Photo: Mt Ruapehu Skiing Tongariro National Park NZ

When winter hits Tongariro National Park on the North Island of NZ, skiing is exceptional and you get the added attraction of Mt Ngauruhoe.

Summer looks a little barren on Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park on the North Island of NZ, but when winter approaches and the mountainous area is blanketed with snow, skiing is spectacular. The buildings are very quiet during the summer but when the ski season begins, this area becomes very busy. The buildings come alive with visitors as skiing is very popular atop Mt Ruapehu.Hiking in Tongariro National Park becomes the main attraction in the summer where you can trek to the top of Mt Ruapehu and enjoy the stunning view of Mt Ngauruhoe. The volcanic landscape is very intriguing and for people that have never seen this type of land formation, days could be spent exploring.Always be well prepared for these mountains as hot summer days can become unbearable and winter days can be extremely cold. Within hours, the weather atop Mt Ruapehu can alter courses very quickly and a pleasant day can take a turn for the worse calling for extra layers of clothes.If you are on the North Island of NZ during the summer, head to Tongariro National Park and trek over and around Mt Ruapehu and get a close look at the volcano. Winter vacations bring to life a whole new world atop Mt Ruapehu where skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and tubing take over the hillsides.Mt Ngauruhoe, seen from the Whakapapa Skifield Lift on Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park, World Heritage Site, Central North Island, New Zealand.