Best Tongariro Base?
 

Hello Fodorite friends. I'm planning a potential return trip to New Zealand for the end of the year, focused on the North Island. We are interested in doing the Tongariro Crossing, and are seeking feedback on the best base among Turangi, Ohakune, and Whakapapa. As non-drivers, we are looking for a place where we could walk to restaurants and cafes, and perhaps some shops, and offers other activities as we're thinking 3 nights (one day for the Crossing, and one backup day in which we would be seeking other activities and / or sightseeing). Thanks for your help.

Go for Turangi.
We holidayed for years in the area when Mother in law had a holiday house there. You can get the bus from Taupo and there are shuttle services to the TAC.
Creel Lodge is a lovely motel right by the beautiful Tongariro River and has it's own bijou cafe.
The town centre is a bit scruffy but there is a good supermarket, book shop, pharmacy and good cafes. We like Hydro Cafe.

Thank you for your feedback. It's much appreciated.

No problem and please post again if you need help nearer December.
Forgot about my lovely friend Sarah who is the Manager of Turangi Leisure Lodge which would be another accommodation option. The bus station for the Taupo bus is about 2 minutes walk away (it's right outside the I-site tourist information building).