Experience Mt Ruapehu in real-time with our interactive webcam located in Ohakune. Whether you're planning a ski trip, checking snow conditions, or just missing the mountain views, our live webcam lets you control the perspective and zoom to see exactly what you want.
Live Mountain View from Ohakune
How to Control the Mt Ruapehu Webcam
Take control of the view! If you're a YouTube subscriber, you can change the camera angle and zoom levels directly from the live chat. Here's how:
- Open the YouTube live chat while viewing the live stream
- Type
!ptz #in the chat, where # corresponds to one of the preset camera views listed below - For example, typing
!ptz 13will zoom out to show Mt Ruapehu and Carrot Park in full view
Available Camera Presets:
- 13 – Full zoom-out view of Mt Ruapehu and Carrot Park
- 1 – Wide view of the mountain
- 2 – Mid-range zoom of the mountain
- 3 – 14x Zoom close-up of the mountain
- 4 – 30x Zoom for a detailed look
- 5 – View of Turoa Mountain Road
- 6 – Focus on the top of the Carrot at Carrot Park
- 9 – Highnoon Chairlift
- 11 – Parklane Chairlift
Want to let the camera do the work? Type !ptz auto to activate auto mode, where the camera will automatically pan around and display different views of the mountain and surrounding area.
Capturing Mt Ruapehu's Volcanic Activity
During a recent period of increased volcanic activity, our webcam captured this remarkable timelapse of Mt Ruapehu venting steam from its crater lake. As New Zealand's most active volcano, Ruapehu occasionally reminds us of its powerful nature with these impressive displays.
The timelapse shows clouds of steam and gas rising from the summit area as the volcanic system released pressure. This type of activity is monitored closely by GNS Science (New Zealand's geoscience research agency) and demonstrates why having a live webcam pointed at the mountain provides both beautiful views and potentially important monitoring capabilities.
Mt Ruapehu: An Active Volcano
Mt Ruapehu last had major eruptions in 1995 and 1996, with smaller events in 2007. The volcano contains an acidic crater lake that fluctuates in temperature as part of the volcanic system's activity cycle. GeoNet maintains monitoring equipment on the mountain to track signs of volcanic unrest and provide early warnings for the safety of visitors and local communities.
Why Watch Mt Ruapehu Live?
Mt Ruapehu is New Zealand's most active volcano and home to the North Island's premier ski areas - Whakapapa and Turoa. Our webcam offers real-time views that help you:
- Check snow conditions before heading up the mountain during winter
- View weather patterns and cloud formations throughout the day
- Enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the volcano
- Spot volcanic activity from the safety of your device
- Plan hiking routes during summer months by assessing terrain
Snowboarding at Mt Ruapehu - Check conditions before you go with our live webcam
About Our Webcam Location
Our webcam is strategically positioned on one of our holiday houses in Ohakune, providing an unobstructed view of Mt Ruapehu. At an elevation of approximately 620 meters, the camera captures clear views of the mountain's southern face, including the Turoa ski field area.
The webcam operates 24/7 and automatically adjusts to lighting conditions, offering clear views during daylight hours and even some nighttime visibility during full moons or when the ski fields are illuminated for night skiing events.
Weather Patterns Around Mt Ruapehu
Mt Ruapehu creates its own weather patterns due to its significant height (2,797 meters). The mountain can be clear while Ohakune has cloud cover, and vice versa. Our webcam helps you understand current conditions at different elevations before you head out.
Stay at Our Ohakune Holiday Houses
Want to experience these views in person? Our holiday houses in Ohakune offer comfortable accommodation with stunning mountain views, perfect for ski trips, summer hiking adventures, or mountain biking excursions on the Old Coach Road and other nearby trails.
Book Your Ohakune Mountain Getaway
Stay just minutes from Mt Ruapehu and enjoy these stunning views in person!
View Our Ohakune PropertiesSeasonal Highlights to Watch For
Winter (June-October)
During winter months, the webcam captures the mountain's snow-covered slopes. Watch for:
- Fresh snowfall transforming the landscape
- Grooming machines preparing the ski fields (visible as moving lights before dawn)
- Changing cloud conditions that affect skiing visibility
- Spectacular alpenglow at sunrise when the snow turns pink
Summer (November-May)
Summer offers different but equally impressive views:
- Clear views of hiking trails as snow recedes
- Dramatic cloud formations over the peak
- Lush green landscapes contrasting with the volcanic terrain
- Occasional steam emissions from the crater area
Mountain biking is popular during the summer months in Ohakune
Ohakune: The Perfect Base for Mountain Adventures
Ohakune sits at the southern base of Mt Ruapehu and offers the perfect location for exploring Tongariro National Park. From our holiday houses, you'll enjoy:
- Just 20 minutes drive to Turoa Ski Field
- Easy access to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- The Old Coach Road cycle trail starting in town
- Excellent dining options after a day on the mountain
- Hot tubs at our properties to soothe tired muscles
Whether you're planning a ski trip, a summer hiking adventure, or just want to keep an eye on one of New Zealand's most impressive mountains, our webcam gives you a window to Mt Ruapehu anytime, anywhere.
Experience Mt Ruapehu In Person
Book your Ohakune accommodation today and enjoy front-row seats to this magnificent volcano
Book Your Mountain Getaway
