Mount / Mt Ruapehu
Crater Lake walk
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Mount / Mt Ruapehu
Walk to the summit of an active volcano
In summer, ride the chairlift and gain access to a spectacular Mt Ruapehu walk up to the crater lake.
The Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake has got to be one of the best one day hikes you can do! You will view the largest Crater Lake on New Zealand’s active Mt Ruapehu volcano. Remember you are on a mountain and weather can change very fast so even in the middle of summer be prepared to get a bit chilly. There is no track up here and if the weather closes in you will want to have and be able to use a map and compass... There are local guided options available to make this adventure more accessible and safer.
If weather conditions deteriorate during the day the lifts may close earlier than planned. If this happens, and you miss your lift ride down, you will have to make your own way back to the base area on foot. Follow the orange and blue markers starting from the top of the Waterfall Express Chairlift.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Ruapehu Alpine LiftsCommercial organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Reviews
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4.5/5
Came as a school group.
My group (14-year-old guys) made it up to the top in record time. I would highly recommend walking poles as your feet slip a lot in the snow. We had to turn back at the top though because of a visibility drop.
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3.0/5
Suitable for mountain goats or humans with climbing experience.
We walked / climbed all the way up and it took us almost 10 hours in total. A lot of climbing over lose rocks at very steep angles. Didn't always feel safe. Once we're up it was nice but considering the climb we had to take it wasn't really worth it
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4.5/5
Once again very worth the climb, stunning view at the top.
You can race the clouds and you can reach the snow and have a ski ride. Walk it for free up and then see if you can get a free ride down in the lift.
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5.0/5
We went there during winter.
One and a half hour uphill walk if you take the last chairlift. Best views and snow!!
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4.5/5
When we reached the mountain we understood that the lifts dod not work for the moment so we decided to walk up the mountain.
That was amazing and good markings.
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4.5/5
Climbed the mountain and was rewarded with a beautiful view over the surrounding lands.
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4.5/5
Came as a school group.
My group (14-year-old guys) made it up to the top in record time. I would highly recommend walking poles as your feet slip a lot in the snow. We had to turn back at the top though because of a visibility drop.
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3.0/5
Suitable for mountain goats or humans with climbing experience.
We walked / climbed all the way up and it took us almost 10 hours in total. A lot of climbing over lose rocks at very steep angles. Didn't always feel safe. Once we're up it was nice but considering the climb we had to take it wasn't really worth it
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4.5/5
Once again very worth the climb, stunning view at the top.
You can race the clouds and you can reach the snow and have a ski ride. Walk it for free up and then see if you can get a free ride down in the lift.
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5.0/5
We went there during winter.
One and a half hour uphill walk if you take the last chairlift. Best views and snow!!
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4.5/5
Climbed the mountain and was rewarded with a beautiful view over the surrounding lands.
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4.5/5
When we reached the mountain we understood that the lifts dod not work for the moment so we decided to walk up the mountain.
That was amazing and good markings.
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4.5/5
This is a fantastic ascension to the summit, totally worth it.
But I highly recommend a map because there's no track and it's a little bit tricky to find your way, be prepaired.
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5.0/5
At the top (2020m) with the chair lift 9$30) and then the walk to the peak about 1 hour (2300m) - amazing views.
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4.0/5
Nice track, not too hard, not too easy.
Beautiful landscape. The chair lift is maybe a little too expensive.
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4.5/5
Nice but very tiring walk, you need time (alot) - you need good weather.
but the view is wonderful.... the best since we in NZ
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3.5/5
Took a walk up to the crater.
Stair lift costs $30, enjoyed it but you need to ensure you take sensible boots and provisions as well as wet weather kit.
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5.0/5
On a sunny day you'll get a great view of Mordor, see the incredible colour od the crater lake.
