Tongariro National Park

First created in 1887, this beautiful area is New Zealand's first park, and one of its most spectacular. Lying in the heart of North Island's volcanic plateau, the park's main draw is the active, 2,797 metre-high Mt Ruapehu volcano, best known for its stand-in role in the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Peter Jackson. Among other activities available at the park, visitors can climb to the summit of the volcano, or go on the Tongariro Crossing, a 6 - 8 hour trek that goes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the park. Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its scenic and cultural value.