Tongariro National Park
New Zealand ·
Description
Tongariro is land of fire and ice, sacred to Maori and Mordor's setting for film fans. Three active volcanoes—Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu—dominate a landscape of smoking craters, emerald lakes and lava fields. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses this beautiful hell on one of the world's best day hikes.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Tongariro was the world's first cultural landscape recognized for its spiritual significance to Maori. Active volcanoes create exceptional landscapes. Chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV donated the sacred mountains to protect them.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being the first cultural landscape recognized for spiritual significance, with exceptional active volcanoes.
It was inscribed in 1990 (natural) and 1993 (cultural) under criteria (vi), (vii) and (viii).
Yes, Ngauruhoe was Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings.
19.4 km, 7-8 hours; demanding but doable with average fitness.
November-April; weather is always unpredictable; check conditions.