History

Cultural

The Ruapehu region enjoys a history rich in cultural heritage, from the early arrival of the Maori to the later settlement and resulting influence of the European settlers.

The area has many very interesting Maori myths, however these are best learnt while in the area, so one can observe first hand the incredible scenery that inspired such tall tales.

Tongariro became New Zealand's first national park, when Te Heuheu Tukino IV, the Paramount Chief of local Maori tribe Ngati Tuwharetoa, gifted the sacred peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe to the people of New Zealand in September 1887.

Volcanic

Aside from Mt Ruapehu, the area has two other active volcanic vents in Mt Ngaruahoe and Mt Tongariro. These Volcanoes are the sight of one of the leading one day walks in the world, the Tongariro Crossing.

Mount Ruapehu is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Recent major eruptions occurred in 1895, 1945, 1995, 1996 and 2006.

The 1945 eruption had far reaching effects, resulting in the loss of 151 lives on December 24th, 1953. When the eruption occurred the crater lake was emptied, and the outlet dammed. Over time the crater refilled and the dam collapsed causing a lahar (mudflow and water) in the Whangaehu River. The lahar undermined the Tangiwai railway bridge piers, and the bridge collapsed when an express train crossed it.

Through 1995 and 1996 Mount Ruapehu erupted several times closing the skifields and occasionally the airports. The possibility of a major lahar occurring again was recognised as the crater lake outlet became blocked once more in 1996 by volcanic ash. Authorities are constantly monitoring the volcano and determining measures of safely controlling the situation, should the dam brake again.