Mt Ruapehu
Mt Ruapehu
4.5
About
Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa & Turoa has a world of unforgettable experiences to offer to alpine-lovers all year round. Home to two of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, New Zealand’s highest cafe & restaurant and amazing volcanic walks when the snow recedes; Whakapapa and Turoa offers an unparalleled experience of the dual world heritage status Tongariro National Park. Whakapapa has something for every skier and rider, with a premier beginners area, more than 30 groomed trails to fall in love with, plus a huge variety of off-piste terrain from wide-open runs to bowls, bumps, chutes and drops. Turoa offers a massive 722m of vertical descent from the top of Australasia’s highest chairlift – the Highnoon Express. Wide-open trails, pristine groomed runs, natural bowls and chutes will keep even the most experienced snow sports enthusiasts grinning from ear to ear. Alpine Meadow is an ideal beginner’s area with its 120m long carpet lift to move you smoothly around.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
485 reviews
Excellent
328
Very good
115
Average
22
Poor
7
Terrible
13
Fussy
6 contributions
Jan 2021
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 this priceless treasure for tanga Te whenua.. my gratitude to Iwi and Hapu and DoC for shared guardianship of this incomparable Muanga.
Written 29 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. Quinton L.
Canberra, Australia616 contributions
Jan 2020
After 20 years, I returned to Mount Ruapehu again, only this time it’s summer time. The funny part is that when I saw the cloud around the top, it remind me of Zelda game : )
Very interesting road to drive, I should bring my R1200GSA next time. Great view from the middle of the mountain. Highly recommended!
Very interesting road to drive, I should bring my R1200GSA next time. Great view from the middle of the mountain. Highly recommended!
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhonda R
Sydney, Australia53 contributions
Jan 2020
We stayed at The Chateau in the National Park in January so no ski fields but there were 3 volcanoes behind Chateau and one was covered in snow, which actually was 18 glaciers. Fantastic scenery. I was not up for the 20km walk, which would have had me looking at hot lakes near the top.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve D
Staines, UK52 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
A great climb. There are no paths so you have to scramble over boulders and loose gravel so be careful of the climb down where two of us slid backwards 5 times but survived! Watch the cloud cover. It can change very quickly. Down risk going down in the cloud you will lose your sense of direction. The terrain is incredible. Go to the cafe at the top of the cable car and the gorge to the left of the bottom.
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,557 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
Happened to view Mt Ruapehu unexpectedly when traveling in a bus from Wellington to Rotorua. It is spectacular. Next time when in the North Island of New Zealand, will certainly try and stopover in one of the towns closer to this mountain and enjoy the activities in the region.
Written 28 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora, we're glad you enjoy the view of the mountain and hope to see you soon.
Written 4 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter C
Auckland Central, New Zealand20 contributions
Jul 2020
We drove down from Auckland to support Sky Waka in this difficult time with local attractions , unfortunately they don't even want our support. Our family of 4 arrive at Waikapapa village around 11:30am and ben told by the i-site staff the road close around 10am this morning and there is no way we can go up to the mountain today. Hundreds of family like us were down there with disappointment of just knowing the road to the Sky Waka was closed within 1 hour of opening because all 1000 carparks was taken by the skiers. I really don't know how that new $25m gondola is going to survive if they keep stopping the families going up the mountain and only let those early bird skiers who had purchased day lift pass and not even thinking to do the gondola. People like us only allow one day there , if we can't go up that's it. We don't come back on the next day. Skyline Rotorua is a success because they never stop people going up. Also their web site is hopeless , there is no information of telling people not to come because the road is already closed. There must be a huge maintenance cost for those gondola, if you don't change the way you do your business, the whole place probably not going to be there by next year. Very disppointed about the whole place , will not come back again.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Brisbane, Australia217 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Mt Ruapehu is an Absolute must if staying on the north island magnificent Ski Fields Snow Galore a Short trip up to Whakapapa Knoll Ridge Café the highest cafe in New Zealand with views you just cant buy a short trip up the ski lift a truly memorable experience i would highly recommend to Anyone
Written 14 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZinamonKveen
Colombo, Sri Lanka777 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
A great spot for winter sports or just for mucking about in the snow. The snow covered views all around are an added bonus.
Written 1 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Missy
New Zealand517 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
To really be acquainted with the mountain, I walked some of the tracks and stayed in four huts. Tongariro Alpine northern circuit, from Maungatepopo, up to Red Crater then we hung a right back towards Whakapapa. This is a 3 day hike staying in Oturere Hut (got to book) and Waiohonuhonu which is like a 5 star tramping hut. This is a Great NZ Walk circuit, so the huts have gas, toilets, bunks and mattresses.
Then I did round the mountain or RTM for short. I stayed in Whakapapaiti and Blyth. There are 3 other huts as well. The circuit is recommended 3-4 days. The huts do not have gas, so you got to bring your own gear, and you have to book a hut space. Or purchase tickets. Camping is allowed too, wee cheaper. The fantastic thing is, the variety of alpine, bush, volcanic scenery and the stars at night. $15 a night RTM or $7.50 camping a night and on the Northern circuit, those huts are $32 a night or $17 camping.
Then I did round the mountain or RTM for short. I stayed in Whakapapaiti and Blyth. There are 3 other huts as well. The circuit is recommended 3-4 days. The huts do not have gas, so you got to bring your own gear, and you have to book a hut space. Or purchase tickets. Camping is allowed too, wee cheaper. The fantastic thing is, the variety of alpine, bush, volcanic scenery and the stars at night. $15 a night RTM or $7.50 camping a night and on the Northern circuit, those huts are $32 a night or $17 camping.
Written 26 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldFellah
Auckland, New Zealand111 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
After looking up at this mountain for over fifty years, I have finally completed the summit climb. It was simply fantastic, and well worth the wait. If you are ever in the National Park area in early to mid summer, take the chance and make the effort to do this climb, it is well worth it.
As a first timer, I took the $99 guided tour and this was a very good move, there were only 5 of us on the trip, plus 2 guides, Mike and Harri, both were very experienced and really likeable folk. They kept up a good stream of mountain tips, geology, history and anecdotes about the mountain, but kept the pace to a reasonable level and took plenty of breaks. The trip up does require a good level of fitness, if your only exercise is walking to the fridge for a beer, might be good to give it a miss, the climb has several long extended sections up quite steep rocky slopes and was by no means just a walk in the park, I try to stay pretty fit, but this was really quite a strenuous climb.
The climb begins with a safety briefing, followed by a gear check, you will need good boots, overtrou, a waterproof jacket and gloves. We began with rides up two chairlifts, a nice easy start, then followed several ridges to the summit. The first stop had everyone reaching for sunblock, it was a cloudless day and very very hot, the views over the surrounding country were magnificient, Mt Taranaki, 140 km away was very clear.
The summit is above a large caldera filled with snow and ice, even in January, and the crater lake was off to one side. We had lunch on the summit, took heaps of photos and then started down, sliding on our pants down the snow filled valleys, great fun.
This was one of the highlites of my summer holidays, and one of the best hikes I've ever been on, if you get the chance, do it, it will be a great experience.
As a first timer, I took the $99 guided tour and this was a very good move, there were only 5 of us on the trip, plus 2 guides, Mike and Harri, both were very experienced and really likeable folk. They kept up a good stream of mountain tips, geology, history and anecdotes about the mountain, but kept the pace to a reasonable level and took plenty of breaks. The trip up does require a good level of fitness, if your only exercise is walking to the fridge for a beer, might be good to give it a miss, the climb has several long extended sections up quite steep rocky slopes and was by no means just a walk in the park, I try to stay pretty fit, but this was really quite a strenuous climb.
The climb begins with a safety briefing, followed by a gear check, you will need good boots, overtrou, a waterproof jacket and gloves. We began with rides up two chairlifts, a nice easy start, then followed several ridges to the summit. The first stop had everyone reaching for sunblock, it was a cloudless day and very very hot, the views over the surrounding country were magnificient, Mt Taranaki, 140 km away was very clear.
The summit is above a large caldera filled with snow and ice, even in January, and the crater lake was off to one side. We had lunch on the summit, took heaps of photos and then started down, sliding on our pants down the snow filled valleys, great fun.
This was one of the highlites of my summer holidays, and one of the best hikes I've ever been on, if you get the chance, do it, it will be a great experience.
Written 13 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Im planning a trip to new zealand in the middle of October, am wanting to go up the chair lift to the cafe and or Resturant, will there be snow? And prices please. Thank you.
Written 19 May 2021
Hi, yes there will be snow, mother nature will decide how much 🤔. It's a nice trip up the skywaka gondola, very smooth. We paid $35 per adult I think, kid prices to 17 years which was good. They gave a special for extra $20 get buffet lunch but check the website for current promotions and prices. Has a couple nice walks up there too.
If weather looks bit awful at the bottom, go and ask if they can show you weather conditions at the top. Day we went, it was pretty yuk and we almost didn't bother, but saw real time photos up top and it was great.
Written 29 May 2021
Celeste D
Auckland Central, New Zealand
How much do I have to pay for get into happy Valley, just to be in the snow, no skiing? and do I need snow chains for my car?
Written 9 August 2019
Kia ora Celeste,
Happy Valley is our dedicated learning facility and we do not allow general snow play in this area due to safety hazards. This area can become very busy with customer learning to ski and board and this area is reserved for snow sports only.
We have plenty of snow in the plaza area and the surrounding areas that guests can play on / throw snowballs. Alternatively Whakapapa village may have snow on the ground at this time of the year.
Each day we release a status report for Whakapapa and the Bruce Road. This will state if snow chains are required, or if there are further restrictions on the road. For example 4WD only or road closure. Please check this information prior to travel, but snow chains are always a good idea to carry in the car.
Written 13 August 2019
Family of four, first time to the snow with a 15yo and 8yo in beginning of October. Wanting advice on basics needed in preparation for a day on the snow or is it best to turn up and hire?
Written 8 August 2019
90 minutes from Taupo - Drive to National Park - carry warm stuff and gloves - Watch the weather report
There’s - plenty of food stuff to purchase on the summit
Enjoy have fun - got to drive to the top to see snow in October - bit late in the year - right time is now you will see melting snow
Written 11 August 2019
Day skiing package: If we book our kids into the happy valley skiing day package, can we watch them or do we need to buy a beginner pass also?
Thanks
Written 11 July 2019
Morena Ollyk1234,
If your kids are booked on a full day package at Happy Valley you will be able to watch from the deck of the Happy Valley Bistro and you do not need to buy a pass to watch from there.
Ngā mihi,
Cesar Piotto
Commercial Manager
Written 12 July 2019
Help!! Transport ideas on how to get there? Having great difficulty trying to find a shuttle bus as you can’t book on any of the websites online.
Written 7 July 2019
Hi Chay,
We are sorry to hear you are having difficulty with your transport planning. Please check the "Getting here" section of our website for the shuttle information. These tickets can be purchased from Taupo or Ohakune at our Customer Relations locations or from within the National Park.
Written 7 July 2019
Beary76
Tiong Bahru, Singapore
We are traveling with 3 kids (5-10) to Mt Raupehu in mid June 2019 and we are beginners in skiing, will there be snow and any recommendations for which ski field and accommodations?
Written 24 April 2019
Hi Beary76,
Whakapapa Ski Area will have Happy Valley open from the beginning of June. It is the perfect place for anyone to learn how to ski and ride.
The upper part of the mountain is due to open in the middle of June giving you even more options.
As far as accommodation, look at places in Whakapapa Village or National Park.
For more information please visit the Mt Ruapehu website.
Thanks
CP
Written 25 April 2019
Hello, we would like to visit Mt. Ruapehu end of August 2018, i have few question here;
1. do we required 4WD car if i am planning to self drive from Taupo town or normal 1.0cc car would be sufficient with tyre chain?
2. For sightseeing, which is the best place to go, Turoa or Whakapapa? or i can cover both of this place in 1 day?
Written 29 June 2018
Which ski resorts are better at Mt Ruapehu...Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields? Thanks
Written 22 June 2018
Hi
If you have never skied or snowboarded head to Whakapapa and enjoy Happy Valey, one of the best beginner zones in NZ!
Thanks
CP
Written 29 June 2018
Is there any other way to see the volcano at tongariro natl park other than hiking??
Written 28 February 2018
You can either hike after taking the highest chair lift, but it is still a decent hike. Or you can take a scenic flight, there are several flight operators working from Taupo and National Park/Whakapapa village
Written 1 May 2018
How is the view in Nov? Is there snow capped around the mount ruapehu
Written 13 September 2017
I visited the Mountain in March, and there were still patches of snow about, but no general overall snow cover.
Written 15 October 2017
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