Manawatu-Wanganui

Rathmoy Lodge isn't just a place to spend the night; it's a destination. The lodge sits on a private and picturesque bend on the Rangitikei River surrounded by a working sheep and cattle farm. Located on the North Island of New Zealand, the lodge is near State Highway 1 by the town of Hunterville, two and a half hours north of Wellington. Rathmoy Lodge is an ideal spot for a relaxing outdoor getaway for a family or a couple. ...Read more.

Nature produces some surprising creations, like the large, freakishly round boulders found along the Rangitikei River on the North Island of New Zealand. The boulders, known as cannonball concretions, are clustered in a moss-covered forest that is charming to walk through. Take a 4.1-kilometer (2.55-mile) walk across Whitecliffs Farm and up the Rangitikei River to the boulders. ...Read more.

Silica Rapids Track explores improbable landscapes in Tongariro National Park, where cream-colored streams cascades over terraces of silica. The 5.15-kilometer (3.2-mile) long track starts from Whakapapa Village and ends two kilometers farther up Bruce Road, allowing it to be explored as a point-to-point hike with the assistance of a vehicle or a 7. ...Read more.

Taranaki Falls Track is an impressive 6.45-kilometer (4-mile) loop starting from Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park. The track crosses alpine grasslands, beech forests, and other landscapes shaped by incredible nearby volcanoes. Around the midpoint of the loop, the track reaches Taranaki Falls, which plunges nearly twenty meters (65 feet) from volcanic cliffs into a pleasant pool. ...Read more.

It's pretty obvious that Waitonga Falls Track goes to a waterfall, which is actually the tallest waterfall in Tongariro National Park. The track's other offerings may surprise you though, like a boardwalk across alpine wetlands with pools that hold a mirror to Mount Ruapehu, the biggest volcano in New Zealand. Indeed, you'll get big enjoyment from this 4-kilometer (2. ...Read more.

Not all trails in Tongariro National Park cross dramatic volcanic landscapes. At the south end of Tongariro National Park near the town of Ohakune, you'll find a short nature trail through a dense forest, typical of those found throughout New Zealand. Panels along the 0.8-kilometer walk describe the trees and other plants in the area. There are no big views or volcanic features along Rimu Walk, so its real appeal is as a peaceful walk with information about vegetation. ...Read more.

For camping on the south side of Tongariro National Park, check out Mangawhero Campsite. This campground near the town of Ohakuna has twelve sites spread over two loops and offers views of Mount Ruapehu, which looks stunning from the campground at sunrise and sunset. Mangawhero Campground is a standard Department of Conservation campsite with twelve sites suitable for tents and campervans. ...Read more.

Whakapapa Holiday Park offers camping and lodging below the show fields of Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. The holiday park is conveniently located in Whakapapa Village right across from the national park visitor center and surrounded by several hiking tracks. Whakapapa Holiday Park is a serviced campground with a wide variety of accommodations, including car camping. ...Read more.

Tawhai Falls is a lovely little waterfall in Tongariro National Park. The short single-drop waterfall along the tree-lined Whakapapanui Stream is located near Whakapapa Village, home of the park's main visitor center and campground, making it a convenient and enjoyable addition to your Tongariro itinerary. The 20-minute walk to the falls is 0.8 kilometers (0. ...Read more.

When the water is still, Lake Rotokura acts like a mirror to Mount Ruapehu, delivering a great postcard view. A relatively easy 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) walk crosses through Lake Rotokura Ecological Reserve, located east of the town of Ohakune, just outside the boundaries of Tongariro National Park. This is a peaceful short walk, leading to a setting that's quite beautiful in clear conditions. ...Read more.