OUR SNOWMAN DIDN'T STAND A CHANCE
01 AUGUST 2022
Lath looking across the National Park
About Mt Ruapehu
Mt Ruapehu is the largest volcano in New Zealand and is a 200,000-year-old stratovolcano, set in central North Island. There is a permanent snow cover to a certain point, even in summer when it's a rocky terrain with the odd patch of snow high up. It is a dormant volcano and last erupted in 1996, but it's always being kept an eye on to see if the crater levels raise to a level of concern.
It's a playground for adventure lovers. From skiing in the winter, to hiking in the summer. There are rivers, giant boulders, waterfalls & many tracks to explore as well as the infamous crater lake at the top of Mt Ruapehu.
Most people think of heading to Ruapehu to ski, but there is so much to do out of the ski season - it's not just a winter playground! There are walks and hikes and the Sky Waka on Whakapapa side to ride on. Sometimes you can get patches of snow at the base level if they have pumped some there, or further up the mountain - not enough to ski on by any chance and it will melt quickly, but enough to make a small snowman and let kids play with it.
It's a playground for adventure lovers. From skiing in the winter, to hiking in the summer. There are rivers, giant boulders, waterfalls & many tracks to explore as well as the infamous crater lake at the top of Mt Ruapehu.
Most people think of heading to Ruapehu to ski, but there is so much to do out of the ski season - it's not just a winter playground! There are walks and hikes and the Sky Waka on Whakapapa side to ride on. Sometimes you can get patches of snow at the base level if they have pumped some there, or further up the mountain - not enough to ski on by any chance and it will melt quickly, but enough to make a small snowman and let kids play with it.
View of Mt Ruapehu from Whakapapa Village
That is oooone big hunk of ice!
Lath and baby Bella making their way up the mountain
Our Adventure With Baby Bella
Mt Ruapehu is one of our favourite places to explore, in any season. We have taken Bella up a few times - twice in winter and once in summer (Sienna has yet to experience the snow!!). Kids have an absolute blast up there, no matter if the mountain is covered in snow, or piping hot.
We never limit ourselves with adventuring with kids, we find a way to make sh*t happen. When Bella was 18 months old, we really wanted to spend the day hiking up Whakapapa. We took the chairlift up as far as we could go the hiked up to the patches of snow because it would just be rude not to go there and at least touch the snow, right?
The chairlift was a lot of fun and we held on tight to the baby carrier (and Bella!) and set off up the mountain to do some hiking. Everyone else who got off the chairlifts, stayed by the cafe, but we ventured up, up and up.
We climbed over rocks, scrambled up scree and took turns carrying Bella. Every so often we would look back at the incredible view across the Tongariro National Park - clouds or not, it was pretty breath taking! It was nice to explore it without all the snow and the crowds.
The snow/ice patch we stopped at was melting pretty quickly and I tried to stand on it buuuut my foot went through to icy cold, trickling water! We set Bella down to have a play and to feast on the ice nom nom nom and we tried to make a snowman but that was a complete fail! Despite being at such a high altitude and snow/ice patches around, it was still pretty warm and we were happy in our shorts and singlets, but we kept Bella in warm clothes as she wasn't moving around too much in the carrier. It's important to remember that you're still at a really high altitude and the weather can change in an instant, so be prepared with warm clothes in case it starts to snow (it can totally happen in summer!).
It was nice taking our time hiking and going where we wanted to, going off the beaten track which meant we didn't see another soul. There isn't any greenery or much life to explore up there, so we went for the views, the terrain and for an adventure.
We never limit ourselves with adventuring with kids, we find a way to make sh*t happen. When Bella was 18 months old, we really wanted to spend the day hiking up Whakapapa. We took the chairlift up as far as we could go the hiked up to the patches of snow because it would just be rude not to go there and at least touch the snow, right?
The chairlift was a lot of fun and we held on tight to the baby carrier (and Bella!) and set off up the mountain to do some hiking. Everyone else who got off the chairlifts, stayed by the cafe, but we ventured up, up and up.
We climbed over rocks, scrambled up scree and took turns carrying Bella. Every so often we would look back at the incredible view across the Tongariro National Park - clouds or not, it was pretty breath taking! It was nice to explore it without all the snow and the crowds.
The snow/ice patch we stopped at was melting pretty quickly and I tried to stand on it buuuut my foot went through to icy cold, trickling water! We set Bella down to have a play and to feast on the ice nom nom nom and we tried to make a snowman but that was a complete fail! Despite being at such a high altitude and snow/ice patches around, it was still pretty warm and we were happy in our shorts and singlets, but we kept Bella in warm clothes as she wasn't moving around too much in the carrier. It's important to remember that you're still at a really high altitude and the weather can change in an instant, so be prepared with warm clothes in case it starts to snow (it can totally happen in summer!).
It was nice taking our time hiking and going where we wanted to, going off the beaten track which meant we didn't see another soul. There isn't any greenery or much life to explore up there, so we went for the views, the terrain and for an adventure.
Ruapehu has many jagged peaks and rocks
There are often snow patches up the mountain that you can play in
Tash hiking up with baby Bella
Happy baby Bella!
Ride In Luxury
You have two options to get up Mt Ruapehu, you can either hike up like we did, or grab a seat and take a ride above Ruapehu's rocky landscape on a chairlift or the Sky Waka up Whakapapa.
We haven't been to Ruapehu since the Sky Waka has been installed, but we will be going as soon as we can! It is a $25 million creation that has floor to ceiling windows and Italian designed leather seats that give a luxurious feel as you soak in views all across the Tongariro National Park, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro (which is an incredible 19.7km hike we did!) and Mt Ngaruahoe (Mt Doom - LOTR fans).
The Sky Waka travels at 6 meters per second, 1.8kms up to the highest cafe in New Zealand - the Knoll Ridge Chalet, where you step back onto the rocky terrain, 2020 meters above sea level.
The Sky Waka runs from the start of December through to the end of April and is open 10am - 4pm daily (closed Christmas Day). The weather can change rapidly up Mt Ruapehu so always check it's open before you go! Prices start from $49 for an adult, $29 for a child and $135 for a famiky (2 adults, 2 children). For updated info and to check for closures, click here and for updated prices click here.
Take a warm jacket up with you if you do want to wander around once you get off the gondola as even in summer it can get cold!
We haven't been to Ruapehu since the Sky Waka has been installed, but we will be going as soon as we can! It is a $25 million creation that has floor to ceiling windows and Italian designed leather seats that give a luxurious feel as you soak in views all across the Tongariro National Park, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro (which is an incredible 19.7km hike we did!) and Mt Ngaruahoe (Mt Doom - LOTR fans).
The Sky Waka travels at 6 meters per second, 1.8kms up to the highest cafe in New Zealand - the Knoll Ridge Chalet, where you step back onto the rocky terrain, 2020 meters above sea level.
The Sky Waka runs from the start of December through to the end of April and is open 10am - 4pm daily (closed Christmas Day). The weather can change rapidly up Mt Ruapehu so always check it's open before you go! Prices start from $49 for an adult, $29 for a child and $135 for a famiky (2 adults, 2 children). For updated info and to check for closures, click here and for updated prices click here.
Take a warm jacket up with you if you do want to wander around once you get off the gondola as even in summer it can get cold!
A world class view
The chairlifts in summer are a great way to see the terrain that you miss out on seeing in winter
Family selfie
Get High
Being that Mt Ruapehu is the highest place in the North Island - you're guaranteed pretty impressive views from the any of the cafe up there, including the Knoll Ride Cafe which is the highest cafe in New Zealand.
The views at the Knoll Ridge Cafe are incredible and we absolutely loved looking out of the windows at the rocks and patches of snow up the mountain. It's a completely different view in summer than it is in winter.
One time we had amazing Mexican food at the Schuss Haus Corona Bar, up Whakapapa, but I don't think it's called that anymore. It was pretty awesome being so high up on a mountain, eating Mexican food and chilling in the warm sun. It seems so simple, but it was such a cool experience!
The other eateries on the mountain are:
- Lorenz's Cafe and Bar which is at the Whakapapa base area
- Happy Valley Bistro which is at the bottom of Happy Valley's elevator
- Four Peaks Alley is at the top of the Sky Waka, under the Knoll Ridge Chalet
- Pataka is inside the Knoll Ridge Chalet, at the top of the Sky Waka
Happy Valley can get absolutely smashed with customers in winter and although not as busy in summer, it can still get packed.
The views at the Knoll Ridge Cafe are incredible and we absolutely loved looking out of the windows at the rocks and patches of snow up the mountain. It's a completely different view in summer than it is in winter.
One time we had amazing Mexican food at the Schuss Haus Corona Bar, up Whakapapa, but I don't think it's called that anymore. It was pretty awesome being so high up on a mountain, eating Mexican food and chilling in the warm sun. It seems so simple, but it was such a cool experience!
The other eateries on the mountain are:
- Lorenz's Cafe and Bar which is at the Whakapapa base area
- Happy Valley Bistro which is at the bottom of Happy Valley's elevator
- Four Peaks Alley is at the top of the Sky Waka, under the Knoll Ridge Chalet
- Pataka is inside the Knoll Ridge Chalet, at the top of the Sky Waka
Happy Valley can get absolutely smashed with customers in winter and although not as busy in summer, it can still get packed.
Choose to walk up or take the chairlift
Say cheeeeeese!
Bella making her way up to the cafe
Not a bad place for lunch!
Walks Around Ruapehu
There are heaps of walks on and around Mt Ruapehu, some are long and some are short, but all are surrounded by beautiful nature and most give the most incredible views of the Tongariro National Park.
Waitonga Falls Track - a 4km walk, 11kms up Ohakune Mountain Road. At 39 meters, the Waitonga Falls is the Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall. You'll be surrounded by mountain beech and kaikawaka and on a clear day you can get a great view of Mt Ruapehu.
Waterfalls Descent - this 1-2 hour walk starts at the top of the Sky Waka, where you'd get off to get to the Knoll Ridge Cafe, down to the base area of Whakapapa. As the name says, you'll descend down a waterfall... just kidding! You'll see beautiful waterfalls.
Skyline Walk - this walk starts once you get off the Sky Waka and is well marked. It gives you views of Tongariro National Park, Mt Ngauruhoe and Lake Taupo on a clear day.
Mt Ruapehu Crater Walk - this is for experienced and fit people only and takes 7 hours to reach the Crater Lake lookout which is at an incredible altitude of 2672 meters.
Meads Walk - this walk is a quick 10-15 minute walk which starts at the base area in Whakapapa near the rangatira chairlift and takes you to one of the LOTR film locations. You can either return down the same track or catch the Sky Waka up the mountain.
Mangawhero Falls - another great walk on Mt Ruapehu, on the Turoa side along the Ohakune Mountain Road, is a short walk to a 28 meter waterfall.
Waitonga Falls Track - a 4km walk, 11kms up Ohakune Mountain Road. At 39 meters, the Waitonga Falls is the Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall. You'll be surrounded by mountain beech and kaikawaka and on a clear day you can get a great view of Mt Ruapehu.
Waterfalls Descent - this 1-2 hour walk starts at the top of the Sky Waka, where you'd get off to get to the Knoll Ridge Cafe, down to the base area of Whakapapa. As the name says, you'll descend down a waterfall... just kidding! You'll see beautiful waterfalls.
Skyline Walk - this walk starts once you get off the Sky Waka and is well marked. It gives you views of Tongariro National Park, Mt Ngauruhoe and Lake Taupo on a clear day.
Mt Ruapehu Crater Walk - this is for experienced and fit people only and takes 7 hours to reach the Crater Lake lookout which is at an incredible altitude of 2672 meters.
Meads Walk - this walk is a quick 10-15 minute walk which starts at the base area in Whakapapa near the rangatira chairlift and takes you to one of the LOTR film locations. You can either return down the same track or catch the Sky Waka up the mountain.
Mangawhero Falls - another great walk on Mt Ruapehu, on the Turoa side along the Ohakune Mountain Road, is a short walk to a 28 meter waterfall.
A walking track on the Ohakune Mountain Road with a fantastic lookout point
A walk on the Turoa side of the mountain
Ruapehu has some beautiful short walks. This was on the Turoa (south) side of the mountain
Fire On The Hills
There aren't many places in New Zealand where you can drive up a well-sealed road, a couple of thousand meters above sea level, with barely a soul in sight and be able to enjoy some of the most incredible sunsets you'll ever see. Every time we have been up Ruapehu outside of the ski season, we have had the whole place to ourselves to wait for those glorious golden moments.
On really clear days, you can see all the way across to Mt Taranaki and on days where there are clouds, it's still the most mesmerizing view across the North Island. Some days you will get layers of colour across the land as far as the eye can see and other days the hills will be soaked in colours so rich in orange, that it looks like they are on fire.
There are many places to park up and enjoy the sunset at Ruapehu, just make sure you get there in plenty of time to catch it and stay for a bit longer after it's gone down as you can see some fantastic silhouettes.
On really clear days, you can see all the way across to Mt Taranaki and on days where there are clouds, it's still the most mesmerizing view across the North Island. Some days you will get layers of colour across the land as far as the eye can see and other days the hills will be soaked in colours so rich in orange, that it looks like they are on fire.
There are many places to park up and enjoy the sunset at Ruapehu, just make sure you get there in plenty of time to catch it and stay for a bit longer after it's gone down as you can see some fantastic silhouettes.
Eye spy with my little eye, Mt Taranaki
Every cloud has a golden lining
The multiple shades of colours here is so impressive!
You can see some fiery sunsets up the maunga (mountain)
Chateau Tongariro
The Chateau Tongariro is a unique and historic hotel, set at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. We have spent many holidays here, in both winter and summer, and we loved the whole experience.
The hotel has a few food options - if you're staying there, you can take advantage of the buffet (we looove buffets!), a restaurant with an a la carte menu and there's even a bar. If you're not staying, there is the Pihanga Cafe and T-Bar which has a separate entrance to the hotel.
There's even a heated plunge pool which is surrounded by white walls and the water is lit up blue - perfect for relaxing in after a big day on the slopes! On days when the mountain is closed, you can take advantage of the movie theatre and gym.
My grandparents had their honeymoon here and they told me that there was a communal bathroom when they went back in the ol' days, thankfully the rooms all have their own bathrooms now!
Speaking of the good ol' days, did you know that the Chateau was a place for soldiers to rest and recuperate, when returning home from service in WWII. It was designed by architect Herbert Hall, who based it on the Canadian Resort in Lake Louise and the first foundations were laid in January 1929. It was even once an asylum - there weren't many tourists during WWII, so the Health Department used it as an asylum in 1942 after the Porirua Psychiatric Institution in Wellington was damaged by the Wairarapa earthquakes.
You can find out more about the Chateau Tongariro here.
The hotel has a few food options - if you're staying there, you can take advantage of the buffet (we looove buffets!), a restaurant with an a la carte menu and there's even a bar. If you're not staying, there is the Pihanga Cafe and T-Bar which has a separate entrance to the hotel.
There's even a heated plunge pool which is surrounded by white walls and the water is lit up blue - perfect for relaxing in after a big day on the slopes! On days when the mountain is closed, you can take advantage of the movie theatre and gym.
My grandparents had their honeymoon here and they told me that there was a communal bathroom when they went back in the ol' days, thankfully the rooms all have their own bathrooms now!
Speaking of the good ol' days, did you know that the Chateau was a place for soldiers to rest and recuperate, when returning home from service in WWII. It was designed by architect Herbert Hall, who based it on the Canadian Resort in Lake Louise and the first foundations were laid in January 1929. It was even once an asylum - there weren't many tourists during WWII, so the Health Department used it as an asylum in 1942 after the Porirua Psychiatric Institution in Wellington was damaged by the Wairarapa earthquakes.
You can find out more about the Chateau Tongariro here.
The Chateau Tongariro
Know Before You Go
- You'll need good shoes if you're walking around Mt Ruapehu, whether you're sticking to the track or not
- The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for all temperatures and take warm clothes
- Take plenty of water
- There are food places to buy from, but they aren't cheap
- The toilets are at each cafe/restaurant up the mountain
- There are some incredible sunsets up Ruapehu, just park at the top carpark or further down is also good. Make sure you get there early enough to capture the sunset - allow the driving time it takes to get up there
- Ruapehu is a dormant volcano and last erupted in 1996
- Check out the Mt Ruapehu website to see prices and check for opening/closure of the mountain, click here
- You can book your accommodation for the Chateau Tongariro here
- You're limited on food options when you get to the National Park, so stock up on food and water before you head there
- Wear sunglasses up the mountain, if you can, as if you're around the snow or ice it can be super bright
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
You could be coming from all corners of New Zealand so if you are heading down from Auckland, you're looking at about a 4.5-hour drive approximately to get to the Whakapapa side of the mountain. The closest airport would be Taupo Airport if you are planning on flying in and from there it's about 1 hour 20 minutes. There is another side of the mountain as well which is the Turoa side. It's a bit further south if you are coming from Auckland/Taupo area, but if you are coming from the south then it's a bit closer for you.
Conclusion
Mt Ruapehu can be enjoyed all year around - there's so much to explore! You can go on a short walk or hike to the crater lake and you can just start hiking and create your own path (the best kind!). You may discover patches of snow or ice to play in. No matter what you do, you're guaranteed incredible views and lungs full of fresh, mountain air. If you're a ski bunny, check out Mt Ruapehu in winter here. Plan this trip into your list of places to visit, it's such a rich experience and one we'll be talking about with our kids for a very long time.
Gallery of Mt Ruapehu in Summer (ok maybe a little bit of autumn and spring too)
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do in the North Island
WHANGAREI FALLS
NORTHLAND A powerful 23.6m high waterfall along the Hatea River in central Whangarei. These falls will blow your mind. Remember your raincoat! |
NEW ZEALAND ALPINE LAVENDER FARM
CANTERBURY Lavender ice cream, cute bikes and rows of lavender near the beautiful Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki - what a dream!
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BAYLYS BEACH
NORTHLAND If you like isolated areas and the rugged west coast, then Baylys is the right place for you. Explore the cliffs and black sand patterns. |
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