Mount Ruapehu

NewZealandAirport.com  »  New Zealand Tourism  »  Mount Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu, also known simply as Ruapehu, is an active stratovolcano at the southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand. It is 23 kilometres (14 mi) northeast of Ohakune and 23 km (14 mi) southwest of the southern shore of Lake Taupo, within Tongariro National Park. The North Island's major ski resorts and only glaciers are on its slopes.

Ruapehu, the largest active volcano in New Zealand, is the highest point on the North Island and has three major peaks: Tahurangi (2,797 m), Te Heuheu (2,755 m) and Paretetaitonga (2,751 m). The deep, active crater is between the peaks and fills with water between major eruptions.

The glaciers on Mount Ruapehu are the only glaciers in the North Island.

They are all small, less than 1.6 km (1 mi) in length. There are eighteen glaciers including one within the crater; the largest are the Mangatoetoenui, Summit Plateau and Whangaehu Glaciers.

Getting There

This tourist attraction is well serviced by public transport including taxis, buses and shuttle.