Mount Ngauruhoe is 2,287 metres high and is situated in the Tongariro National Park. The mountain is well known for its near perfect volcanic cone.
Many visitors walk and climb to the summit of Mount Ngauruhoe and during the winter it is a great spot to do some exciting and enjoyable skiing or snowboarding.
You can climb to the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe via a poled route which leads from Mangatepopo Road end (this can also be done part of the Tongariro Crossing).
At the saddle between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro the route is not marked but climb up the old lava flow. (Be aware of the falling rocks dislodged by other climbers) Avoid entering the inner crater area, where volcanic fumaroles may emit overpowering gases. Then descend via the red scoria, then on the loose scree to either side of the ridge.
The climb should not be undertaken in winter without mountaineering experience and equipment or an experienced guide. Icy slopes can make this climb hazardous.
Maori Legend
In Maori legend, the high priest, Ngatoroirangi was caught in a blizzard while climbing Mount Ngauruhoe. He prayed to his sisters in Hawaiki to send him fire to save him from freezing. The flames they sent south emerged first at White Island, then Rotorua and Taupo before finally bursting at Ngatoroirangi’s feet. Thus Ngatoroirangi is credited with bringing volcanic activity to Aotearoa New Zealand not as a curse upon the land, but as a blessing.