Ruapehu
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Ruapehu takes it's name from the active volcano Mount Ruapehu, which reaches a height of 2,797 metres making it the highest in the North Island. Mount Ruapehu can be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts all year round and is a real magnet for hikers, skiers, as well as botanists and geologists. There are well developed skifields at Whakpapa and Turoa. Mount Ruapehu is sacred (Tapu) to Maori, who believe that since the mountain was created first it is superior to man.
Ruapehu and Tongariro National Park dominate the view from most places around the lake, weather conditions permitting, and provides an intriguing and beckoning skyline. The Park was established in 1887 and is the first in New Zealand. It is also now a "dual" World Heritage Site in recognition of the maori cultural and spiritual significance as well as the outstanding natural volcanic features.
There are three main volcano mountains, namely Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. The terrain is mostly quite rugged with lots of strewn boulders, ash deposits, sometimes quite bleak and almost desert like conditions, as well as tussock grasslands, and then at lower levels lush areas of native bush and rainforest.
In summer the popular activities include hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, horse trekking, golf and even swimming in suitable river holes. In winter it is all about skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. During all seasons it is possible to enjoy the Park from the air with one of the scenic flights based locally.
Ruapehu is roughly equidistant from Auckland and Wellington (around 4 hours drive to each). There are two small towns of significance. Ohakune is the southern gateway to the region, and has developed as a resort township being just 20 minutes drive to the Turoa ski area. It is also a fertile market gardening area and is sometimes referred to as the "Carrot Capital of New Zealand"!
Taumarunui is situated on the meeting of the two rivers Whanganui and Ongarue. It has an importsant place in Maori history, and is the start of the Whanganui River journey. The Whakapapa skifield in just 45 minutes drive from here.
The National Park Village and Whakapapa Village are two centres located right on the doorstep of all the National park activities. At Whakapapa there is a famous hotel - the Chateau Tongariro - a majestic building which as become something of a New Zealand icon. Close by is the highest golf course in the country too!
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The Park contains two famous walks: the one day spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the three or four day Tongariro Northern Circuit (the latter being one of New Zealand’s Great Walks).