Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand and for good reason. It was also only the sixth national park established in the world (the oldest national park in the world is Yellowstone National Park). It is recognized for its outstanding volcanic features as well as its important native Maori cultural and spiritual associations. Tongariro has one of the most popular of New Zealand's famous Great Walks (and is a must).

New Zealand is one of the world's most far-flung countries and a country of dramatic and contrasting landscapes. One of the most loved and dramatic national parks in the country is undoubtedly Tongariro National Park - its other-worldly landscapes leave visitors spellbound.

Tongariro National Park - The Lands Of Mordor

New Zealand is home to only three UNESCO World Heritage sites. One is Fiordland National Park - New Zealand's largest national park and home to the world-famous Milford Sound. Another is the remote and uninhabited New Zealand Sub Antarctic islands that teem with life. Finally, the third is the other-worldly national park of Tongariro National Park, which was used as the lands of Mordor in Lord of the Rings.

• Established: 1887

The park is located in the center of the North Island and has three active volcanoes. Many of the park's summits (like Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu are sacred to the Maori).

Volcanoes Of Tongariro National Park:

• Mt Ruapehu
• Ngauruhoe
• Tongariro

The park is famous for its volcanic wonders, including its old lava flows, emerald lakes, steaming craters, alpine gardens, and colorful silica terraces. The park is quite simply staggering in its beauty and diversity.

Related: Hike This Trail To Roys Peak: New Zealand's Most Instragramable Spot

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Is One Of The Most Popular In New Zealand

Tongariro has some of the most famous hiking trails in the world (called tracks in New Zealand). The most famous hiking trails are the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Tongariro Circuit. The Crossing is massively popular and is a day hike going through the highlights of the park. Hikers share the trail with a lot of other hikers - it is a long day hike, so people need to be in responsible shape to complete it comfortably.

The Tongariro Crossing is a one-way trail, and it is forbidden to park there overnight. It is recommended to access the trail by the plentiful shuttles offered from the surrounding settlements of Whakapapa, National Park Village, Turangi, Taupo, or Ohakune. The same shuttles offer pick-up services as the other end as well.

The hike begins at Mangatepopo Valley (on the edges of old lava flows) then the trail leads to landscapes that look out of this world in the South Crater and Red Crater. After that, hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Emerald Lakes.

Tongariro has two multiday hikes - the four-day Northern Circuit and the six-day Round the Mountain track.

Related: From Scuba To Glowworms: Fiordland National Park

The Tongariro National Park Has Plenty Of Hiking Trails For Everyone

The Tongariro National Park has plenty of other lesser-known hiking trails as well (and far less crowded).

Tongariro Alpine Crossing:

This is perhaps the most popular trail in New Zealand. From November to May, it is straightforward to hike, but from June to October, there is snow and ice, and alpine skills and experience are essential.

• Duration: 7-8 Hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Tongariro Northern Circuit:

Explore the heart of the national park and a landscape of stark glacial contrasts and alpine views. It is open in the winter but expect cold and wet conditions as well as ice, snow, avalanches, and short daylight hours.

• Duration: 3-4 Days
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Historic Waihohonu Hut Track:

Goes to the historic hut built in 1903-04 and was a stopover for historic stagecoaches in the area.

• Duration: 3 Hours
• Difficulty: Advanced

Lake Rotokura Walk:

Explore the beech forest, lakes, and bird life of the area.

• Duration: 30 Minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Mangawhero Falls Walk:

Explore a stunningly beautiful waterfall located a short walk from the road.

• Duration: 5-10 Minutes
• Difficulty: Easiest

Ohakune Old Coach Road:

Explore New Zealand's rail heritage and walk or cycle this old coach road. It was used to transport passengers and goods between two railheads before they were linked in 1908.

• Duration: 4.30 Hours
• Difficulty: Easy

Round The Mountain Track:

Explore the varied volcanic landscapes and alpine vegetation covering the flanks of Mt Ruapehu. It is even more remote than the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk.

• Duration: 4-6 Days
• Difficulty: Advanced

Silica Rapids Walk:

See many vegetation types and the creamy-white Silica Rapid terraces.

• Duration: 2.30 Hours
• Difficulty: Easy

Learn more about the hiking options on the Department of Conservation website.