Skyline Ridge Walk (vessant del Ruapehu) [19/03/2017]
near Whakapapa Village, Manawatu-Wanganui (New Zealand)
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Trail photos
Route from Knoll Ridge Cafe to the foot of Tukino Peak and Te Heuheu, following the route known as the Skyline Ridge Walk, and continuing the route for another half kilometer, making the return along the same path.
The route begins at the Knoll Ridge Cafe, after having taken the chairlift from Iwikau Village. In fact, there are two different chairlifts (you have to get off the first one and make a few meters on foot to take the second one), both included in the same ticket. The trip on a chairlift saves about 400 meters in height, but the same route can be done on foot, so if you have time, the option is advisable if you want to save the price of the chairlift ticket, which does not It's low (about 35 NZD at the time of route). Once you reach the end of the route, you should look for the beginning of the route, because it is a bit hidden. It is easy to follow other walkers that leave on the straight line of the ski lift station (the description of the route on the Internet, and also, it does not help much, nor do the maps found above), but this route It begins behind the Knoll Ridge Cafe, so you have to go to this establishment to see the black poster that indicates the direction of the route. Once the poster is found, the route follows unpainted wooden posts that make milestones, and they can be difficult to see at a distance, especially if it is not good weather. You do not have to walk long enough to see how Knoll Ridge Cafe is moving away and start seeing the first panoramic views. The road is steadily rising and, apart from a stream that jumps between the rocks and the clades of snow that are above, the landscape that is found is completely rocky and deserted. Also, before reaching the official end of the Skyline Ridge Walk, you have to overcome a not too long peak. Once you reach this point, you can see a rocky hill where you can climb very carefully (not apt for people with vertigo!), And get absolutely privileged views. In this case, and to get views from a higher point, the road has continued in the direction of Tukino Peak and Te Heuheu, although this section is not part of the Skyline Ridge Walk. This section also runs through a peak, and it has been decided to stop at a point that has been considered suitable for resting and enjoying views.
To return, the same path has been followed that in the first leg, carefully taking care of the layers to avoid slipping, and taking into account the closing time of the ski lift station, which in this case was at 16: 00h.
It is an affordable route that offers spectacular views of the Tongariro National Park (including the imposing Ngauruhoe volcano), especially if no cloud makes the map. If there is time and desire, you can try to reach the Ruapehu crater, since it is just over 200 meters off the road from which the route that appears here, or even at the top of the Mount Ruapehu, about 400 meters from the end of this route, although the accumulated unevenness would be greater. Also, keep in mind that there are no shadows during the route, so that sun protection and water supply are important aspects to take into account, as well as footwear.
The route begins at the Knoll Ridge Cafe, after having taken the chairlift from Iwikau Village. In fact, there are two different chairlifts (you have to get off the first one and make a few meters on foot to take the second one), both included in the same ticket. The trip on a chairlift saves about 400 meters in height, but the same route can be done on foot, so if you have time, the option is advisable if you want to save the price of the chairlift ticket, which does not It's low (about 35 NZD at the time of route). Once you reach the end of the route, you should look for the beginning of the route, because it is a bit hidden. It is easy to follow other walkers that leave on the straight line of the ski lift station (the description of the route on the Internet, and also, it does not help much, nor do the maps found above), but this route It begins behind the Knoll Ridge Cafe, so you have to go to this establishment to see the black poster that indicates the direction of the route. Once the poster is found, the route follows unpainted wooden posts that make milestones, and they can be difficult to see at a distance, especially if it is not good weather. You do not have to walk long enough to see how Knoll Ridge Cafe is moving away and start seeing the first panoramic views. The road is steadily rising and, apart from a stream that jumps between the rocks and the clades of snow that are above, the landscape that is found is completely rocky and deserted. Also, before reaching the official end of the Skyline Ridge Walk, you have to overcome a not too long peak. Once you reach this point, you can see a rocky hill where you can climb very carefully (not apt for people with vertigo!), And get absolutely privileged views. In this case, and to get views from a higher point, the road has continued in the direction of Tukino Peak and Te Heuheu, although this section is not part of the Skyline Ridge Walk. This section also runs through a peak, and it has been decided to stop at a point that has been considered suitable for resting and enjoying views.
To return, the same path has been followed that in the first leg, carefully taking care of the layers to avoid slipping, and taking into account the closing time of the ski lift station, which in this case was at 16: 00h.
It is an affordable route that offers spectacular views of the Tongariro National Park (including the imposing Ngauruhoe volcano), especially if no cloud makes the map. If there is time and desire, you can try to reach the Ruapehu crater, since it is just over 200 meters off the road from which the route that appears here, or even at the top of the Mount Ruapehu, about 400 meters from the end of this route, although the accumulated unevenness would be greater. Also, keep in mind that there are no shadows during the route, so that sun protection and water supply are important aspects to take into account, as well as footwear.
Waypoints
Information point
6,667 ft
Cartell indicador de l'inici de la ruta
Cartell indicador de l'inici de la ruta
Panorama
6,634 ft
Paisatge volcànic en direcció al volcà Ruapehu
Paisatge volcànic en direcció al volcà Ruapehu
Panorama
7,480 ft
Vista des del final de l'Skyline Ridge Walk
Vista des del final de l'Skyline Ridge Walk
Panorama
7,500 ft
Vistes des del petit turó al final de l'Skyline Ridge Walk
Vistes des del petit turó al final de l'Skyline Ridge Walk
Panorama
7,762 ft
Vista elevada del final de l'Skyline Ridge Walk
Vista elevada del final de l'Skyline Ridge Walk
Panorama
7,618 ft
Camí en direcció al Tukino Peak i al Te Heuheu
Camí en direcció al Tukino Peak i al Te Heuheu
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