One New Plymouth family were gifted a trampoline after high winds blew it into their property.

Scientists continue to monitor one of New Zealand's volcanic hot spots as underground rumblings reverberate.

Mt Ruapehu's risk of eruption is increasing with its volcanic alert now at Level 2, as DoC also issues warning to climbers and trampers.

Walkers planning to trek the Tongariro National Park are urged to take caution after a popular crossing was badly damaged due to heavy rain.

Despite its slightly faded glamour, the Chateau still lives up to Tim Roxborogh's childhood expectations.

Mt Tongariro - long considered a peaceful neighbour to the rowdy Ruapehu - is much more fiery than we ever realised, says a scientist sharing new findings today.

Jane Jeffries looks forward to ski season at the North Island's great mountain.

A 61-year-old tramper is missing near Tongariro National Park after he failed to return from a short walk earlier today.

A hike up and down a volcano gets Duncan Garner thinking he should really do more of this kind of exercise.

Rosalie France explores National Park without snow.

A tourist from Germany died while hiking in Tongariro National Park yesterday.

A 19-year-old woman who spent a "helpless and hopeless" night stranded on Mt Ngauruhoe wearing a hoodie and yoga pants, says she will never go tramping again.

A team of search and rescue specialists and police were "preparing for the worst" while searching for a woman who spent a night 1500m up Mt Ngauruhoe.

A woman survived a freezing night 1500m up Mt Ngauruhoe after she became separated from her group and climbed the wrong mountain.

Tongariro National Park turns on a bright blue day for a ramble to its even bluer lakes, writes Josie Dale.

Paul Charman on the joys of a weekend driving around the Central Plateau.

New Zealanders will still have free access to Tongariro National Park and its surrounds despite a report confirming his people's belief its peaks were never gifted to the Crown, says paramount chief.

Work to flush a stream contaminated by a large diesel spill at Tongariro National Park has begun.

Mount Tongariro has been rattled by numerous small earthquakes in the past few weeks, which could spark an increase in volcanic activity, GNS Science says.

Donna McIntyre feels her fear of heights and does the Tongariro Crossing anyway.

Three volcanoes, a castle and a train make for magical holiday ingredients, writes Elisabeth Easther.

A 14-year-old boy has been airlifted off the Tongariro Crossing this afternoon.

The immediate threat of eruption at Mt Tongariro has passed but there remains a chance of another sudden eruption within the next two weeks, GNS Science says.