No longer just a win A
post COVID holiday in the Ruapehu District is just what you need according to the Ruapehu District Mayor, Don Cameron. “There’s huge appreciation now, about the value of time spent in the great outdoors,” he says. “There’s a sense of freedom here and the air is fresh. We took these things for granted before but they’re now considered really good for our mental health.” He says the area which is rich in pre-European and colonial history also boasts a palpable spirituality. “Ascending Ruapehu in a chairlift on a blue sky day, it’s all around you.”
6,730 k’s of scenic beauty and adventures Ruapehu is one of New Zealand’s largest districts by land area, but has one of the smallest permanent
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populations, mostly rural, and geographically well spread. The region boasts three mountains, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu; two National Parks Tongariro which is a world heritage park and the Whanganui National Park; and several major rivers including the Tongariro and Whanganui. It’s bang slap in the middle of the North Island, an easy four hour drive from Wellington and Auckland but much closer for those from Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Whanganui wanting to holiday closer to home.
No longer just a winter destination Summer visitor numbers now exceed winter numbers with cyclists, trampers, fishers and families now arriving all year round to explore the mountains,