Volcanoes as neighbors

The Overlander makes a 30 minute stop at National Park Village, the closest station to Chateau Tongariro and the Whakapapa ski field. Aptly named, National Park village borders the World Heritage Tongariro National Park and it’s three active volcanoes to the east and the Whanganui National Park and Whanganui river to the west. National Park Village is also the highest urban township in New Zealand at an altitude of 825m. Visitors can get out and explore the volcanic plateau, go hiking, biking, rafting, wilderness fishing or take to the water by jet boat or canoe on the historic Whanganui river.

Whakapapa ski field offers 675 metres of vertical drop, more than 30 groomed trails as well as its steep chutes, couloirs and superb off-piste skiing.