National Park, New Zealand
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National Park Waimarino (Māori) |
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| Village | |
 National Park
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| Coordinates: 39°10′25″S 175°23′50″E / 39.17361°S 175.39722°ECoordinates: 39°10′25″S 175°23′50″E / 39.17361°S 175.39722°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Manawatu-Wanganui Region |
| Territorial authority | Ruapehu District |
| Named for | Proximity to Tongariro National Park |
| Population (2013 census) | |
| • Total | 174 |
| Postcode | 3989 |
| Area code(s) | 07 |
National Park is a small town on the North Island Central Plateau in New Zealand. Also known as National Park Village, it is the highest urban township in New Zealand, at 825 metres. Its name derives from its location just outside the boundary of Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's first national park, and its only national park from its creation in 1887 until 1900. The village has great views of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy), and Mount Ruapehu.
The town is sited next to the North Island Main Trunk railway line and close to the junction of State Highways 4 and 47, halfway between Raetihi and Taumarunui and 45 kilometres southwest of the southern shore of Lake Taupo. It is 20 minutes drive to the country's biggest skifields, Whakapapa and 50 minutes drive to Turoa on the slopes of the active volcano, Mount Ruapehu. To the west is Whanganui National Park.
The town is administered by the Ruapehu District Council. One councillor is elected for the National Park Ward, and there is a National Park Community Board. On a national level, National Park is part of the Rangitīkei general electorate and the Te Tai Hauāuru Māori electorate.
Tourism is its main industry, with 1,500 visitor beds in commercial accommodation and private chalets. In the summer the village is a popular base for Tongariro and Whanganui National Park for hiking, biking and kayaking. National Park Village. Transport leaves daily (weather permitting) for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, known as the best one day alpine trek in New Zealand.
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