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Tongariro is the first national park in New Zealand and was established in 1887. It is also a world heritage site of the country. The park, which is known for its herb fields and forests along with lakes and active volcanoes, is located in the central North Island of New Zealand. The city of Auckland lies close to the park.
The park was spread over an area of 26.4 square km initially but was later expanded. The first activities started in the park in the 20th century. With the building of the railway line in 1908, the park attracted a lot of visitors.
The park has many species of animals as well and is home to the only native mammals of New Zealand- the long and the short tailed bats. One can also see many birds in the region like robin, fantails, parakeets and kereru.
The park also has three active volcanoes namely Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. The Ngauruhoe volcano is said to erupt every nine years. Mount Ruapehu is the highest point of North Island. It remains permanently covered with snow and ice and has seven glaciers.
The park lies halfway between Auckland and Wellington and is easily accesible from both the regions. The park sees many visitors during the summer months as there are various walking and tramping opportunities during that time of the year. It also has the only commercial ski fields of the North Island.
Another attraction of the place is the Whakapapa Village. The village has a population of about 150 and is known as the country’s highest settlement with permanent residents.
The Tongariro National Park has a temperate climate. It has warm summers and chilly winters because of the altitude.
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