New Zealand > North Island > Central North Island > Mt Ruapehu Travel Guides > Getting There

Travelling to Mt Ruapehu

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Flights from Australia enter through Hamilton or Palmerston North or if you are coming from further abroad there are regular flights into Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch from most countries. Internal flights are available into Taupo - the nearest airport, forty minutes from Turangi. Neighbouring regional airports include Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Wanganui or Palmerston North.

Once you are in Aotearoa/New Zealand, jump on a train or bus or If you plan to visit outlying towns such as Ohakune or Taumarunui, independence is important and a rental vehicle is the best option. Car rentals are available from many major centres around New Zealand whilst major companies are represented at Taupo Airport.

By Rail - National Park, Ohakune and Taumarunui are on the main trunk-line with daily services between Auckland and Wellington.

By Road - it is 4 hours, 40 minutes from Auckland; 2 hours, 50 minutes from Hamilton; and 4 hours, 20 minutes from Wellington. Several coach companies provide regular services.

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Mount Ruapehu
© Mount Ruapehu
Mt Ruapehu
© Tourism New Zealand

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Further Information: There are many ways to get around in Ruapehu. Train, bus and car are the more conventional ways, but you can also bike, hike or canoe/kayak from Taumarunui to Pipiriki.
Special Features: Operators provide shuttle buses to and from tracks and river entry points as well as to Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas. If you want to get to Tongariro National Park, you'll find shuttles providing transfers from regional centres to Tongariro Crossing and Whakapapa.