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Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park

4.5
#1 of 7 in Nature in Tongariro National Park
Must see · Volcano · Nature / Park
Situated within a national park, Mount Ruapehu represents not only the highest mountain on North Island, but also one of the world's most active volcanoes. Known locally as the "Pit of Sound," this 2,797 m (9,176 ft) volcano erupted massively in 1945, and rumbled again in 1969 and 1973. A small eruption in 2006 caused a 2.8-magnitude earthquake. Despite continued activity, the mountain's slopes feature two of New Zealand's largest ski fields, offering runs for both beginners and experts. Alpine huts owned by private clubs cater to adventurous climbers and hikers. Check the weather forecast before you go and bring basic survival equipment if you plan to explore on your own. By using our Tongariro National Park trip itinerary planner, you can arrange your visit to Mount Ruapehu and other attractions in Tongariro National Park.
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Tours to Mount Ruapehu

FROM $12 BOOK WITH VIATOR Tongariro Self-Guided Audio Tour
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
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Mount Ruapehu reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
459 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By JaneW3063
    Whakapapa was one the premium ski area in NZ and has been ruined by incompetent management. If you haven’t booked a car park you can’t drive to the ski field and only half the mountain is open for...  more »
  • By Brobertsonnz
    Spent 3 hrs on the road getting to whakapapa to be totally disappointed, first u drive all the way to the boom after the hotel looking for the shuttle to then be told to turn around and drive another....  more »
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Google
  • By Johnny Knox
    Went to mountain at weekend with kids. Weather forced closure of lifts but kids had a blast on the meadow and sledding. There was some great staff working in the area - very happy crew. One standout though a guy named Julius working the pommer lift. Really awesome with the kids and very patient with the novices - even remembered the kids names. Well done!
  • By Angus Philip
    (Whakapapa) Amazing but one time we went and it got very foggy and got lost because tracks are not marked out very well up top. Otherwise amazing views and tracks, especially out west
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Popular things to do in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro Alpine Crossing ©
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Whakapapa - Mt Ruapehu ©
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Taranaki Falls ©
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Hidden gems in Tongariro National Park

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Side trips from Tongariro National Park

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Trails in Tongariro National Park

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Duration: 2h 30 min
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Mounds Walk
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Nearby attractions in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre) ©
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Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour ©
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Tongariro Crossing Shuttles ©
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Mead's Wall
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Winter Sports in Tongariro National Park

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