Ruapehu Mountain (50 min drive)
This is an awesome mountain which last erupted in 2007 sending 1.4 m cu m of mud and stones into the Whanganui River. Start by visiting the elegant art deco-styled hotel at its foot (The Chateau) where you can enjoy a high quality meal – or just some classic tea and scones. In the summer there are plenty of walks, some serious climbing to the peak (2750 m) and a 1.8 km gondola ride to a restaurant with spectacular views over this part of NZ. In the winter, the mountain’s ski-fields open up 1000+ hectares of skiable terrain – the largest ski-fields in southern hemisphere. The popularity of this destination will only grow as $100 million in major projects are planned.
More info: https://www.mtruapehu.com/whakapapa and https://www.visitruapehu.com/things-to-see-and-do/ski-ruapehu/
