This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Erua.
Erua, New Zealand, is a small settlement on the edge of the Tongariro National Park on the North Island of New Zealand. It is situated right next to the State Highway Four and therefore it's easy to get there. This highway, with a length of approximately two hundred forty kilometers, is the shortest of New Zealand's eight national highways. State Highway Four links Whanganui on the coast with the Ruapehu District, including Erua, and Waitomo District further north. Getting to Erua is easy. If you do not have a car, you can use the numerous bus services to get to National Park and from there, you can usually get picked up for free by your host.
In winter, the maximum temperatures are around twelve degrees Celsius in the region. The summers are quite mild. Daily maximum temperatures of twenty to twenty-three degrees Celsius are usual. Rain showers can occur all year round.
Currently, the options for a Erua, New Zealand hostel are limited; if you want to stay in a hotel or in a holiday apartment in the area, you can also book them. However, do not forget that some accommodations are difficult to reach without your own car. If you cannot find a place to stay in Erua, there are additional hostels in National Park Village nearby. Generally, the hostels in the area are quiet, not too fancy, and simple but clean.
The biggest attraction for visitors is the Tongariro National Park. This national park was established in the late nineteenth century, and therefore it is the oldest national park in New Zealand. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best tracks of its kind. The walk leads through a raw volcanic landscape and it is nineteen kilometres long. The unique nature and the beautiful views attract countless tourists every year. In winter, Whakapapa is very recommendable for skiers and snowboarders. Located on the western slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the place provides superb opportunities to have some fun in the snow. More than thirty groomed trails and many off-piste areas welcome winter sport enthusiasts.
Written by local enthusiast for Erua hostels
Flo