Activities in Tongariro National Park

The wider Ruapehu region and the Tongariro World Heritage Park are world renowned for the wide range of activities suitable for all ages and fitness levels. @Number 7 is the perfect centrally located base for easy access to everything that's on offer.

Choose from hiking the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing which is considered as one of the best one day walks in the world or one of the many other stunning walks suitable for every level of fitness. Alternatively take a scenic gondola ride on the Sky Waka and enjoy a coffee at the cafe at 2200m whilst gazing out over the amazing volcanic landscape of Mount Ruapehu.

The region also offers a wide range of mountain bike tracks including the Old Coach Road which starts just 1 km from your accommodation @ Number 7.

Why not consider a jet boat ride on the breathtakingly beautiful and historic Whanganui River all within easy reach from your accommodation @ Number 7.

Old Coach Road and other biking trails

The start of, the ever popular, Old Coach Road bike trail is just 1 km from @ Number 7. If you have your own bikes simply hop on and within 5 mins you'll be exploring this great 15km ride which leads you to Ohakune where you can reward yourself with a well earned bite or refreshment at one of the cafe's. Then you can either ride back or use Kune Shuttles who will happily transport you back to the beginning. Alternatively, you can hire your bike from TCB bike hire in Ohakune who will transport you to the beginning of your ride. explore all the other rides on the Mountains to the Sea Cycle Trail.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The world renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging 19 km walk through breathtaking volcanic landscapes and an experience you will treasure forever. There are several shuttle operators who will take you from Horopito or National Park Village to the beginning of your walk. Dempsey Buses can pick you up from Horopito and take you the start. There is a wide range of shuttles available from National Park Village providing a wider range of departure times.

Take plenty of water and snacks. Wear good footwear and carry some extra clothes as the weather can be variable and change very quickly.

Sky Waka- Gondola

The Sky Waka Gondola operates both summer and winter and will take you from Whakapapa Village on a beautiful scenic ride up to the Pinnacles Cafe at 2200mm. Grab a bite to eat and gaze out of the viewing windows to take in the alpine wonderland. From the base of the Gondola here you can take a short walk to Mead's Wall . featured in the Lord of the Rings movies .or try the Skyline Walk from the top of the gondola.

Winter in the Ruapehu

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The North Island's only two ski fields are both located within the Tongariro National Park and are the largest ski fields by area in New Zealand and offer superb skiing for all abilities. @ Number 7 is located halfway between both ski fields.

In winter it is still possible to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing but it must be completed with a guide to take you safely over the snowy terrain. After snowfall the Taranaki Falls walk is also highly recommended.

Bridge to Nowhere

The Bridge to Nowhere is exactly that. It is an historic bridge that literally goes from nowhere-to-nowhere. These days, can only be reached via a very scenic and highly recommended 55 minutes jet boat ride with Whanganui River Adventures on the beautiful Whanganui River. .

After your tour, explore the historic river road and return to Horopito via State Highway 4.

Hiking in Tongariro National Park

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Choose from the short 10 min walk to the Tawhai Falls made famous in the Lord of the Rings movies, the Taranaki Falls Walk, the easy Silica Rapids walk or the Tama Lakes Track which often seen as a great alternative walk to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in inclement weather conditions.

Nearer to Ohakune there are a number of walks with the stunning Waitonga Falls walk being a favourite.

The Old Coach Road Cycle Trail is also a lovely walk, and it would take 3 to 4 hours to walk from @ Number 7 into Ohakune. Shuttles are available to bring you back to Horopito.