Mount Ngauruhoe, Volcanic summit in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Mount Ngauruhoe is a volcanic summit in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island that rises to 2287 meters (7502 feet) with an almost perfect cone shape. The steep slopes are made up of layers of lava rock and volcanic ash that have built up over thousands of years.

Mount Ngauruhoe is the youngest vent of the Tongariro volcanic complex and first erupted about 2,500 years ago. It was New Zealand's most active volcano in the 20th century, with 45 eruptions; the most recent took place in 1977. The first recorded European ascent was by John Bidwill in March 1839.

The name Ngauruhoe comes from the Māori language and marks a place with deep spiritual meaning for New Zealand's indigenous people. Visitors are asked not to climb the summit to honor the religious beliefs of local communities.

Access starts from the Mangatepopo car park, where a four-hour parking limit applies. The terrain is demanding and requires good fitness along with plenty of water and sun protection for the walk through open volcanic country.

In 1974 champion skier Jean-Claude Killy was filmed descending the previously unskied eastern slope, which averages 35 degrees, and was clocked on radar at over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). He fell on the first run and did the descent twice, using helicopters to reach the summit; an eruption occurred at the end of his final run.