Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Make sure you are well prepared to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is a 19.4 km point to point hike through an amazing volcanic landscape. You will start at the Mangatepopo Carpark and after 6 to 8 hours you will arrive on the otherside at the Ketitahi Carpark.

From October through to April it is generally safe to complete the hike without a guide depending on weather conditions. Always check the weather and get advice from locals before setting off. Even the weather looks fine, it doesnot mean it is fine at 1800m.  Be prepared with appropirate clothing, plenty of food and drinks. Carefully read the brochures compiled by the Department of Conservation below.

Shuttles

As this is a point to point walk, you must have arrange transfers to get you to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We recommend the following options:

1. Drive to Ketitahi Carpark end of the Crossing. Park you car in the secure carpark ( small fee applies) and catch a shuttle to the start of the Crossing.  Allow 45 minutes from Tongariro Suites to drive, park your car and check in for your shuttle.  The advantage is that you can relax during your hike, not having to worry about a timetable for the return shuttle. Your car will be patiently waiting for you, no matter how long you take.

2. Drive to National Park Village Park and Ride, next to the railway station. From here you will catch a shuttle to the start of the Crossing. You will be collected at the Ketitahi Carpark and transfered back to National Park Village.  Allow 20 minutes from Tongariro Suites to drive, park your car and check in for your shuttle. There are plenty of return shuttles in the afternoon without having to stress over a timetable. There is no need to book the return shuttle.

3. Walk to the end of our road and catch a shuttle from Horopito around 7 am and enjoy a scenic drive to the start of the Crossing. You will be collected at the Ketitahi Carpark and transfered back to Tongariro Suites. Although this is the easiest solution, please note there is only one departure in the morning and only three pick up times in the afternoon.

All the above shuttle services can be booked online, or we can organise it for you as long as you check in before 5 pm. There is no need to book more then a day in advance as the shuttles are very much weather dependant. Departure times vary from 6 am to around 10 am in the morning.

Guided Walks

In the winter months - May through to October it is absolutely essential that you book a Tongariro Alpine Crossing guided walk unless you are an experienced hiker and have walking poles, crampons, iceaxe and full weather gear. A high level of fitness is absoluletly essential as you might walk through knee high snow and on the steep sections might require the use of the ice axe to steady yourself. The guides will teach you how to use all the equipement. They will keep your well informed and safe during the hike. They constantly monitor the weather and avalance risks. So be prepared to be turned around if the risks are too high to continue. Very often this can not be assessed until halfway through your hike. All equipment including hiking boots and warm waterproof clothing is provided by the hiking companies. Tongariro Guided Walk Company is our preferred guiding company. They only cater for small groups and will arrange with you a meeting point in National Park Village.

In the summer months it is also possible to take a guided walk. This is great if you are not a confident walker or you simply enjoy the company of other like minded people and like the interpretations the guide will give you around the history of the volcanoes, maori legends and geology of the region.

Mountain Biking

The region is a paradise for mountain bikers. Bring your own bike or hire a mountain bike or Ebike in Ohakune and explore the easier rides like the Old Coach Road Cycle Trail or the Fishers Track. Alternativley consider biking the Mountains to Seas cycle trail and stay with us the night before your adventure.

Why not consider participating in the Ruapehu Expess MTB event in February, the starting point for the Old Coach Road section of this event starts just across the road from Tongariro Suites.

 The Timber Trail is an 85 km is a multi day adventure cycle trail that traverses some of New Zealand's most diverse and fascinating environments. Stay with us before and after your ride. Timber trail information

OLD COACH ROAD   

Distance: 15kms

Time: 2.5 -3hrs one way.
Start Point: The Historical Ohakune Train Station.(However due to the lineal nature and the gradient of this cycle/walkway, the easiest and most rewarding way to tackle this ride is one-way from Horopito just a few minutes from Tongariro Suites.

Difficulty:Moderate

This fantastic multi-terrain cycle track forms part of The New Zealand Cycle Trail and provides a great family-friendly cycle that is steeped in history. The 15km track winds beneath the cool canopy on the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu and offers a rare opportunity to get into the heart of one of the few remaining sections of virgin native forest in the North Island.

The trail was built in the early 1900s to ferry passengers by horse drawn coach between the two rail heads of the unfinished North Island trunk line. The cobbled route became obsolete with the completion of the railway and was lost to the forest for almost 100 years.

FISHERS TRACK

Fishers Track is a downhill track with stunning views over the Tongariro National Park.

Distance: 27kms
Grade: 2
Average Time: 2-3 hours
Start: National Park Village- Just a short 15 minute drive from Tongariro Suites.
Finish: Monument Corner Oio Road-  Shuttle transfers are included if you hire your bikes from Mykiwiadventures.

With wide open views of the mountains following a short climb through the Erua forest, you can enjoy the 520m descent through native bush into the Retaruke Valley and along gravel roads to the War Memorial Monument on the corner of Oio Road where your transport will collect you.
A great family friendly ride starting behind the historic railway station in National Park Village.

Timber Trail

Distance: 85 km
Grade: 2-3
Average Time: 1 or 2 days
Start:Shuttle service from Ongarue, drop off at Pureora or Piropiro 
Finish: Ongarue

Come and relax before and or after your 80km cycling the Timbertrail. You deserve a bit of luxury! It takes approx 1 hour to/from drive to Ongarue where the shuttle service is based.

Once the realm of hardcore trampers and hunters, this deep wilderness can now be explored on an 85-kilometre trail that reveals not only its awe-inspiring beauty but also the story of how this special place has changed over the ages.

The Timber Trail follows the path of old logging roads and tramlines, linked with purpose-built singletrack and a series of thrilling suspension bridges. It runs between the tiny settlements of Pureora and Ongarue, with even smaller Piropiro around the halfway mark. Limited road access, remoteness and memorable accommodation in the middle make a two-day, one-way ride the most rewarding approach, starting in the north at Pureora.

View the Timbertrail map.

Covid 19 information

 
The wellbeing and safety of our guests and staff is our utmost priority and we want to provide you with an update on what we are doing in response to COVID-19.

As New Zealand responds to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are committed to providing you with a memorable and safe stay at Tongariro Suites.

Hygiene and safety measures:

• Contactless check in and check out is available. We will greet you personally and hand over your sanitized key. We will escort you to your suite whilst applying physical distancing.  The check out process just requires you to leave the room key in a bowl on the reception counter. Payment is processed through our reservation system automatically, 24 hours prior to your arrival.

• To meet the Government requirements for contact tracing, we will verbally reconfirm with you that we have the correct email address and contact phone number when you check in. We also ask you to scan the  QR code located at reception, using the Government Covid-19 Tracer App.  

• Physical distancing is still required, so don't be offended if we don't shake your hand and  that we keep our distance during the check in process and any other interaction with you during your stay. Our property only has 4 suites and physcial distancting between guests is easy as only two suites share the same entrance door. The guest lounge and the deck with hot tub and  BBQ  are the only facilities shared by a maximum of eight guests. These are cleaned thorougly on a daily basis.

• Hand sanitizer is available on the reception counter.

• Frequent sanitation of  all high-tough points in all public areas and your room will happen on a daily basis. Cleaning materials are available in your own room as well should you wish to spot clean during your stay yourself.

• Our normal cleaning routine is already of the highest standard and we continue to deliver those high standards.

• Daily servicing consists of cleaning your dishes, topping up of breakfast provisions, making your bed and  spot cleaning your bathroom and around your room. We do respect your privacy, health and safety so if you prefer for this daily housekeeping service not to happen , please let us know.

• In consideration of other guests and your hosts , you are unable to stay with us

  • If you have been in close contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case or that contact is awaiting a Covid-19 test 

  • If you have a cold or flu like sysmptoms, such as fever, coughing or sneezing, diffulty breathing, sore throat and fatigue

  • If you are developing any of the above symptoms during your stay with us, please inform your hosts and contact Healthline immediately by phoning 0800 358 5453 

Cancellation policy:

In light of Covid-19 pandemic and its implications on travel we have revised our cancellation policy as below to accommodate any cancellations or changes to travel plans.

• When you have booked directly on our website  the booking is fully refundable up to 24 hours prior to check in should you have to cancel for any reason. If you need to cancel within 24 hours of check in, a one night's cancellation fee applies. However this can be used as a credit for a new booking within 12 months of the orginal date of arrival.

• When you have booked through any other booking platform like Booking.com , Expedia or travel agent  the cancellation policy of that booking platform will apply. Please check the cancellation policy carefully when booking on any other platform. 

• If you need to cancel due to a change in Alert Levels and you are therefore unable to travel due to travel resrtictions set by the Government no cancellations fees will apply by us but fees might still be applicable if you booked through another booking platform.

Dining options

Ohakune village is just a short 10-15 minute drive from Tongariro Suites. It offers a great range of dining and take out options for you to explore during your stay.

There is also a New World supermarket should you wish to enjoy an easy dinner while watching the sunset. Please note that your room has a microwave, plates and cutlery and there is also a communal BBQ on the guest deck.

Cyprus Tree Restaurant

Our number 1 favourite restaurant. Great service, great menu and you get 10% discount when staying with us.

The Cyprus Tree offers true kiwi hospitality, with mouth watering food made from local produce at resonable prices. They cater to most eating requirements without comprimising quality. You will find exceptionally prepared food and be made to feel at home. They have a great selection of New Zealand wine and craft beers on tap as well as a large selection of bottled New Zealand beers. In winter you can warm yourself next to the roaring open fire on comfy couches, and in summer you can enjoy a cocktail on the deck basking in the sun while taking in the stunning views of our spectacular Maunga Ruapehu (mountain). 

Open every day for dinner from 5 pm. They are also participate in  First Table  to get 50% discount if you book a table on the First Table website.

Industry Bar and Grill

More contemporary style dining experience using fresh local ingredients. Drop in for just a beer and a snack or book a table for a delious dinner.

Open every day  for dinner and for brunch from 10 am Friday to Sunday.

Magic Chilli Indian Restaurant

Fantastic range of Indian curries available for dine in or take out options. The Magic Chilli Chicken dish is an absolute delight.

Open every day from 4.30pm onwards.

Osteria Italian Restaurant

Great atmosphere and a great menu for pizzas, pasta and italian mains. 

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 4 pm onwards.

Cafe options:

Mountain Rocks Cafe -  Our favourite cafe, open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

OCR Eatery and Winebar - open from 9am to 3 pm. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday.

Utopia Cafe - open daily from 7.30am to 4pm.

Eat Take Away Diner- Vegan and vegetarian food- open daily from 8 am to 2.30 pm.