Getting To Ruapehu

The Ruapehu Region is located in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand, approximately half-way between Wellington and Auckland. 

The region is only two-three hours from Rotorua and Hamilton airports, both of which have flights from Australia.

Getting to Ruapehu - easy!

Given its location in the central North Island, Ruapehu is very easy to get to.

 

Flights to New Zealand

Most overseas visitors arrive into New Zealand in Auckland, however, there are international flights into Rotorua, Hamilton and Wellington airports in the North Island, and Christchurch in the South Island.  The nearest domestic airports to the Ruapehu region are Taupo, Palmerston North, New Plymouth and Whanganui.  From these airports you can connect with scheduled bus services or via rental car to drive into the region.

Trains to Ruapehu

The Ruapehu region is also serviced by the Overlander train service between Wellington and Auckland.  The train stations in the region are at Ohakune and National Park. 

Ways to get around Ruapehu

Within the Ruapehu region there are different ways you can capture your latest adventure or sightseeing highlight.   Spectacular ways to enter the region are via the Forgotten World Highway and Volcanic Loop.

A vehicle gives you the greatest flexibility. Remember that during the winter months (June - August) there may be snow and often ice, so please drive to the conditions. If you are accessing a mountain road then tyre chains should be carried and may need to be fitted.

There are many local tour and transport operators providing links between the towns in the region as well as scheduled bus services.

Visitors may choose to bike in the region, but care should be exercised on open roads. You'll be sharing the roads with cars and in some places logging and freight trucks.

 

Regional Map info

Click here for a larger map of the Ruapehu region featuring key scenic roads, rail,  towns, rivers and the National Parks found in the region.