Whakapapa Visitor Centre. Mt Ruapehu. New Zealand.
S 39° 12.080 E 175° 32.401
60H E 373933 N 5659865
The Whakapapa Visitor Centre is situated at the main gateway to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park and presently attracting in excess of one million visitors per annum.
Waymark Code: WM3Z84
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 06/09/2008
Views: 47
Note: All Tourist I-Sites in New Zealand provide extensive information, brochures, maps, accommodation and travel bookings etc for the entire country, including both North and South Islands. They also provide excellent local knowledge of the specific areas they are situated in.
The Centre was first established in the 1960s and was redeveloped and re-opened in March 2001.
The centre offers:
* high quality visitor information and orientation,
* interpretative displays,
* two audio-visual shows,
* quality merchandise.
* weather and ski reports,
* track updates,
* hut tickets
* maps
* walk information
* maps, brochures, accommodation and travel bookings for the entire country.
There are two primary stories portrayed in the centre:
* the original gift of the park in 1887 by Te Heuheu Tukino, the paramount chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa
* the unique volcanic history of the park and it’s three main mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
These two themes are linked by the World Heritage Status of the park and are further illustrated by the following two audio-visual shows which are played on request:
The Sacred Gift: Features aspects of early history of the region, and brings to life the maori myths of the Park’s volcanoes, european settlement of the area, spectacular landscapes and recreational activities within the park.
Volcanoes of the South Wind: This dynamic presentation describes the power and unpredictable nature of volcanoes and the earth-building which has shaped the National Park and it’s surrounds. You will discover how volcanoes are created and why they are so important to all of us.
The Visitor Centre is situated at the foot of Mt Ruapehu in Whakapapa Village. There are food cafes, gift shop, accommodation hotels and holiday camps across the road. There is a shop inside the Centre selling gifts and souvenirs, and maps and information brochures are available for all regions of New Zealand.
Hours of Operation:
Opening Hours:
* Summer: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm in the summer (November – March)
* Winter: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in the winter (April – October)
Public Washrooms: Mens and Womens Only
Snacks/Drinks at the facility: Yes - Store or similar
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