Tongariro National Park  is the hub of the Ruapehu District and is not only a unique Park for the people of New Zealand, it is also a special treasure for the world.

 

The Park was given World Heritage status by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in 1990, as a natural site of outstanding universal value. It joined the Grand Canyon, Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) National Park, Kilimanjaro and 350 other World Heritage sites. The Park is now one of a handful of sites from around the world with dual natural and cultural World Heritage status. It is classified under two categories by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is listed because of its unique, active volcanic characteristics   and also its special cultural significance. When Horonuku Te Heu Heu Tukino gifted Tongariro to the people of New Zealand, he was also gifting it to the people of the world. The volcanoes of the Park and their glaciers, plants and animals represent a set of landforms and natural communities which have been recognised as outstanding heritage of international significance. The volcanoes are unique because of the frequency of eruptions, their highly explosive nature, and the high density of active vents. Ruapehu and Tongariro/Ngauruhoe) are two of the world’s most continuously active composite volcanoes. The Park is considered a unique natural laboratory for scientific study and education on volcanoes. Another outstanding natural feature is the unusual activity of volcanic and glacial processes on Ruapehu. Its Crater Lake is one of only two of its type in the world where glacial snow melt water gives rise to spectacular eruptions.  www.sacredpeaks.co.nz

 

Snowhaven townhouses are located right on the boundary of this majestic park.