mount ruapehu

We were lucky with the weather, a fine morning saw us up the chairlift and having a coffee in the highest cafe in NZ. Then the walk up to Skyline Walk was relatively straight forward, the "path" marked at intervals with poles. We were pleased to have walking poles with us, not many people did, especially for coming down. Walking on a slope of volcanic ash was a new experience.The views coming back down were great, as far as Mt Taranaki. Sadly no photos taken from the chairlift! By the time we returned to base, the clouds had descended and the top was obscured. I wouldn't have liked to do the walk in poor visibility.

It was a glorious day when we drove down from Taupo to see the volcanoes, on the advice of another tourist we had met. We could see the three volcanoes way in the distance with one 'smoking' away and still covered in snow.Took the two chairlifts ($30NZ return) to the highest cafe in NZ on Mount Ruapehu. The views were sensational. Lots of good photo opportunities of Mt Ngauruhoe or Mt Doom of LOTR fame. Mordor country.Decided to climb to the summit (2 hours return), which was challenging due to it's steepness. However with plenty of rest stops, this 60 year old made it to the top! Breathtaking in more ways than one! Coming down was easier, although you had to be careful of your footing on the loose gravel on the track. Be sure to have good walking shoes and a jacket. Eventhough it was a February and a beautiful sunny day, the temperature at these heights can be rather chilly. So be prepared.Overall a fantastic day.

We did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and it worth all the effort. The views, the silence, the vibe... it is all amazing. You feel you are in another planet. I would totally recommend it. It was a perfect day trip.

The entire Tongariro National Park - Mt Raupehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe is simply Heavens on Earth.If you are in to pristine environment or a nature lover, keen walker/trampers, a skier in winter or, white water rafting, sightseeing, Tongariro has something for everyone, every age in all four seasons. If you don't like to walk or can't walk (for health reasons) you can simply sit in the car or take the chair lift up Mt Ruapehu to admire the view.The natural environment is simply breath taking. My subjective view is that he South Island is prettier than the North Island. However, Tongariro National Park is one place which could rival the South for scenery.A word of caution/warning to tourists coming from tropical/warm climate. This is mountain region; the weather can change from scorching hot to freezing cold in a matter of hours. If you are tramping/walking, please put safety first, proper wind proof clothing, proper shoes, water and food in case the weather change on you rapidly. I have seen people walking Tongariro Crossing in Sandals and T-Shirt which is simply irresponsible.

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.

It was really a detour on our way to Wellington, but worth it a 1,000 times. It's like being with Frodo and Sam and walking through Mordor. Very few people there and a fantastic scenery with volcanoes still smoking...

A stunning location. The only snow cap in summer. View of the Tongariro volcano. Highest cafe in NZ. Many plus points to the whole experience. We even loved our drive, stopping on the way to take some really beautiful pictures of the volcanos smoking steam. The first chairlift was flimsy and bad, while the second one was nice. We took the chair up, but walked down the second stretch. It was an excellent walk.

On a beautiful summer morning we went up in the chairlifts (ogling the waterfalls) to the highest café in NZ. Great coffee, hot chocolate and pastry. Just stunning location, neat building. Made a few snowballs then want back down to explore 'MORDOR' LOTR location. Really surprised at how great it still was without much snow. Kids are 10 and 13 - we all had an excellent time.

Ruapehu itself is pristine, stunning and majestic. The highest cafe in nz has gorgeous views and its designed to make the most of that, which is great but the coffee there was a shocker. Not worth the $4.50 for a reg Cappa. Hope they can find better coffee makers in future!

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.

We were in a camper van and drove the volcanic highway before coming here. The volcanic highway you get great road with superb views of the mountains and volcanos. We got to the national park and paid $30 pp to go to the cafe near the top ( highest cafe in NZ) and then we walked to the top from there. Different steep terrain. Good view point at the top definitely worth the climb. All be it we never walked up from the bottom ( were not that fit) it was still great to do.

If I'd ever made a bucket list, I should have added the Crater Lake trek to it. We had arrived in Tongariro to do the Alpine Crossing but ended up doing Crater lake walk. I will not forget the view of the steam rising out of the crater lake for as long as I shall live. It is the closest one could come to an active, throbbing pulse of a volcano. You must book in advance for the trek, and carry general provisions. Snow gear is provided by the tour agency. Park your car below and take a chair lift ride to the highest cafe in NZ. The trek guide will inform you then of weather conditions, risks and other important information to help you with your trek. Enjoy a cup of coffee before you begin on the trek. Snow fitness is different to general fitness so obviously, it was a little difficult. People with altitude problem shouldn't attempt it.

We stayed in Turangi, on our way east to Napier, and planned a day-long trip to Mt Ruapehu for a short hike. We went there early, the wind was chilly and lots of clouds covered the sky. But the experience was great! It was such a breathtaking scenery and we had a blast. We went by car up to Whakapapa and just wandered off with our small backpacks. Close to Whakapapa we found an iconic location for every Tolkien-movie fan, we were so surprised and happy. We liked Mount Ruapehu a lot and recommend a visit to everyone, and we wish for a return soon.

It is a must go and so is the chairlift if the weather permits. The view is stunning and spectacular. Driving up to the base of the mountain is easy as there are sufficient road signages to direct you the way. There are also many trails for those who like to trek around the region. However, one must take note that the chairlift might not be so readily operational as it is heavily subject to weather conditions. To check if the chairlift operates, best to log on to the website so that you won't arrive there disappointed. The chairlift ride took about bat 20-30 mins to reach the 2nd stop. Though i didn't get to ride to the 3rd stop probably due to weather conditions, the view at 2nd stop is already very splendid. The ride to the second stop was very pleasant but one needs to dressed appropriately i.e. with sufficient warm clothings even if it is the summer season. Warm clothing with hood, scarf, head gear etc will be great as it prevents heat lost from the extremities. Sunblock and shades to get yourself protected from the harmful uv rays. Though i was there in early Dec, the remaining snow offered a great sight to its surrounding. I had a chance to play with snow and sleep on it. Great fun and experience up there.So do include this visit in your itinerary.

Had a great experience getting on the snow lift chairs; our first time. My kids had a fun time throwing snow at the top also their first time of touching snow. Beautiful sceneries of nature and waterfalls on the way up.