WTMC Ruapehu Summer Lodge – and the remarkable Unnamed Glacier

There are nine named glaciers on Mt Ruapehu, including one named the Unnamed Glacier.

Unnamed Glacier is the smallest of them all and it lies between the Mangaturuturu and Whangaehu Glaciers on the south side of Paretetaitonga, and flows towards Crater Lake where it terminates in a nearly vertical ice cliff at the lake’s northern edge.

But even if it is the smallest glacier, and has a rather unfortunate name, it has one remarkable feature—unlike the other glaciers on the mountain that are all rapidly receding, Unnamed Glacier has maintained its volume over at least the last three decades.

Its southern aspect, and its topography, results in the preferential accumulation of wind-blown snow and, together with the reduced exposure to solar radiation, it maintains a positive annual ice mass-balance.

So, after all the winter skiers have departed how about a few summer days at the WTMC Ruapehu Lodge and a walk to the top of the mountain for a look around?

You do, however, need basic alpine skills to safely travel to the summit area. Take the appropriate gear and make sure someone responsible knows your plans and expected return time.

But it’s a fascinating trip and the view of our little glacier’s terminal ice cliff (from a safe distance) is quite dramatic. And while you are there you can ponder on the fact it is likely quite special—as very likely the only glacier in New Zealand that has not reduced in volume for the last 30 years or more.

Then you can look at some of the other possible trips you can do from the Summer Lodge—there’s a lot to choose from. For more info on Summer Lodge go to Mt Ruapehu accommodation – the WTMC Summer Lodge at Whakapapa skifield.

And for some additional more lodge info and suggested summer trips check out the links below.