Whakapapa Village Hotels

Whakapapa Village is situated in the dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park at the base of the majestic Mount Ruapehu, New Zealands' most famous volcano. Whakapapa Village aerial view. Home to the historic Chateau Tongariro, a New Zealand icon, it is only a short ten minute drive up the Bruce Road to Whakapapa, New Zealand's largest ski area and is central to most activities in the Park. Scenes from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy were filmed at various locations in the Tongariro National Park including the base of Whakapapa ski area. The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre (located 100 metres up the road from the Bayview Chateau Tongariro) provides extensive information on the walks, treks and hikes available in the Tongariro National Park as well as information on the Park's natural and cultural features. Whakapapa Village is located at the base of the access road to Whakapapa ski field on the western side of Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano. The settlement is dominated by the elegant Chateau Tongariro, a large heritage hotel that was built in 1929. The village also offers less expensive accommodation, including camp sites. In winter, shuttle buses operate to and from the ski field, which has more than 30 runs, gear rental, ski schools, cafés and crèche facilities. Summer is a time for canoeing, white water rafting and hiking in the Tongariro National Park. Expeditions include the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Northern Circuit and the Crater Rim. Functional facts: Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, restaurants, limited shopping.