Great climb, fantastic views of crater lake and surrounding mountains
5hr round trip
Ruapehu, Mt
From Peak Bagging New Zealand
| Ruapehu, Mt | |
|---|---|
| List Status: Official | |
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| Elevation | 2,672 m (8,766 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Central Plateau/Taupo |
| Location Coordinates | 39° 16' 31" S, 175° 33' 48" E |
| Nearest Town/s | Whakapapa Village, National Park Village, Ohakune, Turangi, Taupo |
| LINZ Topographic map/s | Add this data |
| Geology | Volcano |
| | Translation | rua: hole; pehu: to explode |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration 
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5-7 hours (return) |
| Distance | 5.6 km (3.5 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Knoll Ridge, Whakapapa Ski Area chairlift |
| Difficulty
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Hard |
| Track conditions
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Unmarked Route |
| Season
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December to April |
| Sights | Views, Volcanic landscape |
| Hazards | Volcanic hazards, Alpine weather, Snow, Ice, Mist |
| Number of Geocaches | Add this data |
| Sponsored links | |
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Not only is Mt Ruapehu the North Island's highest mountain, it is one of New Zealand's most famous peaks. Ruapehu has repeatedly featured in international news media, due to spectacular eruptions in 1995 and 1996, and a Crater Lake break-out lahar (from a tephra dam collapse) in 2007. Earlier, on Christmas Eve 1953, 151 people died after a break-out lahar washed out a railway bridge, and caused a passenger train to plunge into the swollen river below. The mountain is also home to two of New Zealand's busiest ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa.
A day tramp to Mt Ruapehu's summit is a memorable experience and the views over the crater lake are remarkable. Be warned however, that the tramp to the Dome summit is an unmarked route, and we highly recommend that you take the guided trip.
Please note that the highest point of Ruapehu is Tahurangi summit, at 2797m. The highest point for trampers is at Dome summit however, and therefore bagging Dome summit is enough to have 'bagged Ruapehu'.
Getting There
By Car
To get to Whakapapa Village, simply take the turn off from State Highway 47, and proceed to the carparking available in the Whakapapa Village. The information centre is on the left of the road, just past the Grand Chateau.
Driving times are as follows:
- From Auckland: 4 hours
- From Taupo: 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Turangi: 40 minutes
- From Ohakune: 30 minutes
- From Wellington: 4 hours 30 minutes
Public Transport
There are a number of shuttle services which take visitors to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at Mangatepopo, but it is worth enquiring with them about Whakapapa Village drop offs.
Taupo and Turangi:
- Tongariro Expeditions - Taupo/Turangi
- Turangi, Tokaanu, and Whakapapa Shuttle
- Turangi Extreme Backpackers
Ohahune:
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NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
If it is summer, and you are experienced and equipped, you can tramp to the top of Mt Ruapehu under your own steam. To do this you need to take the relevant topographic map, and have the navigational skills to find your way from the top of the Waterfall Express chairlift, along Knoll or Restful Ridge, and up Dome Ridge to the summit. This track is only recommended when the mountain is clear of snow and ice. Also, be aware, that the route is unmarked (and not obvious) especially on the way down!
Although we have listed this route as only 5.6km long, it is likely to be a great deal longer than that, as you will spend a lot of time zig zagging around and over rocks.
The route marked on the topographic map on this page is the route we took on 17 March 2008 (via Knoll Ridge), and it is the route we will describe here (and not necessarily the easiest/best route!). An alternative route is via Restful Ridge. An important point to note is that the Ruapehu topographic maps do not represent many of the steep cliffs that are present on this tramp - what look like reasonably gentle (but steep) contour lines, are actually rocky bluffs which drop away very quickly.
After visiting the Whakapapa Information centre (where you can check the weather, fill out an intentions form, gain route advice, and confirm the ski lifts are open), drive to the top of the Bruce Rd to purchase your ski lift tickets ($20/adult). There is a carpark, as well as a cafe and toilets here. It is possible to walk to the summit all the way from the top of the Bruce Rd carpark, but if the chairlifts aren't running, it's a good indication you shouldn't be up the mountain!
Take the two chairlifts up to New Zealand's highest cafe, Knoll Ridge Cafe, at 2,020m. On the night of Friday 13th 2009, a fire burned the Knoll Ridge cafe to the ground, but has since been rebuilt. All firefighters could do was watch from a distance, as there is no road access to the cafe. From the end of the Knoll Ridge chairlift, head directly off the lift platform and sidle around the rocks to the right, up on to Knoll Ridge, under the Knoll Ridge chairlift (which does not operate in summer). Follow the ridge all the way up by walking directly under the chairlift - although rocky, it is not excessively steep, and the chairlift makes for easy navigation.
At the end of the chairlift, you will see a glacier in the valley ahead of you, and a stream heading down the valley to your right. As the ridge drops away sharply to your right, you need to descend off the top left of the ridge, and then sidle around to cross the stream.
From here the going gets steeper, as you climb up the ridge and pop up on to the top of Restful Ridge. Though it looks intimidating, if you head diagonally up the side of the ridge, you will gradually make progress towards clambering up on to it's flatter top. (We noted later however, the recommended DOC route does to the left of the glacier, not to the right as we did). Once up on the ridge, you need to aim to the right of Glacier Knob, and as you get closer you will begin to see a track leading up the scree to the summit plateau. At the top of this track, you will catch your first view of Dome Shelter, and you will be able to see the route along the narrow Dome Ridge. Carefully navigate Dome Ridge and then climb up on to Dome Summit, where you will get stupendous views of the crater lake.
The chair lifts close at 4pm, so don't loiter at the summit for too long, as you will want to make it back in time!
Route Options
Allow yourself at least two hours to get back to the Knoll Ridge cafe and chairlifts. We strongly advise that you do not attempt to make it a loop journey by descending via an alternative route (as we did). There are many rocky fingers and their steep drops are not apparent until you reach the edge of them, by which time you need to backtrack upwards and find an easier way down. Also be aware the cairns along Restful Ridge seemingly lead nowhere useful when descending! If you come up Restful Ridge, and know where to get down again, they may be of use, but they seemed to lead us to steep cliffs we didn't fancy going down. We spent much of our descent wishing we had returned via exactly the same route we had come up - and consequently we missed the last chairlift by 10 minutes! We tramped Ruapehu on a perfectly clear cloudless day, and still had some navigation difficulties, so if mist rolls in, we advise you to turn back and get off the mountain as soon as possible.
If, like us, you miss the last chairlift, you will still face the challenge of navigating your way back to bottom of the Waterfall Express chairlift. Don't attempt to follow the Waterfall Express chairlift the entire way, as it descends over a rocky cliff. Once you reach the cliffs, head up to the right, where you can follow a fence down gentler terrain. You'll then need to swing around to your left and zig zag down underneath the bluffs and past a waterfall. You can then follow the chairlift again, where it eventually meets with a road that heads down to the Bruce Rd carpark.
For the DOC self guided route description, and updates on the current volcanic status of the crater, please also consult the DOC Mt Ruapehu Crater climb page.
After completing a somewhat less than direct Ruapehu tramp ourselves, we would highly recommend that you take one of the guided tours run by the Whakapapa skifield operators. Mt Ruapehu.com run 6 hour group or private walks to the summit (Adults $90, Under 18 $55). By taking a guided tour, you are in the hands of experts when it comes to weather, volcanic activity, and track conditions. You can also hire equipment if necessary. For further information, see Mt Ruapehu crater walk.
Warning
Mt Ruapehu is located in an alpine environment. From May to Dec it is likely you will find snow or ice on some or all sections of the tramp. At all times of the year, the weather can be very changeable, and many people have needed to be rescued from this environment. You need to take appropriate windproof clothing, tramping boots, and plenty of food and water. You should check local conditions with DOC Whakapapa (07 892 3729) and also let them know your planned movements. If DOC says not to go, do not go!
Remember also that Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano, and in recent years has erupted in 1995, 1996, 2006, & 2007 (and frequently before that as well). Two climbers had a lucky escape in 2007 when their stay in the Dome summit shelter was interrupted by an eruption. You should not spend long on the summit, and be aware that the area within 700 metres radius of the crater is a 'High Risk Zone (PDF)'. If you feel an earthquake while on the mountain, get down! Similarly, if the volcano erupts while you are climbing it, get up out of the stream valleys and up on to a ridge, as lahars (mudflows) can sweep down the valleys.
You can check the Geonet website (run by GNS Science) for volcanic alert bulletins.
Don't let all this put you off however, as in the right conditions Mt Ruapehu is magnificent! Just make sure you go in the 'right' conditions, with the 'right' equipment.
Height Profile
Images
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Weather and Webcam Links
External Links
- SummitPost page
- Christian Treber's page
- Volcanic Hazards at Ruapehu Volcano
- Ruapehu Geology & Images from Explorevolcanoes.com
Sponsored Links
Comments
Add new trip report for Ruapehu, Mt
Tahurangi in the summer
March 11, 2013, 01:05:01 PM by GuanoGerbil
Although I've climbed Tahurangi many times in the winter, I'd always wondered whether it was do-able this time of year (March) without specialist alpine gear. After the long hot summer we've had, this was a good opportunity to give it a go. Of course with the current 2km exclusion zone still in place due to volcanic activity, this was just an added incentive to do the responsible parenting thing and take OmaGosh up with me 
We set off from the oddly deserted carpark at Turoa and basically just followed the chairlift up to the highest point. You then want to gradually work your way over to Skyline Ridge on the right which meant having to cross a small band of compressed snow/ice which only required a few minutes of step cutting. Make sure you take an ice axe and know how to use it. If going up any other time of year, crampons would be strongly advisable.
We found the terrain much easier than expected - not much slippy slidey stuff at all, and in fact a good part of it was on nice solid rock with straight forward travel and some enjoyable easy scrambling up onto the summit ridge.
Nice to have the whole mountain to ourselves - anyone would think we weren't meant to be up there
We set off from the oddly deserted carpark at Turoa and basically just followed the chairlift up to the highest point. You then want to gradually work your way over to Skyline Ridge on the right which meant having to cross a small band of compressed snow/ice which only required a few minutes of step cutting. Make sure you take an ice axe and know how to use it. If going up any other time of year, crampons would be strongly advisable.
We found the terrain much easier than expected - not much slippy slidey stuff at all, and in fact a good part of it was on nice solid rock with straight forward travel and some enjoyable easy scrambling up onto the summit ridge.
Nice to have the whole mountain to ourselves - anyone would think we weren't meant to be up there
Mt Ruapehu Loop
September 26, 2012, 09:34:36 PM by HummingBird
23 Sep 12
Wow! What an amazing day with beautiful views, almost no wind at all. Yeah it was kind of steep and took some effort to climb up but so totally worth it! It took us 6 hours from the top of the chairlift to do the whole loop but had plenty of time to stop for photos and enjoy the views. We started about 8:30am and got back to the Knoll Ridge Café a little before 2:30pm. Met up with our friend that was skiing there for a coffee and told her about the great hike we had!
We made up our own loop, going to the far left from the top of the chairlift. We headed up to Te Heuheu and saw some guys building a snowcave partway along the ridge. Then we followed along the ridge of the summit plateau along Tukino Peak and Glacier Knob. Started to see some more people as we got over to this area of the mountain. Really cool that there were other people up there for all sorts of activities but you couldn’t always see them and it didn’t feel at all crowded. It was still very quiet and remote feeling. Then we headed up to Dome Summit. Made the summit by about 12:30pm. The clouds were still off in the distance but we didn’t want to linger too long in case they came in quick. Found our way down into the summit plateau and over to the left of glacier knob. Started down and decided to stop for lunch. When we did, a cloud came rushing in faster than we had time to contemplate getting up and getting moving again. We waited a few minutes as we ate some snacks. Then the cloud passed over, we packed up and continued down. After that it was clear again. We were pretty much below the clouds then. Nice easy (still sort of steep) walk back to the Knoll Ridge Café! What a Super Day!!
GPS Data: Summit Height: 2672m ( 8766ft), Max Elevation: 2745m ( 9006ft), Distance: 8.5km ( 5.26mi), Total Ascent: 927m ( 3041ft), Time: 5 hrs 57 mins
Track: http://www.skimble.com/paths/101017-mt-ruapehu-loop
Photo Album: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151016709731106.409912.577661105&type=1&l=ef7379fa41
Great Experience
August 27, 2012, 02:54:19 PM by turb
This was awesome. The weather was a bit marginal, but we went with a group so trusted the guide. In case you are wondering, it is worth going with a guided group. You learn more and are infinitely safer. It is surprisingly easy to get lost on the way down.
Party at the top!
July 05, 2010, 11:13:03 AM by PeakRunner
To celebrate a mate's 60st birthday with a champagne at the (Dome) summit.
Ian walked up in Kilt, Smoking jacket, bow tie and top hat.
Great day, cloud at about 2000 meters, but with a south-westerly it never touched the Whakapapa ski area. Summit clear all day.
All the ski fields appearded to be open, but it was not very busy on the slopes.
We walked all the way from the carpark. About 4 hours up, 3 hours down to accomodate for varied skill and fitness levels. It was VERY cold at the top, probably -10 deg and another -10 wind chill factor in the 40 kph gusts. The Dome shelter was barely recognisable and not accessible as it had turned into a pile of ice. Great views of the lake and the summit plateau. Busy up there too, I spotted 4 other parties, some 12 people as well as our group of 8. Awesome day
Crampons essential!
Ian walked up in Kilt, Smoking jacket, bow tie and top hat.
Great day, cloud at about 2000 meters, but with a south-westerly it never touched the Whakapapa ski area. Summit clear all day.
All the ski fields appearded to be open, but it was not very busy on the slopes.
We walked all the way from the carpark. About 4 hours up, 3 hours down to accomodate for varied skill and fitness levels. It was VERY cold at the top, probably -10 deg and another -10 wind chill factor in the 40 kph gusts. The Dome shelter was barely recognisable and not accessible as it had turned into a pile of ice. Great views of the lake and the summit plateau. Busy up there too, I spotted 4 other parties, some 12 people as well as our group of 8. Awesome day
Crampons essential!
References/Disclaimers
Any route descriptions, NZ Topographic maps and 2D height profiles on this page are for use as an indicative guide only. They have been created using the TUMONZ mapping software, topomap.co.nz, source material, personal experiences and contain data sourced from Land Information New Zealand and any references listed on this page. PeakBagging.co.nz, Land Information New Zealand, and TUMONZ give no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability) and accepts no liability (including, without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs relating to any use of the data. Crown Copyright Reserved.
A Dictionary of Maori Placenames, AW Reed, 1982
