Mount Ruapehu
Ruapehu
The highest peak on the North Island (2,797 meters) and one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes; in winter it hosts two major ski fields, and in summer you can hike to the crater lake.
Mount Ruapehu is a compound stratovolcano with a warm, acidic crater lake at its summit, which erupted in 1995–96 and again in 2007. Whakapapa on the north slope and Turoa on the southwest slope are New Zealand's two largest ski fields. In summer, you can ride the Sky Waka gondola up to about 2,020 meters, then hike with a guide for about 4–6 hours to the crater lake rim. The mountain is also sacred to Māori and is part of a World Heritage site. Volcanic alert levels and weather can change quickly, so check GeoNet and DOC information before hiking, and join a guided tour if you have no experience.
Opening hours
All day; cable car about 09:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Whakapapa Ski Area & Sky Waka
- Tūroa Ski Area
- Silica Rapids
- Mangawhero Falls
- Waitonga Falls
- Taranaki Falls
- Whakapapa Village & Visitor Centre
- Tama Lakes