What to do in Whakapapa

Activities, attractions and tours

Taranaki Falls
Taranaki Falls
Looking towards Mt Ngauruhoe from the front of Chateau Tongariro
3km one way for an easy hike to these falls - lots of great spots for photos. If you go on winter you have the added experience of walking with Mounts Ruapehu and Ngauruahoe around you.

Whakapapa Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Whakapapa has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Whakapapa is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Whakapapa to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Whakapapa Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Whakapapa.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Whakapapa attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Whakapapa

Discover the most popular places to visit in Whakapapa

Tongariro crossing in winter,Mount ngauruhoe, the great walk, New Zealand, Tongariro National park

Mount Ruapehu

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Ruapehu and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Tongariro National Park. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Mount Ruapehu
Tongariro National Park featuring mountains, landscape views and a sunset

Tongariro National Park

Explore New Zealand’s phenomenal volcanic landscape and trek across one of the best known hiking trails in the country.

Tongariro National Park
Caption---- Emerald Lakes in Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Explore the great outdoors at Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a lovely green space in Tongariro National Park. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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Mount Tongariro

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Tongariro during your travels in Tongariro National Park. Check out the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this relaxing area.

Mount Tongariro
Sunset in the way down from Turoa ski fields, Mt Ruapehu.

Turoa Ski Area

Hit the slopes in Tongariro National Park with a visit to Turoa Ski Area. Discover the mountain views and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Turoa Ski Area
Turangi featuring a river or creek

Taranaki Falls

Explore the great outdoors at Taranaki Falls and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Tongariro National Park. Savor the top-notch restaurants and lively bars while in town.

Taranaki Falls
Cone volcano at sunrise,Mount Ngauruhoe,New Zealand, Shutterstock ID 1127023898, Purchase Order: SP-1822 ANZ-18120 Wotif Search Engine - Destination Imagery, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Wotif, Ot

Mount Ngauruhoe

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Ngauruhoe during your travels in Tongariro National Park. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Mount Ngauruhoe

Whakapapa Ski Area

Hit the slopes in Tongariro National Park with a visit to Whakapapa Ski Area. Discover the mountain views and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Whakapapa Ski Area

Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre

You can take time to visit Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre during your travels to Whakapapa. Discover the mountain views and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Whakapapa

Mount Ruapehu from Ohakune; Shutterstock ID 3963082; Purchase Order: -

Tongariro National Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Whakapapa worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Whakapapa is visit Tongariro National Park. Check this leading sight off your list, then experience more of the area's skiing and nature.
How do I spend a day in Whakapapa?
Mount Tongariro and Taranaki Falls are two excellent places to begin your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Whakapapa while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Whakapapa?
Tongariro National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Whakapapa and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Whakapapa?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa Ski Area and Taranaki Falls with a three-day getaway in Whakapapa. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Turangi.
Is Whakapapa a walkable city?
That all depends on what you plan to see and do in Whakapapa. Several attractions, including Whakapapa Ski Area, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around one of Whakapapa's neighbourhoods, Iwikau is 5 kilometres away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Whakapapa with kids?
Planning what to do in Whakapapa with kids has never been easier. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Whakapapa for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Whakapapa for adults including Te Porere Redoubt and Opotaka Historic Place.
Are there free things to do in Whakapapa?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Whakapapa is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Tongariro National Park is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.