Visit Ruapehu

Ruapehu is the North Island’s energetic heart; a place to reconnect with the natural world and recharge in a region full of life. There are wildlife encounters to soothe the soul, active adventures in the great outdoors, and wellness experiences to help you slow down and disconnect.

Get ready to relax, rejuvenate and retreat off the beaten track in Ruapehu this summer.

Wildlife encounters for the heart

The friendly fauna in this region are sure to bring you boundless joy, whether it’s through their cute cuddles or the intrepid adventures they can take you on.

Trek the foothills of Tongariro National Park on horseback: Ruapehu Homestead Horse Treks offers guided horse treks for all ages and abilities. Learn the ropes in a safe environment, cross babbling mountain streams or get out into the backcountry if you’re an experienced rider.

The Ruapehu region has guided horse treks for all ages and abilities

The Ruapehu region has guided horse treks for all ages and abilities

Cuddle up to a baby alpaca: The largest alpaca farm in New Zealand, Nevalea Alpacas, is home to 950 of these unique creatures. Hand feed a baby alpaca, take it for a walk and get your picture taken to remember the experience.

Nevalea Alpacas is the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand with more than 950 alpacas.

Nevalea Alpacas is the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand with more than 950 alpacas.

Blast from the past: You may not be able to encounter a dinosaur in real life, but The Dinosaur House in Raetihi will get you as close as possible to these prehistoric beasts. It’s the country’s largest collection of privately-owned dinosaur skeletons, fossils and life-sized models that the kids will love.

Do you have a furry friend of your own you’d like to bring along on your holiday? There are plenty of dog-friendly stays in Ruapehu, such as The Inn at the Convent B&B, Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge and Mountain Heights Lodge also have designated pet-friendly rooms for your canine companions.

Outdoor adventures for the soul

Whether you’re after a hard day’s hike or a gentler adventure, Ruapehu’s great outdoors are made for active relaxers. The mountains and rivers of this spectacular natural wonderland will recharge your soul by getting you back to nature.

Get into nature: Surrounded by Whanganui National Park, Blue Duck Station is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a range of activities including kayaking, mountain biking, horse trekking, tramping and clay bird shooting.

Get on your tramping boots: Ruapehu is filled with a splendid array of world-class walking trails. There’s the Whanganui Journey and Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walks, NZ’s best day trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, as well as a multitude of longer lesser known treks such as Round the Mountain trail or shorter walking trails if you’re just after a taste.

Get on your bike: Explore the region on two wheels along a network of cycle trails. The Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail will take you through some of the sights of Tongariro National Park’s volcanic landscapes to the wilderness of the Whanganui River and the wild Tasman Sea coast.

Get on the water: The Whanganui River is the longest navigable river in New Zealand, and is a legal entity with the same rights and responsibilities as a human being. Explore this culturally significant natural wonder with some water activities: canoeing, kayaking, jet boating, or fly fishing.

Relaxing experiences for the mind and body

In Ruapehu you’ll find charming and secluded accommodation that offer more than just a bed for the night. They are experiences in their own right, and will leave you feeling mentally and physically at peace.

Te Awa Glamping: A luxury riverside haven on a working sheep and beef farm where you can enjoy glamping on the banks of the Whanganui River.

Rua Awa Lodge: Get away from it all at this picturesque lodge with mountain views that offers yoga sessions and nutritious farm to plate meals, with glowworm caves and swimming holes to explore nearby.

Nightsky Cottage: Embrace a zero-waste stay at this luxurious 5 star eco retreat which features side-by-side freestanding baths and native bush views right next to Tongariro National Park.

Snowy Waters Lodge: This is a peaceful, beautiful destination for wellness retreats, and they also offer exclusive access to a spa pool. Set within 5 acres of parklike grounds with majestic views of Mt Ruapehu, your stay here will be the epitome of relaxation.

Rua Awa Lodge

Try jet boating along the Whanganui River

Fly fishing in Whanganui River

Bridge to Nowhere in the heart of the Whanganui National Park.

The Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail will take you through some of the sights of Tongariro National Park’s volcanic landscapes

Reconnect with nature in Ruapehu.

Recharge those batteries with some wellness and adventure in Ruapehu this summer.

For more inspiration to plan your visit to Ruapehu, go to visitruapehu.com.
Please travel safely and check guidance at https://covid19.govt.nz/ for alert level requirements in the region you're travelling to.

Plan your trip to Ruapehu