The 6 Glacier Tour

A thorough exploration of Mount Ruapehu

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance: 27 km
Ascent: 3.6 km
Descent: 3.6 km
Duration: 1 day +

Low Point: 1.6 km
High Point: 2.8 km
Gradient: 29˚

If you want to make the most out of a day on Mount Ruapehu and see as much as possible this is the way to go. Starting and ending at Whakapapa ski resort on the North side this route starts on an Eastern Aspect before going clock wise around the volcano. Being that most of the runs are south facing it would only be good skiing if late in spring or in powder conditions. Fortunately quite a few of the runs are protected and can hold really good snow but expect the first two runs to be firm in the early morning sun. It’s a lot of vert so make sure to bring more than enough water and food but you can also take a break at Turoa ski resort.

Looking out towards the first run of the day Photo: Kyle Miller

Sunrise over the summit lake Photo: Kyle Miller

Hiking back up the Turoa side Photo: Kyle Miller

Looking down towards Whakapapa Photo: Kyle Miller

Better weather lower down on the mountain Photo: Kyle Miller

Description

Starting at the Whakapapa parking lot make your way up the Rock Garden trail before heading towards point 2642 which is an easy climb all the way to the crater. Once there start heading East wrapping just under Tukino Peak before doing the first descent down the Mangatoetoenui Glacier. Riding down is mellow terrain before arriving at a flat spot at 2198 meters. From here start climbing lookers left heading East towards Cathedral Rocks. Once on top wrap west before wrapping onto the Wangaehu Glacier and riding down to around 2126 meters. Climb back up the glacier to its low col before climbing up and over Pyramid Peak and descending towards the Crater Lake.

Standing on the Southern side of Crater Lake climb the steep north headwall of Tahurangi before arriving at the top. I was fortunate that it was a powder day at Turoa and watching people hike up towards the summit ridge decided to ride down to the top of the chair lift before getting on the well beaten in bootpack heading back up to the summit.

Once on the crater rim head back towards the top of Tahurangi. Standing on the summit make a southeast descent onto the Wahianoa Glacier and at around 2600 meters head west onto the Mangaehuehu Glacier. After riding down the main glacier for a while it is time to traverse hard skiers right towards the upper ski field. This is a great spot to take a break and get some warm food if the ski resort is open.

For the final climb of the day start heading towards the Mangaturuturu Glacier. The safest way to travel is to head above the Organ Pipes and after a quick traversing descent you can easily make it up to the Crater Rim. Now it is time to head north to the summit of Paretetaitonge before descending down the Whakapapa Glacier and once back at the ski field start heading east towards the Rock Garden run which will take you to the base.

As you can tell from the map this is a long ski tour but if you have the time and the energy it is well worth the effort.

For more pictures and the full story check out this link https://www.whereiskylemiller.com/new-zealand/mount-ruapehu/