Tongariro National Park, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Tongariro National Park, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Tongariro National Park, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Tongariro National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Tongariro National Park, New Zealand by month

January

In January, Tongariro National Park is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Tongariro National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

Traveling to Tongariro National Park in February, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Tongariro National Park is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct type. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

In April, Tongariro National Park is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Tongariro National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May is cold and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost a bit less than half of the time. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June here is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about half of the time. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

In July, Tongariro National Park is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Tongariro National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Tongariro National Park is cold and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

In September, Tongariro National Park is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Tongariro National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to pick the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you visit Tongariro National Park during October, you are likely to notice that it is cold and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in this region is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. There is frost once in a while. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

Traveling to Tongariro National Park in December, you will notice that it is cool and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tongariro National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

If you go to Whakapapa Visitor Centre (Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre), you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central North Island of New Zealand. The park is famous for its stunning alpine scenery, rugged volcanic landscapes, and cultural significance to the Maori people. It is the oldest national park in New Zealand and covers an area of 795.98 square kilometers. The park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and camping. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Tongariro National Park.

1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing: This 19.4 km hike is considered one of the most beautiful day hikes in the world. It takes you through varied landscapes, including volcanic craters, emerald lakes, and forests. The hike is challenging but rewarding, and it usually takes around 7-9 hours to complete.

2. Mount Ngauruhoe: This symmetrical cone-shaped volcano is known as the "Mount Doom" in the Lord of the Rings movies. It is a popular destination for experienced hikers and climbers, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It is also an active volcano, with its last eruption occurring in 1975.

3. Whakapapa Ski Area: This ski area is the largest in New Zealand and offers skiing and snowboarding options for all levels. It has 65 runs, 13 lifts, and a terrain park. The ski area is located on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

4. Tama Lakes: These two stunning lakes are located close to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. They are surrounded by mountains and offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The lakes are named after the Maori legend of Taranaki, who traveled to the area to escape his rival Tongariro.

5. Tawhai Falls: This stunning waterfall is located near the Whakapapa Village and is easily accessible via a short walk. The waterfall is around 13 meters tall and is surrounded by lush forests. It is a popular spot for photography and picnics.

6. Ohakune Old Coach Road: This historic trail used to be a vital route for transporting people and goods across the central North Island. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the volcanoes and forests. The trail is around 15 km long and can be completed on foot or by mountain bike.

7. Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre: This visitor center offers information about the park, its history, and its cultural significance. It also offers guided tours, exhibitions, and a café. The center is located in Whakapapa Village.

In conclusion, Tongariro National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. It is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those interested in Maori culture and history. The park offers a range of recreational activities and stunning landscapes, making it a top tourist attraction in New Zealand.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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