Drives Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand Taupo, Rotorua and the Central Plateau
Tongariro: Highway 47
SH 47, SH 46, SH 1 · Tūrangi → National Park
The drive
This drive circles the northern and western sides of Tongariro National Park on three state highways. From Tūrangi it follows SH1 for a short distance, then turns onto Lake Rotoaira Road (SH46) and runs round the lake, joins SH47 and continues across the volcanic plateau to National Park village.
The bends are long and flowing rather than tight, and the volcanoes are never far away. SH47 has a marked lookout and rest area with a view over Lake Rotoaira to the plateau. About 14 km after the SH46 junction you pass the turn to Whakapapa Village and the ski area on the north side of Ruapehu, and National Park village is a further 9 km on.
The road is a single carriageway with one lane each way and few buildings along it. It is also the park's main alternative to the Desert Road, so it is busier than it looks when SH1 is shut.
Along the way
- Tūrangi
- National Park
Good to know
- SH46 and SH47 act as the western bypass of the Desert Road, so traffic and trucks increase when SH1 closes.
- Heavy snow can close these roads too, as it did in August 2023, so check NZTA in winter.
- There are no significant towns along SH47, so fuel and supplies are best sorted in Tūrangi or National Park.
- SH46 is a common route for holidaymakers heading to the Whakapapa ski field and the Tongariro Crossing.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journeys: traffic and road conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Tūrangi to National Park drive take on SH47?
The Tūrangi to National Park route on SH1, SH46 and SH47 is 48 km (29.5 mi) and takes about 35 minutes.
Which roads does this Tongariro drive use?
It uses SH1 for a short distance out of Tūrangi, then Lake Rotoaira Road (SH46) and SH47 to National Park village.
Is SH47 a good alternative when the Desert Road is closed?
Yes. SH46 and SH47 are used as the western bypass around Tongariro National Park when SH1 across the Desert Road closes, though heavy snow can close them too.
Where is the turn to Whakapapa on SH47?
The SH48 junction to Whakapapa Village and the Ruapehu ski area is about 9 km from National Park village on SH47.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.