Track description

Begin at Iwikau Village at the top of Bruce Road. Returning via the same route this option takes 7 hours and is 10 km.

Alternatively take the Whakapapa Ski Area chairlift from Iwikau Village. Beginning at Knoll Ridge this 7 km return route takes around 5 hours to complete.

The route to the crater is not marked.This description is a guide only and not adequate as a navigational aid. Refer to Tongariro National Park map 273-04.

The following descriptions are simplified route guides from Whakapapa Ski Area up to Dome Shelter, where you can view the crater area.

The area of Mt Ruapehu around the 
crater is a high risk zone

There are two standard routes marked on the map. The valleys between the ridges on these routes are lahar paths. If a siren sounds when you are in a valley head for higher ground. 

Visit the MtRuapehu.com website for more information.

The most commonly used early summer route, when there is snow still present in the valleys, follows up the left- hand-side of the Knoll Ridge t-bar line, and continues up the valley above the last t-bar pylon. At the head of the valley climb up onto the ridge behind Glacier Knob. At this point a narrow foot track zigzagging up the face and onto Dome Ridge may be seen. Follow along Dome Ridge to Dome Shelter.

The second marked route is recommended when most of the snow has disappeared. From the top of the Waterfall Express chairlift travel over to your right past pylons indicating the Knoll Ridge t-bar line and over to Restful Ridge. Stay on Restful Ridge as you climb towards the Crater area. You will go up a series of rises. The terrain is mainly rock. At the top of Restful Ridge there is a more open face. At this point you may see a narrow foot track zigzagging up the face and onto Dome Ridge. Follow along Dome Ridge to Dome Shelter.

Be prepared for any conditions, as the
weather can change without warning

Dome shelter is designed to shelter seismic equipment used to monitor the volcano. It is NOT a hut or shelter for people to overnight in. 

Warning: Dome Ridge is narrow and steep in places and care should be taken if there is ice on the track. Do not continue if you have to walk on ice and do not have an ice axe and crampons with you.

We do not recommend that parties travel off Dome Ridge beyond Dome Shelter down into the crater area without ice climbing equipment and experience. This area also offers increased risk from both volcanic and alpine hazards.

The return

Return to chairlifts via same route. The lifts close at 4.00 pm daily. Should conditions deteriorate during the day the lifts may have to be closed earlier.