138: An Obsession with the Mountains of Tongariro National Park with Hazel Phillips

Hazel Phillips shares her deep love for Tongariro National Park and the wild stories behind her new book Fire and Ice. Living in Ohakune, Hazel has spent years exploring Ruapehu and Tongariro, uncovering hidden huts, old memorials, and the impacts of receding glaciers. She talks about Ruapehu Crater lake’s surprising tourism past, the spiritual significance of Ngāuruhoe, and why intent matters when we explore sacred places. Hazel shares her Mallowpuff altitude test, favourite swimming holes, and tips on how to find off-track adventures using a topo map. This episode is full of practical advice for exploring the park for newbies and seasoned trampers.

Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Get my NZ Map & Guide Book your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary

Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for the ride. If you love the show and enjoyed listening, please take the time to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. I would also love to connect with you, so send me a DM on Instagram, leave me a voice message and I can’t wait to see you next time. Until then, keep adventuring :)

Follow Hazel on Instagram: instagram.com/hazelphilli/

Get her book: Fire and Ice: Secrets, histories, treasures and mysteries of Tongariro National Park

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/

Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Join the broadcast channel (AKA insiders' club)

Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast

Where can you listen?

Episodes