In the past few years the Tongariro National Park area and its surroundings have gained increasing recognition as a summer resort for those who want a change from the beach and the sea.
Staying at the Skotel in Whakapapa Village gives you easy access to a beautiful and varied region of New Zealand. The available walks and the village and mountain facilities are detailed in separate pages of this web site but there are many other activities to tempt the holidaymaker. Our reception at the Skotel can provide you with details of the many options.

4 x 4 Vehicles
Test your skill off-road on gentle terrain or on mud, gravel and logs.

Army Museum
On the other side of the mountain at Waiouru is the Army Museum - an outstanding collection devoted the soldiers of New Zealand from the colonial New Zealand wars to the Vietnam conflict of the 1960s, from the trenches of Gallipoli to the jungles of Malaya.

Situated next to the main highway, the fortress like design by leading New Zealand architect, Sir Miles Warren, dominates the surrounding tussock land the provides a striking setting for outstanding displays of the nation's military heritage.

Check out their website www.armymuseum.co.nz

Canoeing
Experience the mystique of the Whanganui River by canoe, paddling through spectacular gorges and virgin forest and visiting some of the Maori settlements on this famous traditional canoe access route. Go it alone or opt for a guided tour from one to six days. Several companies provide a variety of tours.

Chairlift Rides
In summer the chairlifts can take you half way up the mountain to the Knoll Ridge Cafeteria and Restaurant where you can enjoy an relaxing drink and an amazing view. In the wintertime it gives the non-skier the chance to see the action in the middle of the main area, in the summertime it gives you access to a dramatic part of the volcano slopes.

Fishing
Ruapehu's lakes, rivers and mountain streams offer some of the best trout fishing in the world. With internationally acclaimed rivers such as the Tongariro, Whakapapa and Manganui-o-te ao, it is a fly fisherman's paradise.

Garden Tours
Offset by breath-taking natural surroundings a select number of private gardens are open to the public. These include Titoki Point, Waitoka, Korimako. Glen Avon and Omaka gardens. See the local information centres or the Skotel office for details and maps.

Golf
Choose from the regions 4 eighteen-hole golf courses or the nine-hole greens at Whakapapa or Ohakune. Taumarunui (35 minutes drive) extends a warm welcome to visiting golfers and is rated amongst the top 50 golf courses in the country.

Horse Riding
Options include a beginner's trek, a trail ride designed especially for kids and backcountry rides through bush, rivers and expansive hill country.

Hot Pools
The hot pools at Tokaanu will soak away the aches and pains from any of your more strenuous activities. You can enjoy the large public pool heated with fresh chlorinated water or choose from one of the family sized natural private mineral pools which range from 39 degrees to 41 degrees.

Indoor Climbing Wall
If the weather is bad, the 8 metre indoor climbing wall at National Park Backpackers in the National Park Township is worth a visit. There are 50 different climbs from beginners to advanced. Gear and free instruction is available.

Jet Boat Tours
Deep up the Whanganui river is the famous Bridge to Nowhere. The isolated settlement failed in 1942 and now only the bridge is left. A four-hour trip visits the bridge and gives those who are short of time, an opportunity to see the spectacular Whanganui River.

Kayaking or White Water Rafting
Between them the Whanganui, Tongariro and Rangitikei Rivers offer numerous water-based thrills on rapids graded from one to five.

Maori Cultural Performances
Maori Cultural Performances and Hangi take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at Te Korowai in Turangi.

Mountain Biking
Bikes are available for hire in the area. Freewheel down Ohakune's picturesque mountain road or ride the renowned "42nd Traverse". This is an all day trip, which can take from 3 to 7 hours depending whether you are on a mission or a picnic. It is a one-way trip, which finishes at Owhango and arrangements, can be made to be dropped off and picked up. Shorter rides are also available.

Plateau Outdoor Adventrue Guides
This organisation provides adventure based packages which can include horse-trekking, rafting, canoeing, caving, abseiling and canyoning. For further information E-mail tparker@xtra.co.nz

Scenic Flights
Mountainair charters planes and undertakes scenic flight just 6 kilometres down the road from the Skotel. Charters are available from other parts of New Zealand. For further information E-mail: mountain.air@xtra.co.nz or www.mountainair.co.nz

The Volcanic Loop
Take to the road by car and circle the three volcanoes, calling in at the Army Museum.