Ruapehu - Maps & Guide

Welcome to the map and guide of the cities, towns or places of interest around Ruapehu in New Zealand. Here you will find virtual tours and guides with 360° panoramas of various destinations linked to various Ruapehu maps.

Alongside each virtual tour and panorama is a Google map and some local and travel information to help you explore plan and your trip to Ruapehu and New Zealand. This growing guide of Ruapehu uses images and information provided by independent travellers, giving you the fuller picture of the various sights, hotels and attractions in New Zealand.

Ruapehu - Featured Destinations

Ruapehu - Travel & Information

Ruapehu District covers about 6,730Km² near the center of the North Island of New Zealand. The district is land-locked and Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, and the Raurimu Spiral on the North Island Main Trunk railway line. Ruapehu attracts tourists visiting Whakapapa, National Park and Ohakune.

Ruapehu markets itself as a natural playground. The landscape is dramatic, containing volcanic mountains like Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. It is also popular for skiing, with thousands visiting the Mt Ruapehu' s Whakapapa or Turoa ski areas during the skiing season. Alongside the mountains are deep gorges of the Whanganui River which offer white-water rafting and other activities.

Because of all this, Ruapehu is an ideal destination for those interested in outdoor activities, especially skiing, hiking (tramping) and biking.

Ruapehu - Tourist Attractions

Some of the main regions of interest within Ruapehu include:

• Tongariro National Park - the first National Park in New Zealand and dual World Heritage area, it contains the live volcano of Mt Ruapehu (2797m), the almost symmetrical cone of Mt Ngauruhoe (2,291 metres) and Mt Tongariro which has three crater lakes at the top.
• Taumarunui - the largest town in Ruapehu, it is found in the northern area around Taumarunui where the Whanganui and Ongarue rivers meet.
• Tongariro Forest Conservation Area - found just south of Taumarunui, this richly forested region, which has been a conservation are since 1978, attracts 4-wheel drivers, mountain bikers and fishers.
• Volcanic Plateau - this region contains National Park, Whakapapa Village and Raurimu.
• National Park Village - convenient stop on the route to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing which takes visitors to the magnificent volcanoes of Mounts Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
• Whakapapa Village - small settlement at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, home to the Bayview Chateau Tongariro hotel and only 10 minutes drive from Whakapapa ski area.
• Raurimu - named after the world famous railway spiral which was completed in 1908 and giving access to the Volcanic Plateau, it is best viewed from a platform on SH 4.
• Ohakune - located en route to Turoa Ski Area on the southern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, this town becomes a hive of activity for après ski during the ski season.
• Raetihi - an original timber town close to Ohakune, home to the Ratana church and close to the Mangawhero Manganui a te Ao rivers which offer good fishing.
• Pipiriki - small settlement on the Whanganui River which is the final stop for many river trips starting in Taumarunui or Whakahoro, it is also the starting point for jet-boat rides to the Bridge to Nowhere.
• Waiouru - gateway to the Rangipo Desert, this town is home to the New Zealand Army base and Waiouru Army Museum, which has an extensive medal collection, including the Victoria Cross and New Zealand Cross.
• Whanganui National Park - contains diverse landscapes, fast flowing rivers, deep gorges and stunning mountains. The park is also home to the Bridge to Nowhere. Full of both European and Maori history, the park is one of the largest remaining tracts of intact lowland forest in the North Island and home to rare native flora and fauna.
• Whanganui River - the longest navigable river in New Zealand, it starts on Mount Tongariro, it descends through the central volcanic plateau towards Taumarunui where it joins the Ongarue River and continues winding through Whanganui National Park to meet the Tasman Sea.
• Mt Ruapehu Volcano ∓ Eruptions - live volcano in the Taupo Volcanic Zone which last erupted as recently as 2007.