Coming to Tongariro National Park is all about experiencing nature and the outdoors. At this time of year, the weather is relatively predictable, making it easy for visitors to plan their adventures. But what happens when bad weather strikes? Fortunately, there are plenty of exciting rainy day activities in Tongariro to keep you entertained.
Whatever the weather, visitors can appreciate the vast, beautiful landscape of Tongariro National Park. Rain doesn’t tarnish the region’s beauty, it just brings it out in a different way.
Many of the outdoor activities in the area are available for visitors to enjoy rain or shine. Some say these activities are even more enjoyable when it’s raining!
Some of the best rainy day activities in Tongariro
Soak in the Tokaanu thermal hot pools
This little hidden gem is a very popular spot on a rainy day. After all, who doesn’t love a good warm soak in colder weather?
A 30 minute drive from The Park Hotel, Tokaanu is a small, quiet township near Turangi. Visitors often flock to the Tokaanu Hot Pools to soothe tired muscles after a day skiing or snowboarding. The thermal water has a historical significance in that past generations of Ngati Kurauia would use the steam for cooking. The water is a taonga (a highly prized natural resource) to local iwi, Ngati Kuruaia, as it is also believed to have healing properties.
If the sky opens up during your stay in Tongariro National Park, we highly recommend a trip to Tokaanu Thermal Hot Pools.
Take a short walk to our nearby waterfalls
We’re no stranger to stunning waterfalls here in Tongariro National Park.
Being so close to The Park Hotel, visiting the Taranaki Falls and Tawhai Falls are two popular rainy day activities in Tongariro. Each of these waterfalls boast their own unique qualities and are well worth the short walk, even when it’s raining.
Taranaki Falls
This impressive 20 metre waterfall plunges over an ancient lava flow created by an eruption from Mt Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. Watch the water tumble into a boulder-lined pool.
This historical landmark is magnificent in any weather, but there’s something about overcast skies that give the waterfall an eerie, mysterious effect.
As part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, you have the opportunity to keep walking or turn back after you reach the waterfall. View the Taranaki Falls from the base or the top, depending on how close you want to get to the rushing water.
Taranaki Falls is included in New Zealand’s list of must-see waterfalls. An easy two hour walk through alpine shrub and beech forest, Taranaki Falls is a rewarding adventure topped off with fantastic views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro.
Tawhai Falls
The Tawhai Falls walk is one of the easiest short walks in the Tongariro region, taking only 20 minutes to complete. Because of the short distance and well-maintained tracks, families love to add this to their list of rainy day activities in Tongariro.
The 13 metre waterfall is also the result of an ancient lava flow, with water plunging into a stream scattered with natural rock formations. Tracks lead you up to a lookout and then down to the base of the waterfall, allowing you to view the beautiful Tawhai Falls from two wonderful perspectives.
Visit the National Army Museum
Head north of The Park Hotel to The National Army Museum. Year-round, the National Army Museum tops the list of unique rainy day activities in Tongariro.
Located in Waiouru, a trip to The National Army Museum is worthwhile, whatever the weather. Here you’ll learn all there is to know about New Zealand’s military history. With so much to learn, this interactive museum is a great place to bring the family.
You’ll be captivated by life-like exhibitions, historical artifacts and galleries of military imagery. This museum will open your mind up to the sacrifice, courage and loyalty of past and present New Zealand soldiers.
Try a Tongariro River Rafting adventure
River rafting is a fantastic outdoor adventure on a rainy day. You’re going to get wet anyway, so what’s a little rain in the mix? From novices to seasoned pros, river rafting is an experience anyone can enjoy.
The Team at Tongariro River Rafting will take you to the area’s hidden gems that can only be seen by raft. Whether you’re up for the roller coaster rapids of white water rafting or you’d rather take the kids on a ‘Family Float’, adventures with Tongariro River Rafting are some of the best rainy day activities in Tongariro.
Everything you need will be provided to you and the team will ensure your safety along the way.
All you need to bring is your togs, a towel and a good sense of adventure. And as it’s only a 10 minute drive from the Tokaanu Hot Pools, you can tick off both of these rainy day activities in one day!
Take the family indoor rock climbing
Many people who visit Tongariro National Park are natural thrill-seekers. As the area is an outdoor adventurers dream, there is so much to do here that will get the adrenaline pumping.
When bad weather strikes, indoor rock climbing will challenge those who don’t like to sit still.
Only a three minute walk from The Park Hotel, don your raincoat and head over to the indoor climbing wall. With 55 different climbs and 300m2 of wall available, it’s safe to say both kids and adults will be entertained for hours.
When you’re all climbed out, you’ll be pleased to return to The Park Hotel to soak your tired arms and legs in one of our outdoor hot tubs.
Tongariro National Park is abundant in adventures that are perfectly suited to all kinds of weather. You won’t be twiddling your thumbs wondering what to do if the sky opens up during your stay here.
Different weather simply brings different experiences.
We want our guests to get the most out of their stay with us here at The Park Hotel.
Our friendly staff will be happy to advise you of the many rainy day activities in Tongariro, most of which they will have experienced themselves.
Stay with us and see the best of Tongariro National Park, rain or shine. Call us today.