What to do in Whakapapa

Activities, attractions and tours

Whakapapa
Photo by Kim Chan
Photo by Kim Chan
Photo by Natalie Robinson
Photo by Natalie Robinson
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What to do in Whakapapa

Popular places to visit

Tongariro National Park featuring a sunset, landscape views and mountains

Tongariro National Park

Explore New Zealand’s phenomenal volcanic landscape and trek across one of the best known hiking trails in the country.

Tongariro National Park
Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a lovely green space in Tongariro National Park. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Mount Tongariro

Mount Tongariro

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Tongariro during your travels in Tongariro National Park. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Mount Tongariro
Turangi showing a river or creek

Taranaki Falls

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Taranaki Falls and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Tongariro National Park. Savour the top-notch restaurants and lively bars while in town.

Taranaki Falls
Mount Ngauruhoe

Mount Ngauruhoe

5/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Ngauruhoe during your travels in Tongariro National Park. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Mount Ngauruhoe

Mount Ruapehu

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Ruapehu and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Tongariro National Park. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Mount Ruapehu

Whakapapa Ski Area

4/5(5 reviews)

Hit the slopes in Tongariro National Park with a visit to Whakapapa Ski Area. Discover the mountain views and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Whakapapa Ski Area

Turoa Ski Area

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Hit the slopes in Tongariro National Park with a visit to Turoa Ski Area. Discover the mountain views and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Turoa Ski Area

Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre

4/5(3 reviews)

You can take time to visit Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre during your travels to Whakapapa. Discover the mountain views and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre

Frequently asked questions

Is Whakapapa worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Whakapapa is visit Tongariro National Park. Check this leading sight off your list, then experience more of the area's skiing and nature.
How do I spend a day in Whakapapa?
Mount Tongariro and Taranaki Falls are two excellent places to begin your holiday adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Whakapapa while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Whakapapa?
Tongariro National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Whakapapa and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Whakapapa?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa Ski Area and Taranaki Falls with a three-day getaway in Whakapapa. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Turangi.
Is Whakapapa a walkable city?
That all depends on what you plan to see and do in Whakapapa. Several attractions, including Whakapapa Ski Area, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around one of Whakapapa's neighbourhoods, Iwikau is 5 kilometers away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Whakapapa with kids?
Planning what to do in Whakapapa with kids has never been easier. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Whakapapa for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Whakapapa for adults including Te Porere Redoubt and Opotaka Historic Place.
Are there free things to do in Whakapapa?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Whakapapa is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Tongariro National Park is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.