Where to Stay Near Tongariro National Park: Best Areas, Accommodation, & Campsites

Planning to visit Tongariro National Park, but aren’t sure where to stay?

I’m here to help. I’ve been fortunate to visit Tongariro National Park many times over the years and love this part of New Zealand so much.

Tongariro National Park is a dream destination for outdoor lovers, whether you’re planning to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or go on a shorter day hike like Taranaki Falls or Tama Lakes. 

It’s also home to some epic scenery from the Lord of the Rings films, with the park’s volcanic landscape starring as Mordor in the movies. 

All of this is to say that Tongariro National Park is easily one of the best places to visit in the North Island, especially if you’re after some time in the mountains.

There are a few different options for where to stay near Tongariro National Park, and I’ll go through them below (including options for both accommodation and camping).

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Map of where to stay near Tongariro National Park

Where to stay near Tongariro National Park

1. Turangi

Turangi is a small town located right off State Highway 1, about 50 km south of Taupo. 

While it’s best known for its fly fishing opportunities, Turangi also makes a great base for visiting Tongariro National Park, particularly if you’re driving from north to south.

I especially like staying in Turangi for hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. From Turangi, it’s just around a 20-minute drive to the Ketetahi car park, near the end point of the crossing. 

What’s great about this is that you can book a Ketetahi Park & Ride shuttle, leave your car at the designated car park, and take the shuttle to the start of the crossing.

When you’re done with your hike, you can simply walk back to your car instead of waiting for a shuttle to pick you up at the end of the trail.

As for the town of Turangi itself, it’s a modest place but well-equipped with a range of accommodation options. 

In town, there’s a New World supermarket, along with cafes and restaurants, making it an easy place to stay for a couple of days. 

Where to stay in Turangi

Creel Lodge

Creel Lodge is such a lovely place to stay in Turangi.

The property is surrounded by lush gardens, with the Tongariro River Trail right in its backyard.

This is a popular place to stay for fly fishing, but it also makes a wonderful home base for exploring Tongariro National Park.

The rooms have kitchens and cosy living rooms, and feel warm and comfortable.

There’s also a great cafe next door—the Anglers’ Table—where you can fuel up with coffee and good food for a day of adventuring.

✨ Check prices & availability for Creel Lodge ➡️

The Quarters

The Quarters is a beautiful property in Turangi with a variety of accommodation options, from studio rooms to a 3-bedroom house.

What all of the options have in common is that they’re absolutely lovely!

This spot has a high-end boutique feel, with stylish furnishings and premium, modern touches.

I don’t know of anything else like it around the area, so I highly recommend checking it out if you’re after a casually luxurious stay near Tongariro National Park.

✨ Check prices & availability for The Quarters ➡️

Parklands Motor Lodge & Holiday Park

Parklands Motor Lodge is both a motel and a holiday park, with camping and cabins in addition to their motel rooms.

While the motel rooms are fine, they’re not my top choice for accommodation in Turangi (see my recommendations above for my favourite spots). 

However, I quite like the camping cabins here and think they’re a good budget-friendly option in Turangi.

✨ Check prices & availability for Parklands Motor Lodge & Holiday Park ➡️

2. Whakapapa Village

Whakapapa Village is a small alpine village located at the base of Mount Ruapehu, right in the heart of Tongariro National Park.

The thing about Whakapapa is that it’s small and has limited facilities. Currently, there’s only one hotel and one campground in Whakapapa—and dining options are very scarce.

But if you want to be in the midst of nature close to some of the North Island’s best hiking trails, and don’t mind humble accommodation and self-catering, this is a beautiful area to stay in.

From Whakapapa Village, it’s easy to access some of my favourite walks in Tongariro National Park: Taranaki Falls, Tama Lakes, and Tawhai Falls are all close by. 

And if you’re planning to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, there are options for shuttles that will pick you up from your accommodation in Whakapapa Village.

Where to stay in Whakapapa Village

Skotel Alpine Resort

Skotel Alpine Resort is the only hotel currently operating in Whakapapa Village.

I’ve stayed at the Skotel a couple of times, and love the location. From the hotel, the trailheads for the Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes Tracks are right at your doorstep.

That said, I do find the rooms at this hotel to be quite dated (which is fine, I think, if you know what to expect!).

This hotel is also home to the only restaurant in Whakapapa Village. And the onsite hot tub and sauna are a nice treat after a day of hiking.

If hiking in Tongariro National Park is your top priority, I think it’s worth staying here simply because of its awesome location.

✨ Check prices & availability for Skotel Alpine Resort ➡️

Whakapapa Holiday Park

If you’re travelling in a campervan, the Whakapapa Holiday Park is a good place to camp in a stellar location in Whakapapa Village.

The campsites here are nestled amongst native bush and the surroundings have a natural, peaceful feel.

I do think it’s worth noting that the facilities here are quite basic and pretty dated. If you camp here, be prepared for a back-to-basics camping experience.

While you can technically tent camp here, I don’t find it the best for tent camping (I prefer the nearby Mangahuia Campsite for tents). 

They do have some basic cabins available here, too, but I haven’t stayed in one of these myself so I can’t vouch for them as of yet! 

✨ Book your campsite at the Whakapapa Holiday Park ➡️

3. Waimarino / National Park Village

Waimarino (formerly known as National Park Village) is the main “hub” near Tongariro National Park.

While it’s larger than Whakapapa Village, Waimarino is also a small village with somewhat limited accommodation and dining options (I don’t want to mislead you into thinking it’s a big town!). 

From Waimarino, it’s just a 12-minute drive to Whakapapa Village and the hiking trails there. 

It also takes around 20 minutes to get to the start of the Tongariro Crossing, with shuttles leaving right from the Waimarino Park & Ride (make sure to book your shuttle in advance).

There’s a small Four Square supermarket in Waimarino and a handful of dining options. Personally, I usually self-cater when I stay here and stock up on groceries before arriving.

Where to stay in (and around) Waimarino

Plateau Lodge

Plateau Lodge has a few different accommodation options, including lodge rooms with shared bathrooms, ensuite studio pods, and a self-contained apartment with a kitchen.

I like the studio pods here, which have outdoor baths on the decks. You’ll get access to the communal kitchen, too, if you want to make your own meals.

While it’s not fancy, I think this is a clean and comfortable place to stay in a good location for exploring Tongariro National Park.

✨ Check prices & availability for Plateau Lodge ➡️

Parkview Apartments

Parkview Apartments are a fantastic place to stay for families or a small group of friends. 

They offer two-bedroom townhouses kitted out with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen and laundry facilities in the units. 

It’ll feel like your own little home away from home here.

✨ Check prices & availability for Parkview Apartments ➡️

Waimarino Park & Ride KiwiCamp 

If you’re travelling in a campervan and are after a cheap campsite in Waimarino, KiwiCamp is the spot for you.

At the time of writing, it’s $10 to camp here per vehicle (for up to 6 people). 

The campsite is essentially just one big parking lot, but there’s not much to complain about when it’s so cheap.

You’ll have access to the toilets here, but if you want to use the other facilities like the kitchen and showers, you’ll need to pay extra for them using a Penny key (they sell them at the GAS petrol station in town).

✨ Book your camping spot via the KiwiCamp/Penny website ➡️

Mangahuia DOC Campsite

The Mangahuia DOC Campsite is located a bit outside of Waimarino, but it’s a lovely place to camp if you’re happy with a rugged camping experience.

This is one of my favourite campsites in the North Island, with sites surrounded by native bush and a creek with a good swimming hole.

I like this campsite for both tent camping and campervan camping, but just note that the only facilities are long-drop toilets and a cooking shelter. 

If you’re planning to do the Tongariro Crossing, you can book Tongariro Crossing Shuttles to pick you up along the highway right by this campsite.

✨ Bookings are required for the Mangahuia DOC Campsite ➡️

4. Ohakune

Ohakune is a charming mountain town located near the southern entrance to Tongariro National Park.

While it’s a bit further from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing than the other places in this guide, I think Ohakune makes a really nice base for exploring the area. If you do want to do the crossing, this return shuttle from Ohakune is a good option.

There are some nice accommodation options in Ohakune, plenty of places to eat, and a New World supermarket. All I can say is that a burger from The Hungry Rush is always extremely good, but never tastes better than after a big hike!

Close to Ohakune are some beautiful walks like Waitonga Falls, as well as the Old Coach Road cycle trail. Ohakune is also a popular place to visit in New Zealand in winter for skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes at Turoa or Whakapapa.

Where to stay in Ohakune

Powderhorn Chateau

Powderhorn Chateau is a fantastic place to stay in Ohakune.

With rustic-chic alpine lodge vibes, this is a cosy and fun place to stay near Tongariro National Park.

I love the decks off the rooms, which are perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or evening drink. The indoor soaking lagoon is a treat after hiking, and the onsite restaurant is a nice place for a meal.

✨ Check prices & availability for Powderhorn Chateau ➡️

Rata Boutique Apartments

For a luxurious stay in Ohakune, Rata Boutique Apartments are a wonderful choice.

The apartments have gorgeous, modern decor that will give you some serious design inspiration. And the private hot tub couldn’t be more welcome at the end of a day well spent in Tongariro National Park.

✨ Check prices & availabilty for Rata Boutique Apartments ➡️

Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park

If you’re after a budget-friendly stay in Ohakune—or a nice spot to camp in your campervan—have a look at the Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park.

Located just a short walk from the town centre, this spacious holiday park has cosy cabins that won’t break the bank, and good sites for campervans.

✨ Check prices & availability for the Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park ➡️

Thanks for reading my guide on where to stay near Tongariro National Park!

I truly hope this has helped you plan your visit to Tongariro National Park.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me. I really love hearing from you!

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