Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa and Ōhakune in two days
A short loop around the western side of Mt Ruapehu with the Alpine Crossing, the Chateau and the Ōhakune Mountain Road.
- Distance
- 95 km (59 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 02 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 10
- States
- New Zealand
- Updated
- May 10, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 95 km (59 mi) with 10 stops, from National Park to Giant Carrot, Ōhakune. About 1 h 02 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New Zealand
Route description
Base yourself at National Park village, about 15 km from Whakapapa. Drive SH47 and SH48 to the village in the morning, and call at the visitor centre for the weather and volcanic alert level. The short Taranaki Falls loop takes about two hours, and the Chateau Tongariro is good for coffee. Roads are sealed, but the weather above 1,000 m can change in minutes, and winter driving may need chains and extra care.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a long day walk of about 19 km, so most visitors book a shuttle from the village and leave early. Parking at the trailhead is restricted, and the track is not suitable in poor weather, high winds or snow. If the forecast is bad, take the shorter valley walks and the Whakapapa tracks instead, and carry warm clothes, water and food whichever route you choose.
On day two, drive south on SH4 for about 40 km to Ōhakune, passing the Raurimu spiral railway section where the line loops to climb a steep rise. In Ōhakune, take Ōhakune Mountain Road, 17 km of sealed climbing road to the Turoa base. It has a few hairpins and can require chains in winter, so carry them and check the road status at the Ōhakune visitor centre before you climb.
Stop at the Waitonga Falls track, an easy walk of about 40 minutes each way, then return to town for the giant carrot and a meal. Ōhakune has fuel, shops and holiday parks. Freedom camping rules apply in the district, and only certified self-contained vehicles may use the designated zones. Book park campsites ahead in summer and the ski season, and check fees and rules with the local council or DOC before you park overnight.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
National Park
New Zealand - 20 km
Tongariro Holiday Park
NatureNational Park, New ZealandA holiday park in National Park village with powered and unpowered sites, cabins and a kitchen block, about 15 minutes from Whakapapa. It is a common base for the Alpine Crossing, so book early in the summer season and ask about shuttle pick-ups when you reserve.
- 316 km
Whakapapa Village and Visitor Centre
NatureNational Park, New ZealandThe main hub of Tongariro National Park on the northern slope of Mt Ruapehu, with the DOC visitor centre, short walks and a ski area road above. Pick up maps, hut tickets and current volcanic and weather alerts here before heading out on any track.
- 40 km
Chateau Tongariro Hotel
HistoryNational Park, New ZealandA grand 1929 hotel on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, built as a base for early visitors to the park, with a small museum and a lounge facing the mountain. Non-guests can have a coffee or lunch. Parking is free for visitors, and views are best on clear mornings.
- 51 km
Taranaki Falls Track
NatureNational Park, New ZealandA loop walk of about two hours from Whakapapa across tussock and forest to a 20 metre waterfall that tumbles over an old lava flow. The track is well formed and suits most walkers. Bring a jacket, as the plateau is exposed and the weather turns quickly.
- 64 km
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
NatureNational Park, New ZealandA 19.4 km one-way day walk across a volcanic landscape between Mangatepopo and Ketetahi, past Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes. Expect seven to eight hours. Weather changes fast, so check the DOC forecast and book a shuttle, since parking at the start is restricted.
- 734 km
Ōhakune
New Zealand - 820 km
Turoa and the Ōhakune Mountain Road
NatureŌhakune, New ZealandA 17 km sealed road climbs from Ōhakune through beech forest to the Turoa ski area at about 1,600 m, with picnic spots and short tracks on the way. In summer there is a chairlift and walks. Chains can be required in winter, and the road may close in storms.
- 94 km
Waitonga Falls Track
NatureŌhakune, New ZealandAn easy track of about 40 minutes each way from the Ōhakune Mountain Road through bog and alpine forest to the tallest waterfall in the park at about 39 metres. It crosses boardwalks and a bridge. Wear sturdy shoes, as the surface stays damp for much of the year.
- 1016 km
Giant Carrot, Ōhakune
OdditiesŌhakune, New ZealandA giant fibreglass carrot beside the main road, a nod to the market gardens on the volcanic soils around Ōhakune. It makes a quick photo stop on the way to the mountain. Parking is on the roadside beside it, and the town cafes are a short walk away.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: National Park → Ōhakune · 56 km · 0 h 36 minOn the way: Tongariro Holiday Park, Whakapapa Village and Visitor Centre, Chateau Tongariro Hotel, Taranaki Falls Track, Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- Day 2: Ōhakune → Giant Carrot, Ōhakune · 40 km · 0 h 26 minOn the way: Turoa and the Ōhakune Mountain Road, Waitonga Falls Track.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually February–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Themes
FAQs
How long is Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa and Ōhakune in two days?
2-day road trip of about 95 km (59 mi) with 10 stops, from National Park to Giant Carrot, Ōhakune. About 1 h 02 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa and Ōhakune in two days?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 02 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa and Ōhakune in two days start and end?
It starts in National Park and ends in Giant Carrot, Ōhakune.
Which states does Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa and Ōhakune in two days pass through?
New Zealand.
When is the best time for Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa and Ōhakune in two days?
The most pleasant months are usually February–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
