The true summit of Ruapehu, Tahurangi has a surprising range of routes on four main ridges and the intervening faces. The ridges from Ringatoto and Girdlestone are two of the best alpine routes on the mountain.
A number of lines offer different challenges. The best of the bunch, a
justifiably classic approach, takes the most direct line to the summit. Watch
for falling ice and surface avalanches once the sun warms the face.
Climb the slopes right (west) of the Crater Face, to reach the col
immediately west of Tahurangi. Although this is a popular route to the
summit, these slopes become very slushy and unstable in sunny conditions:
avalanche-prone and not at all pleasant. There are much better alternatives.
From the col, the easiest route heads out across southwest slopes to the
south ridge, then back to the summit, although climbing the top of the West
Ridge is better.
The full ridge starts from Pare Traverse and climbs over Te Ataahua. The only
significant obstacle is a steep, often iced cliff which can be avoided by
sidling. Once at the summit col, climb the ridge direct to the summit – in
summer this is a lovely, blocky scramble.
The climbers’ route of old. Best climbed in a longish day from Blyth Hut,
at about 1370m on the bushline just off the Round-the-Mountain Track.
Alternatively, from Turoa skifield gain the crest of the ridge as soon as
possible (say, from the bottom of the High Flier Chairlift). Higher up you
can enjoy expansive views out right (east) above the Mangaehuehu Glacier
towards Girdlestone.
From the top of the skifield, the summit of Tahurangi looks close. The broad
gully directly above the skifield is an unappealing but strangely popular
route; the featureless slope gradually steepens and builds exposure to where
a short steep few metres take you on to the last few steps of the Skyline
Ridge. On a warm spring day you’ll be trudging up along with many others
taking a break from the skifield.
Straightforward climbing along the elegant, low angled ridge from Ringatoto.
Especially worthwhile when combined with the East
Ridge of Ringatoto. There are a couple of steep steps; these can be avoided
altogether by moving out onto the upper Wahianoa Glacier.
A very nice climb, in either direction, which varies in difficulty depending
on your choice of route: either over the various outcrops en route, or
skirting them on the Wahianoa side.
