Towns Near Tongariro National Park – Hidden Gems of the Central Plateau

The Central Plateau is more than just Tongariro National Park. This region is shaped by towering volcanoes, vast alpine deserts, and the communities that live in their shadow. Around the base of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe, and Mt Tongariro you’ll find towns and villages that act as gateways to adventure, culture and local life.

Each settlement has its own unique flavour. Some are lively ski hubs, others are quiet retreats with strong cultural ties and a few are historic or practical stopovers.

Whether you’re chasing the slopes in winter, walking world-class tracks in summer or simply pausing on your journey through the North Island, these towns are the perfect bases to explore the Central Plateau.

🏞 Waimarino (formerly National Park Village)

Once known as National Park Village, the settlement has recently reclaimed its original name, Waimarino. Waimarino sits at the western entrance to Tongariro National Park. It is one of the most convenient bases for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Northern Circuit and Whakapapa Ski Field. You can also reach Tūroa Ski Field in under an hour, which makes it easy to pick your slopes based on the day’s weather.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Distance: ~15 minutes to Whakapapa Ski Field, ~50 minutes to Tūroa
• 🛒 Facilities: Service station with a small superette, local pub and hotel
• 🏨 Accommodation: Plenty of options including motels, lodges and backpackers
• 🚐 Transport: Multiple shuttle services for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and ski fields
• 🚐 Freedom camping: Railway station site available for self-contained vehicles

🎿 Ohakune

First things first — let’s clear up the name. Ohakune often trips people up (we’ve heard Okanune and Ohkanu more times than we can count!).

A simple way to say it is: Or-haa-koo-knee.

On the southern side of Mt Ruapehu, Ohakune is a vibrant alpine town that blends adventure with small-town charm. It is best known as the gateway to Tūroa Ski Field. The town also has a lively après-ski scene, excellent dining, and cycling highlights like the Old Coach Road. Its famous giant carrot makes it a fun stop for families. A strong base of accommodation and services has made Ohakune the most popular southern hub for Ruapehu adventures.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Distance: ~25 minutes to Tūroa Ski Field, ~50 minutes to Whakapapa
• 🛒 Facilities: Supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, bars and gear rental shops
• 🏨 Accommodation: Wide range from chalets and motels to luxury lodges
• 🚴 Activities: Access to the Old Coach Road cycle trail, hiking and year-round outdoor activities
• 🎭 Events: Hosts the annual Ohakune Mardi Gras, drawing visitors from across the country
• 🌳 Nearby: Just 5 minutes up the road towards Whanganui on the Parapara Highway is Raetihi. This smaller town has a wonderful riverside walkway and several striking sculptures. It offers a peaceful contrast to the busier vibe of nearby Ohakune.

🎣 Tūrangi

On the southern shores of Lake Taupō, Tūrangi is best known as the trout-fishing capital of New Zealand. The Tongariro River flows right through town and draws anglers from all over the world. Thanks to its location, Tūrangi also works as a handy base for exploring the southern access points of Tongariro National Park. The town has hot pools, local walks and easy highway connections north to Taupō or south to Ruapehu. This makes Tūrangi a practical stop with a relaxed, outdoorsy feel.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Distance: ~40 minutes to Whakapapa Village, ~35 minutes to Taupō
• 🎣 Highlights: Renowned trout fishing on the Tongariro River
• 🛒 Facilities: Supermarket, cafés, takeaways, and hot pools nearby
• 🏨 Accommodation: Motels, fishing lodges, and holiday parks
• 🚐 Access: Well positioned on SH1 with shuttle links into Tongariro National Park

👉 Want to know more? Check out our full guide to Tūrangi for fishing tips, local highlights and the best places to stay.

🎖 Waiouru

Sitting high on the Desert Road (SH1), Waiouru is best known for the National Army Museum – Te Mata Toa. The museum shares powerful stories of New Zealand’s military history. The town itself has a rugged alpine feel, with sweeping views of Mt Ruapehu and the barren beauty of the Rangipo Desert. Waiouru is mainly a stopover when the Desert Road is closed due to bad weather. Travellers use it as a chance to pause, refuel and take in the stark landscape.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Distance: ~55 minutes to Whakapapa Village, ~40 minutes to Tūroa via Waiouru–Raetihi road
• 🏛 Highlight: National Army Museum – Te Mata Toa
• 🛒 Facilities: Service stations, cafés, and basic supplies for travellers
• 🏨 Accommodation: Limited options, but handy for an overnight stop. Freedom Camping with a small donation to be paid to the Museum.
• 🌄 Scenery: Gateway to the Rangipo Desert with dramatic views of Ruapehu

Ready to uncover the stories that shaped Aotearoa’s history?
Take a journey through courage and remembrance — explore our full blog on the Waiouru National Army Museum here.

🌄 Closing Thoughts

If you’re planning an overnight stay in the Central Plateau, the two most popular bases outside of DOC camps and Whakapapa Village are Ohakune and Waimarino (formerly National Park Village). Both towns are fully equipped for tourism and offer a wide range of accommodation, dining, and services. This makes them ideal hubs for skiing, hiking and exploring Tongariro National Park.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.