18 December, 2012

Summer gems to be found in Tongariro National Park

The recent volcanic activity within the Tongariro National Park is boosting the profile of New Zealand’s best 1-day walk. A section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing between Emerald Lakes and Ketetahi is closed however this is proving no deterrent to hundreds of visitors flocking to the area.

There is renewed interest in the Tongariro Alpine Crossing according to Jarred Thomas from Tongariro Expeditions. “People love the fact that there are new things to see like the steaming clouds coming from Te Maari Crater. The best part of the track is still open and everyone is going home happy that they have seen Emerald Lakes.”

There is increased interest in the Park’s other walks which hold some hidden gems. The 5km loop track around Lake Rotopounamu weaves in and out of the shady forest and onto the lake’s shores. In warm weather the water is tempting for a quick dip and there are plenty of perfect picnic spots to enjoy.

Starting across the road from the Whakapapa Village Visitor Centre is the 6.5km Silica Rapids walk. Passing through Beech Forests it takes you to the Golden Rapids – named for the colourful rocks and water resulting from the rich volcanic minerals, and on to the Silica Rapids. The stunning Taranaki Falls are well worth the 2 hour return hike. Tumbling 20 metres over the edge of a large lava flow, the waterfall plunges into a boulder-ringed pool. There are also spectacular views into the gorges of the Wairere Stream.

The track to Waihohonu Hut is located approximately 35km south of Turangi. Historically the stop-over for stage coaches in the early 1900’s; the hut is preserved as a historic building. The walk is a 6.3km return trip from the Desert Road, on the eastern side of the Tongariro National Park.

www.OfficialTongariro.co.nz is a new website set up to keep industry and visitors up-dated on the recent activity within the Tongariro National Park. It has information on the region’s world famous activities like hiking, white water rafting, kayaking and trout fishing.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) announced that the section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Emerald Lakes to Ketetahi car park is likely to remain closed at least until February 2013.

Ends.

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