Ruapehu
What’s it like?
Halfway between Auckland and Wellington, the Ruapehu region lies in the centre of the North Island. The name Ruapehu is derived from the sacred Mt Ruapehu (Rua = ‘pit’, pehu = to ‘explode’).
Ruapehu’s 6,700 square kilometers contains a striking mix of mountains, deserts, lakes, active volcanoes, rich farmland, pristine rivers, and native flora and fauna. These dramatic features are spread across the world heritage Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, the Whanganui National Park and the legendary Whanganui River, New Zealand’s longest navigable river.
The remarkable landscape found by those visiting Ruapehu is the setting for significant Maori history, where legend tells of the relationships of the mountains and the Whanganui River. European history is also prominent across the region from the arrival of the missionaries in the 1840s to the decline in prosperous farming and the onset of the Great Depression.
The main attraction for visitors to the region is the 80,000 hectares of the Tongariro National Park, where the active volcano of Mount Ruapehu rises 2,797 metres above the surrounding landscape. On a clear day Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro provide a photographer’s dream as they stand against the horizon.
For ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans, Mount Ruapehu was the site of ‘Mt Doom’ chosen by Peter Jackson for his trilogy.
Ruapehu’s 6,700 square kilometers contains a striking mix of mountains, deserts, lakes, active volcanoes, rich farmland, pristine rivers, and native flora and fauna. These dramatic features are spread across the world heritage Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, the Whanganui National Park and the legendary Whanganui River, New Zealand’s longest navigable river.
The remarkable landscape found by those visiting Ruapehu is the setting for significant Maori history, where legend tells of the relationships of the mountains and the Whanganui River. European history is also prominent across the region from the arrival of the missionaries in the 1840s to the decline in prosperous farming and the onset of the Great Depression.
The main attraction for visitors to the region is the 80,000 hectares of the Tongariro National Park, where the active volcano of Mount Ruapehu rises 2,797 metres above the surrounding landscape. On a clear day Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro provide a photographer’s dream as they stand against the horizon.
For ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans, Mount Ruapehu was the site of ‘Mt Doom’ chosen by Peter Jackson for his trilogy.
Things to do in Ruapehu
The sights of Ruapehu’s landscape can be experienced in a number of ways. Visitors can hike on, fly over or drive past the commanding scenery depending on time and budget.
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (One of the World’s finest one day walks), is a great way to see the sights providing the weather is favourable and you have the right equipment.
Expert guides with superb local knowledge of the Ruapehu region enable visitors to discover the region’s famous hiking trails and fishing spots. Visitors will also find help with the organization of other outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking and horse riding. For the winter season Mount Ruapehu provides the North Island’s top ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa.
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (One of the World’s finest one day walks), is a great way to see the sights providing the weather is favourable and you have the right equipment.
Expert guides with superb local knowledge of the Ruapehu region enable visitors to discover the region’s famous hiking trails and fishing spots. Visitors will also find help with the organization of other outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking and horse riding. For the winter season Mount Ruapehu provides the North Island’s top ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa.
Main Centres in the Ruapehu Region
- Ohakune - apres-ski centre for region
- Taumarunui - largest town and the region's main service centre
Ruapehu - Tourism Operator Categories
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