Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  North Island  /  Manawatu-Wanganui Region  /  Tongariro National Park  /  Mount Ruapehu

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.
Create an itinerary including Mount Ruapehu
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to Mount Ruapehu

FROM $12 BOOK WITH VIATOR Tongariro Self-Guided Audio Tour
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Tours from $12 »

Mount Ruapehu reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
463 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By Fussfussy
    Muanga Ruapehu commands respect. Been visiting our National Taonga since high school field trips and shamefully have only just learned now ,over 40 years later of the cultural significance of...  more »
  • 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 »
See more on TripAdvisor »
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
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Tongariro National Park

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro Alpine Crossing ©
Hiking Trail
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
4.6
Duration: 8 hours
Whakapapa - Mt Ruapehu ©
Ski Area
Whakapapa - Mt Ruapehu
Whakapapa
2.1
Duration: 8 hours
Ohakune Old Coach Road ©
Historic Walking Area
Ohakune Old Coach Road
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Taranaki Falls ©
Waterfall
Taranaki Falls
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min

Hidden gems in Tongariro National Park

Horsemtrails ©
Hiking Trail
Horsemtrails
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Active Outdoor Adventures
National Park
Active Outdoor Adventures
4.8
Duration: 8 hours
Tongariro Northern Circuit ©
Hiking Trail
Tongariro Northern Circuit
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Silica Rapids Track ©
Hiking Trail
Silica Rapids Track
Whakapapa
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min

Side trips from Tongariro National Park

©
River Rafting / Tubing
River Rafting & Tubing
Turangi
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
Tongariro National Trout Centre ©
Wildlife Area
Tongariro National Trout Centre
Turangi
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min
Timber Trail NZ
Biking Trail
Timber Trail NZ
Pureora Forest Park
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
National Army Museum ©
Military Museum
National Army Museum
Waiouru
4.5
Duration: 2 hours

Trails in Tongariro National Park

Rotopounamu Track ©
Hiking Trail
Rotopounamu Track
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Whakapapa Nature Walk ©
Hiking Trail
Whakapapa Nature Walk
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
Ridge Track ©
Hiking Trail
Ridge Track
Whakapapa
4.2
Duration: 30 minutes
Mounds Walk
Hiking Trail
Mounds Walk
2.7
Duration: 30 minutes

Nearby attractions in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre) ©
Visitor Center
Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre)
Whakapapa
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour ©
Photography Tour
Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour
4.9
Duration: 1 hour
Tongariro Crossing Shuttles ©
Transportation
Tongariro Crossing Shuttles
3.8
Duration: 1h 30 min
Mead's Wall
Scenic Walking Area
Mead's Wall
Whakapapa
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Winter Sports in Tongariro National Park

Turoa Ski Area
Ski Area
Turoa Ski Area
1.4
Duration: 8 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Mount Ruapehu by other users

30 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM DENMARK Te Anau Queenstown Wellington 31 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM INDIA Queenstown Te Anau Wanaka 16 days in North Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Auckland Waitomo Caves Rotorua 60 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM GERMANY Paihia Whitianga Waitomo Caves 5 days in Manawatu-Wanganui Region BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Whanganui Tongariro National Park 37 days in Asia & South Pacific BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Arugam Bay Seminyak Ubud