Detailed track description for
Mt Ruapehu Sky Field Walk:
Mt Ruapehu Sky Field - Point 1
Click on photos to enlarge
he drive to National Park can be very interesting on a find day. With a pair of binoculars you can pick out the Ketetahi hut 15540m up the south side of Mt Tongariro. Mt Tongariro is 1909m high. You will also catch a glimpse of the ski fields at Whakapapa, 1700m up the western side of Mt Ruapehu. .
The drive to Whakapapa Village is easy. But the drive up mount Bruce road can be tricky. If the road is too icy the main gate will be closed. They will only let cars with snow chains fitted to their tyres past through the gate and 4x4 cars.
The other options to take the 4x4 buss up to the top; this is the best option because you will be dropped off at the cafes front door. On a busy weekend if the car park is all most full, you could have a long uphill walk to your coffee.
You can hire boots, jackets ECT at the ski hire centre next to the cafe.
The drive to Whakapapa Village is easy. But the drive up mount Bruce road can be tricky. If the road is too icy the main gate will be closed. They will only let cars with snow chains fitted to their tyres past through the gate and 4x4 cars.
The other options to take the 4x4 buss up to the top; this is the best option because you will be dropped off at the cafes front door. On a busy weekend if the car park is all most full, you could have a long uphill walk to your coffee.
You can hire boots, jackets ECT at the ski hire centre next to the cafe.
Mt Ruapehu Sky Field - Point 2
Click on photos to enlarge
You can buy a walkers ticket for the chair lift. This will give you a one only ride up the mountain. The ride up to the top can also be very cold even on a fine day so take a warm jacket with you. The wind can whistle around the base of the mountain sending the wind chill factor to below 0. Plus the chair lift has been known to stop halve way to the top
