Skiing at Mt Ruapehu
The largest ski area in New Zealand, Whakapapa sits on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu in the spectacular Tongariro National Park, and offers skiing and snowboarding for winter holiday makers of any ability, from complete beginners to seasoned experts!
Happily situated on the south-western slopes of Mt Ruapheu, Turoa boasts Australasia's longest vertical descent and New Zealand's highest chairlift. There truly is something for everyone here, come and see for yourself!
Getting There
Whakapapa
- A Park and Ride operates from the National Park and must be pre-booked. parking within Whakapapa Village is now limited to 3 hours.
- Self-drive: Whakapapa has a 6km, two-lane, fully sealed access road from Whakapapa Village and is about 1.5 hours from Taupo's domestic airport.
Turoa
- Shuttles can be pre-booked and run from numerous places throughout Ohakune.
- Self-drive: Ohakune is located at the bottom of Turoa's ski access road. The road is 17km long, two-laned and fully sealed. Taupo's domestic airport is about a 2 hour drive away and Palmerston North 2.5 hours.
Facilities
Whakapapa & Turoa
- Ski Field opening hours: 09:00 - 16:00 - weather permitting
- Food and drink: 4 licensed Cafes
- Retail store: Rental outlets & Retail Store
- Car parking: All Day Parking available
- First aid: On mountain Urgent Care Clinic
Whakapapa only: Happy Valley has an awesome sledding zone. One-hour passes can be purchased using the carpet lift so there's no walking involved.
Childcare
Whakapapa & Turoa
Neither ski field has any on-mountain childcare facilities, however, they operate a children's snow program for kids aged 3-12.
Lessons
Whakapapa
Home to Happy Valley a fully contained learners' area. There is a rental complex, ski school on site.
Turoa
There are private and group lessons for all ages and stages available.
Terrain
Whakapapa
550 hectares of skiing on a north-west aspect.
- 30% beginner
- 45% Intermediate
- 25% Advanced
Turoa
Hosting NZ's highest chairlift Turoa is famous for natural features like its long halfpipe-like bowl and wide-open slopes.
- 20% Beginner
- 55% Intermediate
- 25% Advanced
Mountain Facts
Whakapapa
- 2320 metres high with a 690 metre vertical drop
- Longest run: The Valley run, 4km.
- Lifts: 1 Gondola, 1 Quad Express, 2 Quad Fixed Chairs, 1 Double Fixed Chair, 3 T-bars, 1 Elevator and 4 Carpet Lifts.
Turoa
- 2322 metres high with a 722 metre vertical drop
- Longest run: The Valley run, 4km.
- Lifts: 1 6-seater Express, 2 Quad Fixed Chairs, 2 Triple Fixed Chairs, 2 Platter Lifts and 1 Learner Carpet Lift.
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