North East Ridge

A long, stately ridge that is seldom climbed. All the same, its elegance and the fact that it was the route of the first recorded ascent of any of Ruapehu’s peaks give it some claim to classic status. The old Waihohonu Hut, 45 minutes off the Desert Road, was once the regular setting off point for climbs of the mountain, and remains the best point to set out from on this route. The ridge itself is not difficult, but makes for a long day. Descend the same way.