Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks - adventure playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts.

The best-known and most popular summer activities in the area include canoeing the Whanganui River and walking in Tongariro National Park. From the air, the magnificence of the parks’ scenery can be enjoyed by way of a scenic flight taking in the mountains, which graced cinema screens worldwide in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. During the summer months, skifield operators Ruapehu Alpine Lifts offer chairlift rides through Whakapapa ski area, affording visitors expansive views of the other large North Island mountains - Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and, farther off, Taranaki.

The district offers some excellent mountain bike trails – one favourite being the 17-kilometre downhill from Turoa skifield to the Powderhorn Chateau, a great challenge for you and your bike alike. For golfers, Waimarino golf course boasts well-groomed fairways, manicured greens and sweeping views of Mount Ruapehu. Enquire about golf clinics with Geoff Pitman, a professional golfer for over 20 years.

The Powderhorn Chateau can help organise half-day to full-day trips, transfers and, if required, a delicious picnic lunch for your excursions from our kitchens.