The Ruapheu Region covers a vast area of land, including Mount Ruapheu and Mount Tongariro, with a large part taken up by the New Zealand Army's Waiouru Camp. Whether it's summer or winter the Tongariro National Park is an outdoor person's playground. If you have older children who enjoy mountain biking, walking or skiing, then take time out to enjoy this region. 

Video: Taranaki Falls: The Taranaki Falls, located in the Tongariro National Park, is a two hour return walk suitable for families. Ideally this suits children who can easy walk for two hours. All streams are bridged and the track is well marked and easy to follow. Not suitable for pushchairs.

There are three main mountains in the region, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, with the latter two being popular for summer-time day climbs. These climbs are suitable for children over eight with good levels of fitness and don't require any special climbing equipment. However, please remember that your family is in an alpine environment with weather that is unpredictable and can change from fine to cold and wet extremely quickly.

During winter months Turoa Park and Whakapapa ski fields are the main attractions.