on the Tongariro Crossing, one way to keep better stability is to remember to walk normally but make sure you put your heels down first and slightly dig them in. Gravity will provide speed and you find you move...
You are not alone in the wilderness!
kiwi Says: Normally you would expect to be walking alone or at least with few other people in the mountains. However this is such a well known and publicised walk, that the day we were there, there had to be 1000 people on the trek. So although it's possible to be almost alone up...
There are some Must Take items!
kiwi Says: Good rucksack that sits comfortably on your back. A shoulder slung bag will soon annoy you very much. A front bag is best for your camera, so it is easily accessible. Something warm, something very Waterproof and Windproof, Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes or boots with...
kiwi Says: With plenty of time and energy you can make a side trip to the summit of Mt Tongariro. This mountain is a cluster of many volcano craters, and you are essentially walking on it the whole time. But you can visit the summit (1967m) from the main path. From the rim of the South...
This view shows all 3 central plateau Mountains.
kiwi Says: This great little viewing spot gave us a better chance to see where we would be trekking the next day. In the photo you see Mt Tongariro on the left and the conical shape of Mt Ngauruhoe. Mt Ruapehu is right of the photo, but not in the photo.To find this view, take Hwy 47...
Plan a National Park vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and National Park locals

To get this view of Mount Tongariro, we deviated slightly down a tiny road off the highway. Let me share with you that spot! Head South from Taupo, and at...
Our members can help!
1

ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE We drove for 3 hours to get to this destination, from where I live. The day before the trek, we were blessed with the most amazingly clear and blue sky views. Here you......
Build your own National Park page