Mount Ruapehu Travel Guide
Mount Ruapehu accommodation, Mount Ruapehu activities and attractions, Mount Ruapehu maps, transportation to and around Mount Ruapehu - the ALL NEW Jasons Mount Ruapehu Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Mount Ruapehu.
In the middle of the
Tongariro National Park lies Mount Ruapehu - one of the three volcanoes that make up the national park. This is the largest mountain on the North Island and combines the
Turoa and
Whakapapa skifields. This active volcano has erupted about 50 times since 1861, but most are just steam eruptions when lava contacts with water. During the winter months, the bars, cafes and chalets around Mount Ruapehu fill with skiers and snowboarders. During the summer, visitors come to enjoy the fishing, bushwalks,
scenic flights and other
adventure activities. The area is renowned for its wild beauty and rich Maori culture and history.
Turoa is one of the best downhill ski areas in New Zealand. Ideally suited for intermediate skiers, this popular field has wide groomed trails and the country's longest vertical drop (720m). There are natural half-pipes for snowboarding. Ski and board gear can be hired in the town. Whakapapa, on the north-western slopes of Ruapehu is New Zealand's largest developed ski area. The area totals 550 hectares and there is excellent boarding and skiing for all levels.