Tongariro National Park, established in 1887, is New Zealand’s oldest national park and was the world’s fourth national park. The park encompasses the high volcanic plateau of the North Island and contains 3 out of 4 of the North Island’s tallest peaks: Mount Ruapehu (2,797 meters), Mount Ngauruhoe (2,287 meters), and Mount Tongariro (1,978 meters) – all active volcanoes. Due to the sacred status of these peaks for the Maori combined with the parks incredible natural assets, Tongariro has been designated both a cultural and natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.