"Ruapehu - Where Adventure Begins" Whakapapa by wkcsmt

The most striking topographical and geological features of the North Island are the central North Island volcanoes, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe which together form the Tongariro World Heritage Park. It represents an entirely remarkable experience: consisting of snow-capped volcanoes, crater and alpine lakes, pristine rain forest, sparkling rivers, dramatic waterfalls and astonishing native flora and fauna, and NZ's 2 largest ski resorts (Whakapapa & Turoa).

Mt Ruapehu (2797m) is the highest mountain in the North Island. Mt Ngauruhoe (2291m) is an almost symmetrical cone which formed from a vent in Mt Tongariro (1968 m).

There is plenty of accommodation in the Tongariro World Heritage Park, from backpackers to one of New Zealand's grandest hotels - The Grand Chateau. You are sure to find comfortable accommodation to suit your taste and budget.

**This photo is taken from my previous ski trip... The Grand Chateau is on the left @ the foot of the mountain.

Mt Ngauruhoe

This photo was taken from Mt Ruapehu (coming down from Whakapapa Skifield)... Mt Tongariro is on the left/rear of Mt Ngauruhoe.

Did you know that Mt Ngauruhoe was digitally altered to make it appear as Mt Doom in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.