Full Day Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
May 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
The Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk with Adrift Tongariro is one of the best North Island hikes you can experience. This 6-7 hour guided walk takes you on a journey to the top of New Zealand's highest volcano, where you will witness the beauty of the crater lake from the summit plateau of Mt Ruapehu.
Located in Tongariro National Park, the Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake is a natural wonder that is not to be missed. Best viewed from the top of Mt Ruapehu, the highest peak in the North Island of New Zealand, this sulfur lake is a stunning deep green, milky blue or grey colour (depending on the temperature). The lake is surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys in Tongariro National Park, making it a truly breathtaking sight.
A fully guided walk with Adrift Tongariro is the perfect way to get up close and personal with Mt Ruapehu and the Crater Lake. Expert guides will lead the way through the Whakapapa Ski area, past the Knoll Cafe and up to the ski field boundary. Spectacular Tongariro National Park scenery along the way includes the Rock Garden, Waterfall section and Te Heu Heu Valley. The walk then continues up to the Mt Ruapehu summit plateau, where you will stop for lunch overlooking the Crater Lake. Along the way, learn about the history and geology of the area from your expert Adrift Tongariro guides. The return walk takes the same route back down to the base of Whakapapa Ski area.
The Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk with Adrift Tongariro is suitable for people with good fitness levels. The walk is approximately 6-7 hours long and covers a distance of around 10km. The guides will ensure that you are comfortable and safe throughout the walk, and will provide you with all the necessary equipment.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast seeking an extraordinary adventure, the Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk with Adrift Tongariro promises an unforgettable journey through untamed landscapes, cultural insights and unparalleled natural beauty.
Location
What you need to know
- Experienced Guide(s)
- Transport Between the start and end of the walk and the Adrift Tongariro base
- Winter equipment included Crampons, ice axe and helmet if needed
- $60 clothing and footwear hire allowance.
- $30 voucher to use on merchandise purchase
- Lunch: Choose from standard or vegetarian options at booking. We cannot accommodate other dietary requirements, so please bring your own lunch if needed.
- Accommodation Transfers: Available for additional cost from Whakapapa Village, Turangi, and Taupo CBD
- Summer 1 October – 31 March: Meet at 8:00am, Return: 5.30pm
- Winter 1 April – 30 September: Meet at 7:00am, Return: 5.30pm
- This experience will takes approximately 6 - 8 hours
- This experience departs at Adrift Tongariro Base, 53 Carroll St, National Park Village.
- Minimum age is 12yrs
- PLEASE BRING: 1-1.5 litres water, picnic lunch & snacks, personal medications (e.g. asthma inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), waterproof raincoat, warm hat and gloves
- Gear hire is available at the Adrift Tongariro Base prior to your departure: Boots $35; Clothing items $15 each; Clothing accessories (gloves, hats and sunglasses) $5 each; Backpacks $15 each
- Please note, this walk is not on a sealed track and is less stable walking than the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- A good level of fitness is required (terrain is uneven & steep in places)
- During winter conditions, crampons and ice axes are required (& provided). Please note it can snow on Mt Ruapehu until the end of December.
- If your group decides to catch the ski lift to Knoll Ridge cafe, the chairlift is an additional cost of approx $40. This option may be available during the winter ski season
- Free parking available at Adrift Tongariro base
- Change your booking up to 14 days before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 14 days of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 43351
- This experience is supplied by Tongariro Crossing Guided Walks