The cultural and natural effects of the eruptions were huge! The 1996 eruption produced at least seven million tonnes of ash, with over 2.3 million tonnes of ash falling on lake Taupo. Ruapehu also produced lahars (mudflows) which found their way into rivers and streams. This was a big impact to the environment because drinking water was contaminated, which affected animals and humans, particularly in rural areas. Ash in the waterways reduced water clarity in some streams and increased acidity in others. Ash in the Tongariro River damaged the Rangipo power station. Ash also damaged many metal structures, including vehicles of many kinds (refer to photo). The large amount of ashfall lowered visibility, which disrupted air travel and even led to some airports closing. The eruptions disrupted tourism, which impacted the area's economy. Dangerous levels of sulphur dioxide (CO₂) was found on the mountain, causing it to end the ski season and close everything. New Zealand was estimated to have lost about $130 million dollars in the tourism sector alone. Luckily, the eruption of Mount Ruapehu did not take any lives (human).

Although many enjoyed the explosion, some felt the opposite. Because of the eruptions, tourism activities in the area were forced to close for safety reason. Because of the large ashfall, small airports in the area closed. Ash damaged many belongings, the biggest being vehicles. Ash contaminated many waterways, making water for villages harmful to drink. So, although many enjoyed the explosion, the damage it caused to jobs, belongings, vehicles, and waterways was devastated and many people were angered by it.