Ruapehu Region

Ruapehu is the highest mountain on the North Island. The volcano is active, last erupting in 1995-96, and there is skiing on the southern and western slopes. The dry scrubland to the east of the mountain in its rain shadow is called the Rangipo Desert while two dormant volcanos, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro lie to the north. Raetihi and Ohakune are the towns on our side of the mountain.