Crater · Upper Ruapehu & Whakapapa Ski Area

Ruapehu Crater Lake

Te Wai ā-moe

A steaming, acidic lake inside the summit crater of an active volcano.

Ruapehu’s crater holds a warm, acid lake whose temperature cycles between about 15 °C and 45 °C with the volcano’s mood. Reaching it means a four- to seven-hour return climb from the top of the Whakapapa lifts over snow, ice and loose rock. There is no marked track; go with a guide or genuine mountaineering skills, check GeoNet’s volcanic alert level, and never enter the Summit Hazard Zone when it is raised.

⚠ Active volcano. Unmarked alpine route; guided trips only unless you are an experienced mountaineer.

❄ Permanent snow and glacier ice surround the crater; crampons and an ice axe are needed for most of the year.